Instant pot hard boiled Eggs

Instant Pot hard boiled eggs are the easiest way to get perfectly cooked, easy to peel eggs every single time. Using the simple 5-5-5 method you get consistent results with no babysitting, no guesswork and no grey ring around the yolk. Whether you need eggs for meal prep, egg salad or deviled eggs, this foolproof method works for 1 egg or a dozen.

What is the 5-5-5 Method for Instant Pot Eggs

The 5-5-5 method is the most reliable formula for perfect hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot. Here is what it means:

1. 5 minutes of pressure cooking on HIGH
2. 5 minutes of natural pressure release
3. 5 minutes in an ice bath

This timing produces hard boiled eggs with firm whites, creamy yellow yolks and shells that practically slide off. The method works whether you are cooking 2 eggs or 12 eggs. Once you try this you will never go back to the stovetop method.

Why Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Are Better

I used to struggle with hard boiled eggs on the stovetop. Overcooking, undercooking and shells that stuck to the egg white were constant problems. The Instant Pot changed everything.

Here is why this instant pot egg boiling method wins:

• Easy to peel every time. The pressure cooking process creates a small gap between the shell and the egg white. This makes peeling effortless even with fresh eggs.
• Consistent results. No more guessing if the eggs are done. The timing is exact and repeatable.
• Hands off cooking. Set it and walk away. No watching a boiling pot or adjusting the heat.
• No green ring. That grey or green ring around the yolk happens from overcooking. The 5-5-5 method prevents this completely.
• Great for meal prep. Cook a batch on Sunday and you have protein rich snacks ready for the entire week.

If you do not own an instant pot or electric pressure cooker, No worries at all. Here’s How to make hard boil eggs on stovetop.

Ingredients and Equipment You Need

This recipe requires just a few simple things:

• Eggs. Use as many as you need. You can cook anywhere from 1 to 14 eggs depending on your Instant Pot size.
• Water. You need 1 cup of water for steaming.
• Trivet or steamer rack. Use the rack that came with your Instant Pot or a steamer basket. This keeps the eggs off the bottom of the pot.
• Ice water bath. Have a bowl of ice water ready before you start cooking.

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Timing Chart

Here is a quick reference for different egg textures:

1. Soft Boiled Eggs (runny yolk): 3 minutes on HIGH, quick release, 5 minute ice bath
2. Medium Boiled Eggs (jammy yolk): 4 minutes on HIGH, 3 minute natural release, 5 minute ice bath
3. Hard Boiled Eggs (fully set yolk): 5 minutes on HIGH, 5 minute natural release, 5 minute ice bath
4. Extra Firm Eggs (fully cooked through): 6 minutes on HIGH, 5 minute natural release, 5 minute ice bath

Start with these times and adjust by 1 minute if needed based on your preferences.

6 Quart vs 8 Quart Instant Pot Timing

The size of your Instant Pot affects the cooking time. Larger pots take longer to come to pressure and release pressure which means your eggs get extra cooking time.

• For 6 Quart Instant Pot: Use the standard 5-5-5 method. This works perfectly for most people.
• For 8 Quart Instant Pot: Use the 5-0-5 method instead. Cook for 5 minutes on HIGH, do a quick release immediately, then transfer to ice bath for 5 minutes. Skip the natural release to avoid overcooking.

If you find your eggs are overcooked with the 5-5-5 method, try reducing to 4 minutes of cook time or skip the natural release.

Step by Step Instructions To Boil Eggs in Instant Pot

Follow these steps for perfect Instant Pot eggs every time.

Step 1: Add water and trivet
Place the trivet or steamer rack in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.

Step 2: Add the eggs
Place the eggs on the trivet in a single layer. The eggs should not touch the water. You can stack eggs if needed but a single layer gives the most consistent results.

Step 3: Pressure cook
Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Select Manual or Pressure Cook and set to HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Natural release
When the timer beeps let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Do not touch the valve during this time.

