These Instant Pot hard boiled eggs turn out amazing every time! 6-minute eggs are easy to peel, perfectly cooked, and never have those icky green yolks...
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
So you know how I've raved for years about my awesome method for baked hard boiled eggs? Well, today, I take it all back. Okay, not really... But I'm definitely singing a new tune. My new method is even faster/easier/more consistent!
Hard Boiled Eggs for Meal Prep
You might be wondering why I care so much about hard cooked eggs... But I'm a BIG fan, especially since I've been consistently doing a weekly meal prep session.
Hard boiled eggs are a super inexpensive source of high quality protein that keeps well for up to a week, making them ideal for meal prep. Conventional eggs run about $0.17 per serving, but even organic eggs can be very economical. I pick up one or two cartons of 2-dozen organic eggs at Costco every week for just $5.99 each -- which works out to just $0.25 per serving.
Even before I started doing a true meal prep routine, I made a batch of hard cooked eggs near weekly. They're perfect with breakfast (like these yummy frozen waffle ideas), an excellent addition to lunch and dinner salads, and a fabulous snack before and/or after sports or workouts. There's a lot of nutrition packed into these little 70-calorie powerhouses!
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How To Make Hard Boiled Eggs In Instant Pot
As you've probably guessed from the title of this post, I now make my "hard boiled" eggs in my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker! A few days ago I shared my honest Instant Pot review, detailing how I went from being very much on the fence to a raving fan. These Instant Pot hard boiled eggs played a big role in making me a convert.
Instant Pot boiled eggs are nearly effortless and foolproof, consistently producing eggs that are perfectly cooked and super easy to peel. All in just 6 minutes of cooking time! Of course, it does take about 9-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure -- but this is completely hands off time. No watching to see when a pot starts to boil so you can start your timer!
If you're an Instant Pot newbie, these Instant Pot hard boiled eggs are the ideal recipe to follow to become acquainted with your new purchase. I will outline the step-by-step process for you below using only the accessories that come with the IP-DUO60 model.
But don't worry if you own a different model -- I'll also share a few recommended accessories you can pick up that won't break your budget. Look for those after the recipe!
6-Minute Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
Instructions
- Place the stainless steel insert pot in the Instant Pot base, along with the included steamer insert. Pour in 1 cup of cold water.
- Arrange the eggs, cold from the refrigerator, on top of the steamer insert.
- Lock the lid on top of the Instant Pot and verify that the steam release knob is turned to “sealing”.
- Press the Manual (Pressure Cook for the new IP-DUO60) button on the front. High pressure should automatically be selected, but if it’s not for some reason, press the Pressure button to toggle it to high.
- Use the plus or minus buttons to set the cook time to 6 minutes*. Wait a few seconds and you should hear a beep. At this point, the display will read “on”, indicating that the Instant Pot is pressuring up. Once it comes to pressure (about 9-10 minutes), it will switch to the timer to steam the eggs for 6 minutes.
- When the eggs are almost finished steaming, make an ice bath by combining 4 cups of ice cubes and 4 cups of cold water in large bowl.
- When the timer goes off, use a thick towel or a pair of tongs to turn the steam release knob to “venting”. If you’ve never experienced this before, it can be pretty forceful, so pull your hands away quickly, stand back, and allow the steam to escape.
- Once the pressure is released, press the Keep Warm/Cancel button to turn the Instant Pot off.
- Using silicone-tipped tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Let sit for 15 minutes before peeling or transferring to the refrigerator for storage.
- Refrigerate cooled eggs until ready to eat. Peel before using.
Notes
Cooking Time Notes for Instant Pot Boiled Eggs
I know that my version of "perfectly cooked" hard boiled eggs doesn't always align with others' tastes. For me, 6 minutes of high pressure produces hard cooked eggs with a white that's completely cooked and a bright yellow yolk that is cooked through but still slightly creamy.
While 6-minute eggs are my preference, your ideal perfectly cooked egg may require a longer (or shorter) cooking time, so feel free to experiment. Here's an excellent resource for comparing the pressure cooking times for eggs.
