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Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs are my go-to method for perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs every time. They are easy to peel, consistently cooked, and come together with almost no effort.
Love eggs? Don't miss my recipes for Instant Pot Egg Bites, Instant Pot Frittata, and my nifty hack for making eggs for Instant Pot Potato Salad.
Kristen's Key Tips for Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs
I used to struggle to get consistent results when making hard-boiled eggs. Some were overcooked, others undercooked, and peeling them was the worst. Once I started using this foolproof Instant Pot method, I began getting perfect hard-boiled eggs every single time. And with my easy recipe and a few tips I've learned along the way, you can too!
- Start with one egg to test timing. While the 5-5-5 timing works 90% of the time, everyone's altitude, Instant Pot model, and preferences vary slightly. Rather than risk a whole dozen eggs, start with one to dial in the timing. Once you find what works for you, jot it down and stick with it.
- Always use cold water. The time it takes for cold tap water to come to pressure is a critical part of my calculated timing and cooking process.
- Room temperature eggs work best. They are less likely to crack and they cook more evenly. You can always place cold eggs in a bowl of lukewarm water (not hot) for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Farm-fresh eggs are fine. They can be a little harder to peel, but still cook beautifully.
- An egg rack is optional. It helps keep the yolks perfectly centered, but a standard trivet works just as well to hold the eggs above the water.
5-star Reader Review
I could seriously cry happy tears at how easy these were to peel. "Peel" isn't even the right word - I tapped the egg on it side, the shell broke in half, and the egg practically fell out! There was no peeling! And perfectly cooked! THANK YOU!!!! -Amanda
The 5-5-5 Method
My process for making hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is often referred to as the 5-5-5 Method.
- 5 minutes pressure cooking
- 5 minutes natural release
- 5 minutes in an ice bath
This simple formula has helped millions of readers achieve perfect hard-boiled eggs since I first shared it in 2018!
While slight adjustments may be needed (that is why I suggest starting with 1 egg), the 5-5-5 method is the best place to start. In over 90% of cases, it results in perfectly cooked eggs that peel like a dream.
How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs in Instant Pot
While hard-boiling eggs in the Instant Pot is exceptionally easy, I want to break down the 5-5-5 process so you can feel confident in each step, whether you're just learning to use the Instant Pot or already a seasoned pro.
Step One: Prepare Instant Pot
In order for pressure to build, you need to add water to the inner pot. For accurate timing, use cold tap water and adjust the amount of water based on the size of your Instant Pot.
- For a 3 or 6-quart Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of cold tap water
- For an 8-quart model: Add 1½ cups of cold tap water
Next, add an egg rack or trivet inside the pressure cooker. This will elevate the eggs above the water, cooking them evenly and gently.
Step Two: Add Eggs
Place room temperature eggs on the trivet or in an egg rack. It is okay to stack the eggs on top of eachother for a large batch. This will not impact timing.
Step Three: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, make sure the vent knob is sealed or locked, and using the manual or pressure cook button, set to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure.
Step Four: Let Pressure Release
After the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for EXACTLY 5 minutes. I suggest setting a timer so you don't lose track of time.
During this time, I recommend preparing an ice bath, which is simply a large bowl of water with ice. That way once the 5 minutes have passed, you can transfer the eggs immediately to the ice bath, which will stop the cooking process and ensure perfect hard-boiled eggs.
Step Five: Release Remaining Pressure
After the 5 minutes has passed, you need to do a quick release of pressure. To do this, use the handle of a long spoon to knock the vent knob from the sealed position to the venting position. Remember to stand back to prevent being burned by the steam coming out of the venting knob.
Step Six: Ice Bath
Using a potholder or tongs (the eggs are hot), transfer the eggs from the Instant Pot to the prepared ice bath. Let them sit there for at least 5 minutes. Again, this will stop the cooking process and make peeling the hard boiled eggs that much easier.
Step Seven: Peel
After 5 minutes in the ice bath, remove the eggs and gently roll them on the counter to crack the shells. And then watch that peel slide right off!
How to Store Hard Boiled Eggs
Once you have made hard boiled eggs, you can opt to enjoy immediately, use them to make deviled eggs or egg salad, or store to enjoy as a snack or breakfast throughout the week. Keep in mind that I find it is easiest to PEEL hard boiled eggs immediately after they are removed from the ice bath.
- Peeled Eggs: Store peeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To extend their shelf life, keep the peeled eggs submerged in water in the refrigerator, changing the water every other day, for up to 7 days.
- Unpeeled Eggs: Refrigerate for up to 7 days in the shell. Mark the carton to avoid confusion with raw eggs.
Recipe FAQs
This is usually caused by overcooking. You may need to adjust the timing slightly yolks. I would recommend reducing the cook time to 4 minutes on high pressure with 4 minutes of natural pressure release.
