See my guide on how to use an Instant Pot.


This Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe is the best, most foolproof way to cook hard boiled eggs! The eggs come out perfectly cooked every time and they peel like a dream.

Wondering what to make with hard boiled eggs? Try Egg Salad, Deviled Eggs or Avocado Egg Salad.

Seven eggs on trivet in Instant Pot.

When I got my first Instant Pot years ago, hard boiled eggs were one of the very first things that I cooked in it. I was instantly impressed with how easy to cook and easy to peel Instant Pot hard boiled eggs are. If you’ve been looking for a super simple, reliable way to cook perfect hard boiled eggs, the Instant Pot is the answer!

Why I Love Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

  • Easy Peel. Perhaps the best part about Instant Pot hard boiled eggs may be how easy they are to peel. The shells practically fall off.
  • Hands-Off. There’s no fuss with this easy recipe. I love that I don’t have to watch a pot on the stove or adjust the heat under a pot to get the perfect boil.
  • Perfectly Cooked Eggs, Every Time. Cooking eggs in the Instant Pot is foolproof. With this recipe, I don’t have to worry about over-cooked or under-cooked eggs.

PERFECTION! I just got my Instapot (I know, a little behind the times) and this was my first recipe. They came out perfect and I’ve been boiling eggs on my stove for decades. No more of that for me! Thank you so much for the 6qt specifics too – exactly what I needed. Cheers to you and I’ll be trying more recipes of yours soon.

Michelle
Partially peeled eggs with one hard boiled egg cut in half.

If you’re new to using an Instant Pot, you’ll find my beginner’s guide on how to use an Instant Pot helpful.

How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

The method for making hard boiled eggs depends on whether you have a 6 quart or 8 quart Instant Pot. For most recipes, the size of your Instant Pot doesn’t matter, but eggs are an exception. I’ve tested this recipe again and again in both my 6 quart and 8 quart pots, and I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you achieve the best results.

6 Quart Pot: The 5-5-5 Method

When I cook eggs in my 6 quart Instant Pot, I use the 5-5-5 method:

  • 5 minutes of pressure cooking at high pressure.
  • 5 minute natural release.
  • 5 minutes in an ice bath.

8 Quart Pot: The 5-5 Method

When I tried cooking hard boiled eggs in my 8 quart Instant Pot using the 5-5-5 method, the eggs came out overcooked, with the dreaded green ring around the yolk. I did some experimenting and found that it’s best to skip the 5 minute natural release when using the 8 quart pot to cook eggs. So I use what you might call the 5-5 method:

  • 5 minutes of pressure cooking at high pressure
  • Quick release.
  • 5 minutes in an ice bath

Why is a quick release better when cooking eggs in an 8 quart Instant Pot? Since the 8 quart Instant Pot is larger, it takes more time to come to pressure before the cook time starts, as well as more time to release pressure after cooking (even with a quick release). That means that your eggs are getting a few extra minutes of cooking time. If you were to add on a 5 minute natural release as well, that would be even more cooking time, which would lead to overcooked eggs.

Using tongs to place cooked egg in bowl of ice water.

How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in an Instant Pot

  1. Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
  2. Place the metal trivet or an egg steamer rack in the Instant Pot.
  3. Put up to 12 eggs in a single layer on the trivet.
  4. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure that the steam release valve is in the sealing position.
  5. Pressure cook for 5 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take about 5 minutes to reach pressure and then the cook time will start counting down.
  6. When the cook time ends, if using a 6 quart pot let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes (set a timer!) and then quick release any remaining pressure. If using an 8 quart pot quick release the pressure right away.
  7. Immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water (ice bath) for 5 minutes. The ice bath stops the cooking process so that your eggs don’t overcook.
  8. Peel and enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator with the shells on.

Note: While these cook times always work perfectly for me, both eggs and Instant Pots can vary. If you find that your eggs aren’t cooked how you like them, it’s easy to adjust the cook time by a minute or two with future batches to get them just right.

How to Peel Hard Boiled Eggs

Tap the eggs on your counter to crack the shell in a few places. Use your fingers to remove the peels, starting from the wider end of the egg. The peels will literally fall off of pressure cooked eggs!

Partially peeled hard boiled eggs.

How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last?

Hard boiled eggs are a good source of protein and perfect for meal prep since they store well in the refrigerator. I cook a batch of hard boiled eggs most weeks so that they’re ready to grab for quick breakfasts and snacks.

Hard boiled eggs can be stored for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Store them promptly after they cool in the ice bath. Don’t peel the eggs until you are ready to eat them; they will stay freshest stored in their shells. Hard boiled eggs do not freeze well. The egg whites have an unpleasant texture after freezing.

Seven eggs on trivet in Instant Pot.
4.91 from 11 ratings

Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Servings: 12 eggs
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
How to make perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. Cooking hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot is quick, easy and hands-off. This method produces the best easy peel hard boiled eggs!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water, use 1.5 cups for 8 quart pot
  • large eggs, up to 12
  • ice + water

Instructions
 

  • Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot. Put the metal trivet or an egg steamer rack in the pot.
  • Place eggs in a single layer on top of the trivet.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid and move the steam valve to the sealing position.
  • Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
  • When the cooking time is finished: If using a 6 quart Instant Pot, do a 5 minute natural release (leave the Instant Pot alone for 5 minutes – set a timer!) and then quick release any remaining pressure. If using an 8 quart Instant Pot, quick release the pressure as soon as the cook time ends by carefully moving the steam release valve to the venting position. I usually do this with the handle of a long serving spoon.
  • When the float valve drops down, the pressure has been released and it is safe to open your Instant Pot. Carefully remove the lid and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water using tongs, a spoon or an oven mitt.
  • Let the eggs cool in the ice water for 5 to 10 minutes. Then peel and serve or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Store eggs with the shells on since they stay fresher that way.

Notes

  • If your eggs are extra large, you may need to add a minute or two to the cook time.
  • While these cook times always work perfectly for me, both eggs and Instant Pots can vary. If you find that your eggs aren’t cooked how you like them, it’s easy to adjust the cook time by a minute or two with future batches to get them just right. I suggest doing a test batch with just 2 eggs to start.
Serving: 1egg, Calories: 70kcal, Protein: 6g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 185mg, Sodium: 70mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.
This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!