Recommended Instant Pot Accessories
You may not have received an insert trivet if you have an Instant Pot model other than the IP-DUO60. If this is the case, I highly recommend this silicone steamer insert. In fact, I'm going to pick one up even though I have the included insert, simply because I like that I can easily lift the eggs out and submerge them in the ice water bath all at once. Also, if you're looking for a set of silicone-tipped tongs, you can't go wrong with these.
Are you excited to make some hard boiled eggs in your Instant Pot? I can't wait to hear your thoughts after you try this recipe. If you're not an Instant Pot owner, I still stand by my old hard boiled eggs in oven method. But if you have one (and love hard boiled eggs like we do), this method is life changing!
More Instant Pot Basics To Try
If you like making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot, you might also enjoy these other time-saving Instant Pot basics:
- Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice
- Easiest Ever Instant Pot Pasta
- Foolproof Instant Pot Sweet Potato Recipe
- Coconut Lime Quinoa Side Dish
And when you're ready to try your hand at something a little more difficult, this versatile and delicious Instant Pot salsa chicken is ideal!
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Susan Hallmark says
Unfortunately this method did not work for me. I'm not in a higher altitude; I'm actually in Texas. I followed the instructions to the T. I used a 6 qt in IP, one cup of water, 12 eggs , high pressure for 6 minutes and then release the pressure and transfer the eggs to ice water bath for 5 minutes. When I started to peel them, they were completely runny on the inside. So I guess I'll just stick to the 5 - 5 - 5 method instead.
Dajeau says
Hi! I tried your method and they were perfectly cooked, however, peeled poorly for me. Our eggs are fresh from the farm, but I let them age a bit before using them.... one week or so. I don't know what it was, but they did NOT peel well. I'm going to alter a bit. Perhaps letting them naturally release a bit before the manual release. Have you heard of anyone else altering to prevent this?
Tara Kuczykowski says
Very frustrating! I don't have any solid solutions for you, because I haven't tested this personally, but you might check out this blog post and try her tips on adding vinegar and peeling right away: https://laraclevenger.com/how-to-hard-boil-farm-fresh-eggs/ I'd love to hear bak on how they turn out for you!
Kimm says
I followed this to a tee and they were not cooked and some were even runny,
His is the second time I’ve tried hard boiled eggs in the IP. And hey weren’t cooked.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Hi Kimm -- it sounds like maybe you're located in a higher altitude area. Check the notes in the recipe card for adjustments to my original method.
Peg says
So easy and the eggs are perfect every time. I will never boil eggs any other way! Thank you for the recipe.
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy it worked well for you, Peg! It's my forever favorite way to make them, too.
Anji says
If you're at a higher altitude it will take a few minutes longer, I tested 7 minutes to start and yolk was liquid, I'm at 6k feet in elevation. 10-11 minutes was perfect.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks for the great tip, Anji! Having never lived at high altitude, it's hard for me to gauge how it might affect things. I'm going to add your comment to the recipe notes to help others in the same situation out.
Annette Brittain says
Cooked a total of 9 minutes still had runny yolk. Checked other recipes, that said to use a natural release
Tara Kuczykowski says
Did you have your Instant Pot set to high pressure? It's not normal to have a runny yolk after 9 minutes at high pressure, even without a natural pressure release.
Tina says
I just got an instant pot for Christmas and this is the first thing I made. It turned out excellent! The egg shell came off so easily as well. I am sold on cooking my eggs like this from now on. It also only took a couple minutes for the pot to pressurize and start cooking. Thank you so much for the detailed instructions.
Tara Kuczykowski says
Yay, so happy I could help make your maiden voyage a smooth one, Tina!! I've got loads of Instant Pot recipes to share this year, so I hope you'll keep coming back.
Lisa says
I will never come my boiled eggs any other way again! Perfect every time! I cooked 21 eggs, 6 minutes, perfect! Thank you!
Tara Kuczykowski says
So happy that I could make you a convert, Lisa!
