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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.
I was really looking forward to trying this recipe as I am an avid fan of egg salad as well as deviled eggs and always up for anything that can make it easier. I followed Instructions to a tee and while the texture, coloring and flavor was to die for. Unfortunately the shell seem to stick to a good portion of the eggs leaving me with gashes of missing egg in many. Additionally I always grate the eggs for egg salad and I found these would need to be refrigerated for some time after to grate well. I will try the recipe again and hopefully next time I'll have better results.
Hi Ali, I am sorry you did not have success peeling but glad you enjoyed the texture and coloring.
These. Are. Perfect. I have tried at least 10 different “recipes” for hard boiled eggs and this one is absolutely the most successful! I use eggs straight from my friend’s chicken coop and they couldn’t be more delicious. Thank you!
I love hearing that Alisa! Thank you for sharing.
These. Are. Perfect. I have tried at least 10 different “recipes” for hard boiled eggs and one is absolutely the most successful!
This is one of the easiest ways to cook and peel eggs. I can peel several of them in 5 minutes when it used to take me that long to peel one. Yolks are bright Yellow. I have always hesitated to make egg salad because the eggs were such a pain to peel. Not any more.
Thank you!
I am so glad you enjoyed Sally! This was a game changer for me as well.
As a new user I appreciate the detailed instructions. Well done!
I am so glad you found these instructions easy to follow Susan!
Thank you Kristen!
I have a new 3qt instant pot and today I made hard cooked eggs for 5 minutes and they came out greenish, The yolk was good. I only used 4 eggs so I wonder if the number of eggs matter with timing? Also I made rice and used the auto setting and it stuck to bottom and wasn;t done. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Joyce, the amount of eggs do not affect the cook time, but you may try using only 3/4 cups of water for a 3 quart Instant pot. And some pots do run hotter, so you may want to try 4 minutes instead of 5 to see if that works better for you. As for the rice, I never recommend the automatic setting, you can follow my recipe for Instant Pot Rice. It is important to rinse the rice, use a 1:1 water to rice ratio and cook based on type of rice.