Make easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs with this quick and easy Instant Pot hard boiled eggs recipe. The Instant Pot or 5-5-5 method is my favorite way to make perfectly cooked eggs every time.
What is the 5-5-5 Method?
Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is standard meal prep in my home, and it produces perfect eggs for appetizers, snacks, and salads. The 5-5-5 technique requires three easy steps – 5 minutes of high pressure, 5 minutes of natural release, and 5 minutes of an ice-cold water plunge.
Key Ingredients
- Eggs: Depending on the size of the Instant Pot and trivet, prepare half a dozen eggs to a dozen at a time.
- Water: Include one cup of water in the Instant Pot so the eggs pressure cook properly.
How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Place eggs in a single layer on the trivet in an Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
Step 2: Secure the lid and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the Instant Pot release naturally for 5 minutes.
What does natural release mean?
Natural release on the Instant Pot means allowing the pressure inside the pot to gradually decrease on its own after cooking finishes, without manually opening the pressure release valve. This process takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the amount of liquid inside the pot.
As the pressure decreases, the float valve will drop, signaling that it’s safe to open the lid. Natural release is ideal for soups, stews, or liquid-heavy recipes to prevent splattering.
Step 3: Then, transfer the eggs to an ice bath in a mixing bowl for 5 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Use cold eggs. For consistent results every time, use eggs straight from the fridge. Room-temperature eggs cook faster and can throw off your timing.
- Handle with care. Gently lower the eggs into the pot to avoid cracks. Once cooked, carefully lift them out with tongs and place them into an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Avoid overcrowding. You can add as many eggs as will fit in a single layer in your Instant Pot. However, avoid placing the eggs too close to one another; if they’re too snug, they can knock into each other and crack as they pressure cook.
If you enjoy Instant Pot hard boiled eggs, try one of these tasty recipes with eggs!
Serving Suggestions
Whether it’s tempered eggs in a soup like chikhirtma or creamy soft boiled rggs added to a ramen, eggs are a perfect addition to any meal. Here are some suggestions for how to eat hard boiled eggs.
- Breakfast Hash, Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
- Shoyu Ramen, Vegetarian Kimchi Jjigae, Korean Low Carb Ramen
- Avocado Toast
- Club Salad
- Bibimbap, Bulgogi Rice Bowls
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: As long as the eggshells remain intact, you can store the Instant Pot hard boiled eggs in the fridge for one week, making them perfect for weekly meal prep.
- Repurpose: Use the eggs to prepare more recipes like potato salad or egg salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you peel hard-boiled eggs fast?
Peeling hard-boiled eggs begins with well-cooked eggs! Following the instructions in this how-to guide is your first step toward easy-to-peel-eggs.
Begin with the wide end of the egg (the side with the air pocket). Chip the shell and then use your thumb to get under the shell. Slide until you have removed the outer shell; if you’re struggling to remove it, try peeling them in a bowl of cool water.
Should I use the egg setting on the Instant Pot?
I never use it. I prefer manually cooking the eggs on high pressure because they end up perfect every time.
Can I cook the eggs on the stovetop?
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Carefully add the eggs and cook for 11-15 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
What is the texture of hard-boiled eggs?
The eggs are fully cooked, with firm whites and bright yellow yolks.
More Instant Pot Recipes:
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- Place eggs in a single layer on the trivet in an Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
- Secure the lid and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the Instant Pot release naturally for 5 minutes.
- Then, transfer the eggs to an ice bath in a mixing bowl for 5 minutes.
- Use cold eggs. For consistent results every time, use eggs straight from the fridge. Room-temperature eggs cook faster and can throw off your timing.
- Handle with care. Gently lower the eggs into the pot to avoid cracks. Once cooked, carefully lift them out with tongs and place them into an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
- Avoid overcrowding. You can add as many eggs as will fit in a single layer in your Instant Pot. However, avoid placing the eggs too close to one another; if they’re too snug, they can knock into each other and crack as they pressure cook.