Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

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Whether you’re dyeing eggs for Easter, making egg salad or just doing some meal prep, you need perfect eggs. My Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs method (with a secret tip for peeling) is absolutely fool-proof! Bonus: I also have stovetop directions!

 

The Secret to Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are quick, easy to peel, and come out perfect every time! If you’re looking for a fast, easy, and foolproof method to make hard boiled eggs, you’re in the right place. If you’re tired of guessing the cooking time, dealing with dry yolks, or ending up with eggs that won’t peel no matter how hard you try—using your pressure cooker is hands-down the best way to get consistent results every single time.

Cooking a hard-boiled egg to perfection is kind of tricky because there are so many variables. How cold the water is to begin with, how cold the eggs are right out of the fridge, how long to boil them for, how long it takes to bring the eggs to a boil, whether you use an electric cooktop or gas stove, whether you submerge in cold water or ice water, etc. etc.

My go-to? I steam them in my electric pressure cooker! The Instant Pot works by bringing everything up to a steady temperature together, holding all ingredients (in our case, eggs and water) at said temperature for 4 minutes and then slowly releasing that pressure for 5 minutes before removing the eggs and shocking them in an ice water bath. This method works perfectly for everyone who tries it because the pressure cooker removes all the variables I listed above that could potentially keep you from achieving success. Here are a few other tips I have found helpful:

• Use Older Eggs– I think we have all had those terrible, hard-to-peel hard-boiled eggs a time or two before. From what I can tell, this happens because you might be using fresh eggs. So, use older eggs that are a few weeks old for best results.
• “Break” the Air Pocket- Ok, here’s my secret tip for peeling and it works every time! There is an air pocket that holds onto the membrane of the shell, usually at the wider end of the egg. When you’re ready to peel your eggs, simply tap the wider end of the egg onto the countertop and it will release. You can actually HEAR it happen. This makes it super easy to peel! Incidentally, this will also help your egg whites to release better when cracking raw eggs as well.
• Still Having Peeling Trouble? Crack them all around without peeling, then soak them in water for a couple of minutes. The water will seep through the cracks and wiggle between the shell and egg making for an easier peel.

Ingredients Needed to Hard Boil Eggs

• Whole large eggs – Fresh or store-bought, both work. Just note: older eggs tend to peel easier.
• Cold water – You’ll need enough water to sit just under your steaming rack.

Variations

• Use extra-large eggs or smaller eggs, but adjust the cook time slightly.
• Swap the steaming rack with a silicone egg rack for added stability.
• Want a perfect soft-boiled egg? Cook on high pressure for just 3 minutes with a quick release.
• Prefer a jammy yolk? Set it for 4–5 minutes and quick release.
• Add a splash of vinegar to your pot of water if you’re using fresh eggs (it can help peeling).

How to Hard Boil Eggs in an Instant Pot

I’ve tried cooking these eggs 6 times, ya’ll!! And they came out perfectly every time. Easy to peel with that quintessential bright yellow yolk. For full details on how to make the perfect hard-boiled egg, see the recipe card down below. Here are my step by step directions:

1. Place Ingredients in Instant Pot

Pour 2 cups of cold water into the bottom of a cold pressure cooker and place the steaming rack or steamer basket into water. The rack should stand just above the water, so no eggs ever come in contact with it. Place the raw eggs onto the rack, creating an even layer across the bottom (you don’t want them to be stacked on top of each other).

Pro Tip: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, never fear! I’ve tested this recipe on a gas and electric stove too with pretty darn good results. See the section below and the recipe card for further instructions.

2. Steam and Natural Release

Close the lid and lock. Ensure the valve is sealed. Press “Steam” function and “High” pressure. Adjust cook time to 4 minutes and press “Start”. The pressure cooker will take a little bit of time to come to temperature before the 4 minute countdown starts.

After 4 minutes have passed, wait another 5 minutes before releasing pressure completely (natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest).

Pro Tip: Quick release simply refers to how the steam from the pressure cooker is released. Natural release is when you allow the pressure to dissipate without touching the machine (this is the longer process). Quick release is when you *carefully* open the steam release valve and a stream of hot steam is released all at once.

3. Ice Bath

Remove lid and transfer eggs to an ice water bath using a slotted spoon or tongs. Cool until they are easily handled. 

4. Peel and Use

Gently tap the wider end of the egg onto a countertop to release the air pocket. Then, crack the shell all the way around. Peel away using the side of your thumb. It should come off in big pieces and should remove easily as long as you get underneath the membrane just under the shell. Rinse under cold water and place onto dry paper towels until all eggs are peeled.

How to Hard Boil Eggs on the Stove

This method isn’t quite as sure proof as the instant pot method but you can still get great results. Here’s the cooking process for making hard boil eggs on the stovetop:

1. Place Ingredients in a Pot

Place eggs in a single layer in the bottom of a pot. Cover completely with cold water. Cover and place on stove.

2. Boil and Wait

Bring water to a rolling boil gently over medium to medium-high heat.

As soon as it begins to boil, turn burner off and let eggs sit in hot water for 12 minutes. If using an electric stove, remove from burner. Not necessary if using a gas burner.

3. Ice Bath

Remove eggs from hot water and immerse in a large bowl of ice water for 5 minutes or until easy to handle.

4. Peel and Use

Gently tap the wider end of the egg onto a countertop to release the air pocket. Then, crack the shell all the way around. Peel away using the side of your thumb. It should come off in big pieces and should remove easily as long as you get underneath the membrane just under the shell. Rinse under cold water and place onto dry paper towels until all eggs are peeled.

Storage Directions For Hard Boiled Eggs

Store hard boiled eggs cooled to room temperature in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days!

Can I Freeze Hard Boiled Eggs?

I wouldn’t suggest freezing hard boiled eggs. This is because the cooked egg white and yolk become watery after thawing.

Favorite Ways to use Hard Boiled Eggs!

Oh, so many things to be made with these beauties! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Classic Deviled Eggs
• Deviled Egg Potato Salad
• California Cobb Salad
• Easy Homemade Ramen
• Egg Salad Sandwich
• Buffalo Deviled Eggs
• Ham and Cheese Deviled Eggs

Making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is one of the most popular ways to streamline your week. Whether you’re prepping for dying easter eggs, making egg salad, or want a healthy fat-rich snack with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, this easy way will be your new go-to. The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.