Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs You Need to Try

You know, there’s something oddly satisfying about getting the perfect hard-boiled egg—like nailing the exact moment to pull your coffee off the heat for that flawless brew. With the Instant Pot, it’s like hitting the jackpot every time, no guessing games or crossed fingers. I used to think my grandma’s method was unbeatable, but this method has made me a believer; even my skeptical cat seems intrigued when that pressure release hisses.

Steps

Place a steamer basket inside your Instant Pot and pour in 1/2 to 1 inch of water, ensuring it stays below the basket. Use the manual for exact minimal liquid requirements if needed.

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Arrange cold eggs directly from the fridge in a single layer in the basket, avoiding stacking or wedging eggs tightly together to prevent cracking during cooking.
Seal the pressure cooker lid and set the steam valve to “sealed.” For electric cookers, cook on high pressure for 4 minutes; for stovetop models, cook for 3 minutes.
Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes post-cooking, keeping the lid on and steam vent sealed. With stovetop models, remove from heat.
After the natural release time, carefully switch the steam valve to “venting” to quick-release any remaining pressure.
Transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with cold water to cool them down, optionally adding ice for quicker cooling. Change the water as it warms until the eggs are fully cooled, then refrigerate until needed.

Ingredients

Large eggs, cold from the refrigerator (as many as can fit in a single layer in your pressure cooker)
Water, 1/2 to 1 inch (1 to 2 cups)

Nutritional Values

FAQ

Why does using a pressure cooker for hard boiled eggs work so well?
The pressure cooker method seems to work because the steam generated inside the cooker helps separate the egg white from the shell, making peeling easier. There are also theories suggesting that the rapid temperature change inside the sealed pot contributes to the ease of peeling.
What is the “5-5-5” method for cooking eggs in an Instant Pot?
The “5-5-5” method involves placing eggs in a steamer basket within the pressure cooker with about a cup of water. It takes approximately 5 minutes to reach high pressure, 5 minutes to cook the eggs, and another 5 minutes for natural pressure release. This method helps achieve consistently easy-to-peel eggs.
Are there any adjustments needed for stovetop pressure cookers?
Yes, stovetop pressure cookers typically reach higher pressures and cook faster, so a 3-minute cook time is recommended. Eggs cooked for 4 minutes may taste slightly overcooked with a stovetop model.
What should I do if my eggs are cracking during cooking?
If eggs are cracking, try cooking them at a lower pressure or ensure they are not firmly wedged against each other. If cracking persists, consider using a steamer basket and avoid stacking the eggs to minimize contact.
How can I ensure my hard boiled eggs are easy to peel?
After cooking, gently tap the eggs on the counter to create cracks and peel them under water to help loosen the shell. Fresh eggs can be harder to peel, so leaving them out for a few days before cooking might help improve peelability.

Tips

Adjust Cooking Time for Texture Preferences: Experiment with the cooking time in your pressure cooker. If you prefer softer whites and creamy yolks, try cooking the eggs for 4 minutes. For firmer whites and yolks, extend the cooking time to 5 minutes.
Prevent Egg Cracking: To minimize the chance of eggs cracking, avoid stacking them on top of each other in the pressure cooker. If you need to cook a large batch, consider multiple rounds of cooking to keep the eggs in a single layer.
Use Cold Eggs: Start with cold eggs straight from the fridge for more consistent results. This can help ensure even cooking and make the eggs easier to peel.
Peeling Techniques: To make peeling easier, gently tap the cooked eggs on the counter to crack the shell and peel under running water or in a bowl of water to help separate the shell from the egg.

Equipment

Electric Pressure Cooker (such as an Instant Pot)
Steamer Basket (metal or silicone, if not included with the pressure cooker)

Sarah