Step 5: Quick release
After 5 minutes turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Wait until the pin drops before opening the lid.

Step 6: Ice bath
Use tongs to transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and makes peeling easier.

Step 7: Peel and enjoy
Tap each egg gently on the counter to crack the shell all over. Start peeling from the wide end where there is an air pocket. The shell should come off easily in large pieces.

How Many Eggs Can You Cook in Instant Pot

The number of eggs depends on your Instant Pot size and whether you stack them.

• 6 Quart Instant Pot: 6 to 8 eggs in a single layer, up to 12 eggs if stacked
• 8 Quart Instant Pot: 8 to 12 eggs in a single layer, up to 14 eggs if stacked
• The cooking time stays the same regardless of how many eggs you cook. One egg or twelve eggs both use the 5-5-5 method.
• For the most consistent results keep the eggs in a single layer. If you need to stack use an egg rack designed for the Instant Pot.

Tips for Easy to Peel Eggs

Even with the Instant Pot method there are a few tricks that help with peeling.

• Use eggs that are at least a week old. Very fresh eggs are harder to peel because the membrane sticks to the shell. Eggs that have been in the fridge for 5 to 7 days peel much easier.
• Do not skip the ice bath. The cold water causes the egg to contract slightly which separates it from the shell.
• Peel under running water. A gentle stream of water helps lift the shell away from the egg.
• Start peeling from the wide end. There is a small air pocket at the wide end of the egg which makes it easier to get under the shell.
• Roll the egg gently. After cracking tap the egg and roll it gently on the counter to create small cracks all over. This makes the shell come off in larger pieces.

Trouble shooting Common Problems in Instant Pot eggs

If your eggs are not turning out perfectly here are some fixes.

• Green or grey ring around the yolk: This means the eggs are overcooked. Reduce the cook time by 1 minute or skip the natural release and do a quick release immediately.
• Eggs are undercooked: Add 1 minute to the cook time. This can happen at high altitudes or with extra large eggs.
• Eggs cracked during cooking: Bring eggs to room temperature before cooking. Cold eggs from the fridge are more likely to crack from the sudden temperature change. Also make sure eggs are on the trivet and not touching the bottom of the pot.
• Eggs are hard to peel: Use older eggs if possible. Make sure you are using an ice bath for the full 5 minutes. Try peeling under running water.
• Yolk is not centered: Place eggs with the pointy end down on the trivet. This helps keep the yolk in the center which is important for deviled eggs.

How to store Boiled Eggs

Proper storage keeps your hard boiled eggs fresh and safe to eat.

• In the shell: Store unpeeled hard boiled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep them in a covered container.
• Peeled eggs: Store peeled eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can add a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
• Do not freeze: Hard boiled eggs do not freeze well. The whites become rubbery and watery when thawed.
• For meal prep I recommend keeping them unpeeled until you are ready to eat. They stay fresher longer with the shell on.

What to Make with Hard Boiled Eggs

Once you have a batch of perfectly cooked eggs here are some delicious ways to use them.

• Classic Egg Salad
• Deviled Eggs
• Cobb Salad
• Egg Curry
• Egg Sandwich
• Protein Snack Boxes for Meal Prep

Safety Tips for Cooking Eggs in Instant Pot

Keep these safety tips in mind when using your Instant Pot.

• Always check that pressure is fully released before opening the lid. The steam is very hot and can cause burns.
• Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt when opening the lid.
• Do not hover your hand over the pressure valve when releasing steam. Use a long wooden spoon to turn the valve if needed.
• Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove hot eggs from the pot.
• Make sure the sealing ring is properly seated before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions – Boiled Eggs in Instant Pot

Some people suggest to release the pressure from the instant pot naturally. But I always release it just after 5 minutes of pressure cooking, and thats the perfect hard boiled egg time for me.

How to make perfect eggs in Instant Pot – Video

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