Learn how to cook a soft boiled egg on the stovetop, Instant Pot, and air fryer for expertly cooked runny eggs complete with set egg whites and gooey, delicious yolks. Pair them with toast, salad greens, grain bowls, and hearty soup recipes like Korean low-carb ramen or vegetarian kimchi jjigae.
Soft-boiled eggs transport me to my granny’s kitchen in the nineties. I picture her cracking into the soft-boiled egg she would eat with half a grapefruit or sliced tomatoes. Whether you prepare them on the stove, Instant Pot, or in the air fryer doesn’t matter – they are delicious! Soft-boiled eggs are perfect as they are, or use them to dress up your favorite dish. They also add protein and healthy fat to any meal.
What is a Soft Boiled Egg?
Soft boiled eggs are submerged in water and cooked until the whites completely set but their yolks are still runny (or gummy, since that’s what I prefer).
How to Cook a Soft Boiled Egg
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Cook a Soft Boiled Egg on the Stovetop
Step 1: Add cold water to a saucepan, cover, and bring it to a gentle simmer (just below boiling) over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, lower the eggs into the water straight from the fridge. Cover and cook for 6 minutes.
Step 2: Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the eggs and immediately add them to an ice bath.
How to Cook a Soft Boiled Egg in the Instant Pot
Step 1: Place the eggs in a single layer on the trivet in an Instant Pot and add 1½ cups of water. Secure the lid and set it to manual low pressure for 2 minutes. Then, allow the Instant Pot to release naturally for 1 minute followed by a quick release.
Step 2: Remove the eggs and immediately add them to an ice bath.
How to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs in the Air Fryer
You won’t believe how easy it is to make perfectly cooked soft “boiled” eggs in just minutes- try air fryer soft boiled eggs; this is a fool-proof method for even cooking, quick cooking time, and easy cleanup.
How Long Does it Take to Soft Boil an Egg?
How do you cook the perfect soft-boiled eggs? Mastering soft-boiled eggs requires the consideration of a few factors: egg temperature, stove type, pan choice, and cooking time. Here is a timetable so you can determine the consistency you prefer.
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 4-5 minutes | The whites are set but the yolk is runny. |
| 6 minutes | The whites are set and the yolk is gooey and a little runny. |
| 6½-7 minutes | The egg whites are yet, and the yolk is is also set but still jammy. |
These cooking times are for stovetop cooking.
Expert Tips
- For consistent results every time, use eggs straight out of the fridge, as room temperatures can vary. If you use room-temperature eggs, they will cook more quickly.
- Water-to-egg ratio matters because the more water you have compared to eggs, the longer the cooking time will be.
- The more eggs you add to the water, the slower the cooking process will be. I cook four eggs at a time and about eight for a large pot. Part of the reason is that fresh-from-the-fridge eggs will cool the water around them, so adding too many can alter the cooking time.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently lower the eggs into the water and prevent them from cracking.
- Set a timer because soft-boiled eggs can be finicky, and prepare an ice bath while you wait.
If you enjoy this article, try one of these egg recipes!
How Do You Eat a Soft Boiled Egg?
- Add an egg to an egg cup (or a shot glass) and use a small knife or spoon to crack the top of the egg.
- Cut an opening using a knife and remove the top of the egg- careful not to pierce the egg.
- Use a small spoon to scoop it out or dip the toast right into it.
- If you want to peel the egg, insert a small spoon into the opening and gently slide it around the egg to loosen the shell.
Serving Suggestions
Whether it’s tempered eggs in a soup like chikhirtma or hard-boiled eggs added to a cobb salad, eggs are a perfect addition to any meal. Here are some suggestions for how to eat those silky, creamy soft-boiled eggs.
- Asparagus
- Bagel with Cream Cheese, Air Fryer English Muffin
- Breakfast Hash, Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Shoyu Ramen, Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae, Korean Low Carb Ramen
- Cheesy Grits
- Smash the soft-boiled eggs on crunchy toast or use it to top avocado toast.
- Club Salad
- Boiled Egg and Soliders
- Bibimbap, Bulgogi Rice Bowls
What to do with the Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store unpeeled soft-boiled eggs in the refrigerator for 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm the eggs by boiling them on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to ice bath soft boiled eggs?
I let my soft-boiled eggs sit in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes.
How do you peel a soft-boiled egg?
If you’re not eating the egg straight out of the shell, I recommend peeling eggs under running water after they’ve been in the ice bath for at least 10 minutes.
Can soft-boiled eggs be made ahead of time?
Just like hard-boiled eggs, you can prep soft-boil eggs too; they will keep in the fridge for two days. Serve them cold on a salad or warm them up by boiling the eggs on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes.
More Kitchen Tips:
How to Cook a Soft Boiled Egg
- 4 large eggs, chilled
- 5 cups water
- 4 large eggs, chilled
- 1½ cup cold water
For the Stovetop:
- Add cold water to a saucepan, cover, and bring it to a gentle simmer (just below boiling) over medium-high heat.
- Using a slotted spoon, lower the eggs into the water straight from the fridge. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Remove the eggs and immediately add them to an ice bath.
For the Instant Pot:
- Place eggs in a single layer on the trivet in an Instant Pot and add 1½ cups of water.
- Secure the lid and set it to manual low pressure for 2 minutes. Then, allow the Instant Pot to release naturally for 1 minute followed by a quick release.
- Remove the eggs and immediately add them to an ice bath.
- For consistent results every time, use eggs straight out of the fridge, as room temperatures can vary. If you use room-temperature eggs, they will cook more quickly.
- Water-to-egg ratio matters because the more water you have compared to eggs, the longer the cooking time will be.
- The more eggs you add to the water, the slower the cooking process will be. I cook four eggs at a time and about eight for a large pot. Part of the reason is that fresh-from-the-fridge eggs will cool the water around them, so adding too many can alter the cooking time.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently lower the eggs into the water and prevent them from cracking.
- Set a timer because soft-boiled eggs can be finicky, and prepare an ice bath while you wait,
Megan S.
Monday 13th of February 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make soft-boiled eggs using this recipe! Both the stovetop and Instant Pot methods worked perfectly, and I loved the tips for getting that perfect gooey yolk. I can't wait to try these eggs on top of some of my favorite dishes. Thank you!