Kim says
In the final stages, it says to immediately remove and place in an ice bath. Then the directions state to put the pot on warm and let the egg school for five minutes. Do I let the egg school first and then put them in the ice bath? Just verifying. Thanks!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Sorry, if that was unclear, Kim! You press the Keep Warm/Cancel button to turn the Instant Pot off, and leave the eggs to cool in the ice water bath for 5 minutes.
Sandy says
This is definitely the BEST hard boiled egg recipe for the instant pot!! I've tried many others only to be disappointed! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!
Tara Kuczykowski says
Thanks so much, Sandy. Very happy to hear that it worked well for you!
Sabrina says
I love hard boiled eggs! Thank you so much for this easy to follow recipe!
Kara says
This is the best method for making boiled eggs I've ever tried. They are so easy to peel!
Mary Bostow says
I have been making my eggs in my InstaPot for a year now. I will never go back to a stovetop or oven method. They literally slide out of the shell! I make hard-boiled eggs almost weekly and love the 6 minute egg in the center.
Pam says
I have yet to jump on the instant pot bandwagon, but perfect boiled eggs might just convince me!
Emily R Hill says
I love making hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot but mine never come out this perfect. I need to try this recipe!
Kristyn says
These eggs look perfect!! I love any tips & tricks to make the perfect hard boiled eggs!
Kelly Anthony says
You had me at easy to peel. I also have been on the fence about if I really need an instant pot or not but I keep seeing so many great recipes that would make life so much easier this being one of them. I need to just buy the thing already!
Danielle says
I recently got an Instant Pot and haven't tried eggs yet - looking forward to using your recipe!
Andie Thueson says
I love making eggs in my Instant Pot - I love your settings. Thanks for all the tips.
Sara says
Perfect! Thank you!
Gwen says
Definitely don't use a thick towel to release the steam. I burned the bejeezus out of my hand! Tongs are the way to go. Bright side: the eggs are so easy to peel that i can peel them with one hand (which I'll have to do for a while) and so easy and yummy! And I won't burn myself next time so this is definitely a recipe to repeat
Tara Kuczykowski says
Oh my goodness!!! Yes, it's definitely a quick turn and pull your hand away technique with the towels. Tongs or a wooden spoon are a my preferred utensils, so I will update the instructions to make that clear. I'm SO glad your eggs turned out well, at least!
Carissa Nelson | Spoonful of Easy says
Great tip! I used to try to have some on hand for quick high-protein snacks, but mine were so hard to peel! Excited to try this!
JOY says
Just made these and you get a high-five! Not just for the recipe, but for the extra notes about how to program and decompress the IP, and the definition of an ice bath. It's more of a formula than a recipe, but exactly what I needed. These turned out beautifully and I've never seen anything more willing to go without a covering, unless you count that weird guy who showed up at the pool party that one time... :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
You SO just made my day, Joy! Thanks for your kind words, and I totally laughed out loud at the weird guy comment.
Kaytrin says
They turned out perfectly and so yummy! Not hot or cold right out of the ice bath. Annnnnd, soooo easy to peel! Perfect test run for my new Instant Pot Duo 60 thanks so much!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Congrats on your new Instant Pot! So happy to hear your eggs turned on perfectly -- I can't imagine making them any other way at this point.
Pam says
Did it twice with farm fresh eggs and both times they eggs weren’t cooked at all. I’ve never had that happen with the IP. Went back to store bought eggs to try those!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yeah, farm fresh eggs are a tricky beast. Wish I had some tips for them, but farmer's markets haven't started up here in Ohio yet.
Stephanie says
Thanks for this! :) I have one of those double-decker egg racks for the IP. Do you know if the timing will change if I add the second rack, which increases the number of eggs to 12 to 14? Just wondering if more eggs would need more time.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Stephanie! I don't think it should change the timing. I've thrown a few extras in before and haven't needed to adjust anything. Enjoy!
Beth says
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!!
V8web says
This would be a great time saver.Thanks so much!