Be sure to use cold water and adjust for altitude for accurate timing. If the issue still persists, adjust the cook time to 6 minutes on high pressure.
Remember room temperature eggs tend to crack less. But you can still safely enjoy an egg that cracked during the cooking process. It may just not be suitable for deviled eggs. 😉
More Basic Instant Pot Recipes
This Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe is my top Must-Make Instant Pot Recipe and alone, makes the Instant Pot well worth the investment. That said, you can use your Instant Pot to make so many amazing things that will save you both time and money. Browse all of my Instant Pot recipes HERE or check out a few staples below:
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Video
Ingredients
- 1-12 large eggs, *at room temperature
- cold tap water, for cooking
Instructions
- For a 3 or 6-quart model, pour 1 cup of COLD tap water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot. For an 8-quart model, use 1½ cups COLD tap water.
- Place an egg tray or metal trivet inside inner pot and carefully set as many eggs as desired in the egg tray or on the rack. It is okay if they are stacked on top of eachother.
- Place lid on the pressure cooker, ensuring the vent knob is sealed or the lid is locked. Set the cook time to 5 minutes on high pressure by hitting manual or pressure cook and using the +/- buttons to adjust to 5 minutes.
- While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large mixing bowl bowl halfway with ice cubes, then add enough cold water to submerge the eggs.
- After the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release for exactly 5 minutes. Then do a quick release of remaining pressure by using the handle of a long utensil to knock the vent knob from the sealed to the venting position. Stand back to prevent yourself from being burned by steam.
- Carefully remove the eggs from Instant Pot and place them into the prepared ice water bath. I find using tongs or a pot holder helps here as the eggs are hot.
- After 5 minutes, remove eggs from the water, pat dry, peel, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart) the Instant Pot Duo is my favorite!
- Egg Rack or skip the rack and use the trivet
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This post was originally shared in 2018 and updated in 2026.
Hi,
I've tried several times to do the 5-5-5 method of cooking hard boiled eggs in my Instant Pot. Every time they were runny and not edible, at least to me. I like mine with a solid light middle. I took into account that as we're living in Calgary Alberta, we're at 3800 feet altitude. So, I increased the time. I used the "egg" setting, high pressure, set time for 8 minutes, let vent naturally for 8 minutes and used the ice bath for 8 minutes. They were absolutely perfect! So silky and easily peeled. My IP is now my egg machine!
I am glad you found the altitude conversion I have helpful 🙂
Thank you, Kristen, for the recipe, especially the video (I had never used an IP before and the video was very helpful). And thank you Susan for sharing your adjustments for high altitude. I live at high altitude as well and would have never thought to adjust the times had I not read your comment. I did your 8-8-8 method and they were perfect!
Hi Tracy! I am so glad you found this recipe, video and Susan's tips helpful! You can use my altitude chart in the future to help with other recipes.
Finally, I found a recipe that actually helped me cook the perfect hard boiled egg! It was close easy & the shells just slipped off. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome Kelley! I am so glad you found as much success as I have!
Every time I have tried this recipe I have ended up with eggs that won't peel at all. I end up with no whites and all yolks or holey eggs as part of the whites peel off. I have tried this three times with the same results. Show me how to easy peel!.
Hi Joy! I am sorry you are having issues. A few things that may help--use older eggs--ones that are close to their best by date. Let the eggs come to room temperature before pressure cooking, and use cold water to cook. Also be sure to let them sit in ice bath for full 5 minutes. I hope those tips helps.
I have had my Instant Pot for a couple of months. I have cooked hard boiled eggs at least a dozen times, and perfect. Did them today, and almost raw. Cooked them a second time and still not done. Pressure is up, water is boiling, any help?
Hi Sandy--this may sound obvious, but check to be sure your seal is ON your Instant Pot. Also, be sure to use cold water in bottom of the Instant Pot.
Are the eggs in your recipe large or extra large? No one ever posts the size of the eggs they use. I only buy extra large eggs. Will this recipe work? Also will the recipe work if you put the eggs in the IP right out of the fridge?
Hi Branna! That is a great question. This is for large (standard size) eggs. I would cook for 6 minutes and let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes still. Also, it really is best to let your eggs come to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly and not crack. You can run under lukewarm water for a few minutes to speed the process up.
Ok tried eggs for the first time turned out perfect thank you
YAY! So glad you had success Deb 🙂
Just bought an instant pot. With your directions, my boiled eggs turned out perfectly and so much better than on the stove! Thx!
I am so glad you had success Nan!!! Thank you for leaving a review!
I did 6 eggs and they were PERFECT! Thank you!! The shells slid right off!