Make perfectly hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot every time with the easiest method. They are quick and convenient to prepare, and so easy to peel.
After I bought my first Instant Pot a couple of years ago, one of the first things I attempted to make were hard-boiled eggs. I was thrilled with how fail-proof and reliable this method for cooking eggs was and knew I’d never go back to cooking them on the stovetop again.
The 5-5-5 method
To cook perfect hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot every single time, use this 5-5-5 method:
- First, cook eggs for 5 minutes (on low pressure, preferably)
- Second, naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
- Finally, submerge eggs in ice bath for 5 minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking further
Therefore, if it takes about 10 minutes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure, you’ll have perfectly hard-boiled eggs in about 25 minutes.
What you'll need
You only need to get started, in addition to your Instant Pot:
- Eggs: It's okay to stack them up so you can cook as many as will fit in your pressure cooker. I usually cook 6-12 at a time.
- Insert or steamer basket: You'll need to stack your eggs on either the insert that comes with your Instant Pot or a steamer basket. I just use the insert.
- Water: Use 1 cup to fill the bottom of the Instant Pot
- Ice cath: tT stop the cooking process. An ice bath is made by filling a large bowl with ice and water. I usually prep the ice bath a few minutes before they are done cooking.
How to cook hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot
1. Prepare the ingredients: Pour 1 cup of water into the insert of the Instant Pot before placing the trivet inside the insert. Then, carefully place the eggs onto the trivet.
2. Pressure cook and prepare ice bath: Cook on Low Pressure for 5 minutes. While your eggs are cooking, start preparing an ice bath.
Pro tip: Use low pressure if you find that your eggs keep cracking.
3. Wait for 5 minutes: Once they are done cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes (thus, do nothing). Quick-release any remaining pressure. Carefully transfer the eggs into an ice bath large enough to fit the eggs.
4. Submerge in an ice bath: Submerge for 5 minutes after removing them from the Instant Pot.
5. Peel the eggs: Peel each egg either by rolling on a flat surface (the peel will come right off) or gently removing with your fingers. Enjoy or store for later.
Storing for later
Store the peeled eggs in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days, either with the shell on or peeled.
Note: Discard hard-boiled eggs if they’ve been sitting out on the counter for more than two hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do you peel hard-boiled eggs? Peeling eggs cooked in the Instant Pot are even easier to peel. Simply start by rolling each egg on a flat surface, such as your kitchen counter, to crack the shell. You'll notice that the peel will come right off.
Do I need to use a trivet to make hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot? It's recommended to use a trivet to prevent the eggs from bouncing around in the water (and as a result, cracking) while they are cooking.
How long do hard-boiled eggs last? They can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container.
Can you freeze hard-boiled eggs? It’s not recommended to freeze hard-boiled eggs as the egg white portion will become rubbery when thawed. However, you can separate the egg yolks and freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer-safe container.
What size Instant Pot did you use? I’ve tested this recipe on both my Instant Pot Duo Mini 3-Quart and Instant Pot DUO 6-Quart with great results. However, you may need to tweak how long you cook the eggs based on preference, the size, model, and brand of your pressure cooker.
Note: If you’d prefer a softer yolk, cook for 4 minutes at low pressure. While they will be creamier, they will still be hard-boiled.
Serving suggestions
Prepared hard-boiled eggs can be used in many ways and make a tasty addition to toasts, salads, appetizers, and side dishes. The following are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Slice and top them on your avocado toast.
- Enjoy them alone as a convenient on-the-go snack.
- Slice them in half and sprinkle with salt and pepper or even a little hot sauce.
- Use to make an egg sandwich.
- Slice and add to a delicious salad.
- Slice them up and add them to a bowl.
- Use them to make deviled eggs.
Other easy breakfast recipes
If you're looking for more breakfast options, check out the following recipes:
- Overnight Oats Recipe
- Blueberry Granola Yogurt Bowl
- Avocado Toast - 4 Ways
- Overnight Steel Cut Oats
- Sweet Potato Pancakes
More Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Beets and Carrots
- How to Cook Perfect Quinoa in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
- Instant Pot Chickpeas
Did you make these Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your hard-boiled eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 6-12 eggs
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of water into the insert of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the insert and carefully place the eggs on there.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve on “sealing”, and cook on low pressure* for 5 minutes. While your eggs are cooking, start preparing an ice bath.
- Once completed, turn off the Instant Pot and wait 5 minutes to naturally release the pressure. Quick-release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Open the lid and carefully transfer the eggs into an ice bath large enough to fit the eggs. Wait for 5 minutes before removing the eggs.
- Peel each egg. Enjoy or store for later.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Deana says
Can you stack the eggs or do they need to be in a single layer?
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Hi Deana, you can stack them up!
Peggy says
Six eggs in my 8 qt IP turned out perfect using 5 5 5 method. Never had eggs peel so easily!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Peggy!
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I've never made eggs in the Instant Pot, but I think I'm going to have to try your method for my egg salad! That ice bath is a great idea to stop the cooking.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I think you'll enjoy it, Lisa! The eggs are so easy to peel.
Kelly Anthony says
I have heard that making boiled eggs in the instant pot is the only way to go but I haven't done them yet. I need to give this a try ASAP!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
I hope you give it a try, Kelly!
Sara Welch says
Another reason I love my Instant Pot so much! Hard boiled eggs are my favorite afternoon snack; will have to give this a try!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
This will make it even easier to enjoy them!
Alison says
I love how simple this recipe is to make in the instant pot. Your 5-5-5 method is so easy to remember too!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So easy, Alison!
Jere Cassidy says
Someday I will buy an InstaPot. I am so missing out on all these good recipes.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Seriously one of my favorite purchases!
Neha says
Sounds awesome! I never tried boiling eggs in instant pot but you made it look so easy. Totally trying this one!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Let me know what you think!
Irina says
Sapana, I do not have an Instant Pot, but you are convincing me to buy it:) Thanks for a great tutorial!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear! I definitely recommend one!!
Tara says
Yum! I love how easily you can hard boil eggs in the instant pot! Definitely need to try this. Such helpful tips too.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Tara! Let me know what you think!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Your eggs look fab! We love making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot.
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
Thank you, Bintu! Aren't they the easiest?!
Caitlin says
I love how easy this method is! Thank you!
Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says
So happy to hear, Caitlin!