Minda says
Eggs were perfect! Thanks for the tips.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
So glad it worked well for you, Minda! I just made a big batch yesterday, as well.
Sue says
Hi. Just tried it and it works perfectly! Those shells practically peeled themselves Thank you !!! One question, can you stack the eggs into 2 layers? Will it affect how the eggs will cook and peel?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Sue! I've never stacked more than a couple when they wouldn't fit because they were larger than average eggs, but I didn't have any problems with them. I think it's worth experimenting with!
TF says
I used this method in my IP. They turned out perfect! Peeled easy too!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes! I'd make in the the IP for the easy peeling alone.
Mack says
These are by far the easiest and tastiest hard boiled eggs I have ever had. Making these weekly!!
Thank you!!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Glad to hear it, Mack!
Julie says
Great detailed instructions for an instant pot newbie! Thank you!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
That was my goal -- so happy to hear I met it. Enjoy your new Instant Pot!
Kelsey says
My Instant Pot doesn't have a manual button...it has a steam button or an egg button...will those work?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Kelsey! My guess is the steam button would be similar to manual. When you press that does it allow you to select high pressure and set the timer? You might try playing around with the egg button, as well, but I generally prefer to just set my timers manually for better control.
Angie says
I’m currently reading the comments in hopes to understand why so many recipes say to use the manual button and why my duo plus 60 doesn’t have one. My user manual doesn’t mention one either. At any rate, I used the egg button. It was 5 minutes but I changed to 6. The steam release is confusing me now. It currently has a time that says 1:20 and is increasing. I don’t get it. I’m very new to the ip world. Thank you for the very detailed recipe!
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Oh, wow -- you're right! I hadn't seen the layout of the user panel for the newest IP-Duo 60 Plus, and it's completely different. I looked up the user manual, and it seems like the Manual button has been replaced with the Pressure Cook button. So you'll want to press Pressure Cook, make sure the pressure level is set to High, and then use the + or - buttons to set the cooking time to 6 minutes. After it comes to pressure, the timer will count down from 6 to zero and it should beep to let you know the cycle is done. Immediately turn the pressure valve to "venting" and follow the rest of the instructions for the ice water bath. Enjoy your new instant pot! I have a few more recipes you might like to try here: https://unsophisticook.com/tag/instant-pot-recipes/
Assia says
On Amazon I discovered a perfect tool for cooking eggs in pressure cooker. It's EggAssist. With this you don't have worry about the eggs rolling around inside the pressure cooker. The egg holder can also be used as a hot pad. I absolutely felt in loved with this purchase.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks for the tip, Assia! I'll have to check that out.
Sandra says
I tried this and my eggs came out rubbery. What am I doing wrong?
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I'm sorry to hear that, Sandra! The more I use my Instant Pot, the more I've noticed that it can take a little trial and error to get a recipe just right for your pot and your location. Like I've recently been struggling with getting my sweet potatoes perfectly cooked through. If your eggs are coming out overdone, try reducing the steaming time by 1 minute until you get the results you want. And make sure you're releasing the pressure immediately and plunging them into the ice bath right away.
marry says
I eat chicken eggs every day, thank you very much for this simple tip.
Nancy Martineau, author Post Grid (Amzn) says
The colder your eggs are after cooking, I refridgerate mine overnight, the easier they will peel.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
I've definitely noticed this, as well. Thanks for the tip!
Irene says
Well I don't have an instant pot. So now what do you recommend????
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
No problem, Irene! I still think my previous oven baked hard boiled eggs method is an excellent way to make them. You can find those instructions here: https://unsophisticook.com/hard-boiled-eggs/
Cindy says
I don't have an instant pot, but I am going to try these in my pressure cooker. I hard boil about 18 eggs a week. This would be a great time saver.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Yes, you can do the same in a stovetop pressure cooker! Stovetop pressure cookers actually come to pressure more quickly and can also reach a higher PSI. The cook time should still be 6 minutes once the cooker reaches pressure, but you'll want to keep it at low pressure. Then release the pressure manually when the cooking time is up and put the cooked eggs into an ice water bath.