Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs: Perfect Easy Peel Eggs

Instant Pot hard boiled eggs are a game changer!

Whether you need a quick snack, meal prep staple, or the perfect addition to potato salad, instant pot hard boiled eggs come out perfectly every single time.

Using the foolproof 5-5-5 method, you’ll get easy peel eggs with creamy yolks and tender whites, making the dreaded green ring a thing of the past.

Let’s dive into the easiest way to make perfect hard-boiled eggs every time.

Why the Instant Pot is the Best Way to Make Hard Boiled Eggs

Using the Instant Pot ensures consistent results with minimal effort on your part in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s the top method:

• Perfect eggs every time: No more guessing the right cooking time or worrying about different results.
• Easy to peel: The pressure cooking process loosens the membrane from the shell, making peeling a breeze. Even those farm fresh eggs peel easily, unlike other methods.
• Effortless cooking method: Simply set it, let it cook, and enjoy perfect hard-boiled eggs.
• Great for meal prep: Cook a batch of eggs in a single layer for the week in less time than stovetop methods, with less hands on effort.

What You’ll Need to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Equipment

• 6-quart Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker)
• Steamer basket or egg rack that comes with your instant pot (optional)
• Slotted spoon or tongs for easy egg removal

Ingredients

• Eggs (with this recipe, even fresh eggs peel easily!)
• 1 cup of water – I do use filtered water in case one of the eggs happens to crack and come into contact with the water.
• Large bowl filled with ice water for the ice bath

How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Step 1: Add Eggs and Water

Add the steamer basket or egg rack to the instant pot. (Note: the rack is optional, but does help to ensure even heating of the eggs because it disrupts contact with the eggs on the bottom of the pot.)

Place the eggs in a single layer on the rack.

Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

Step 2: Pressure Cook the Eggs

Secure the lid and set the pressure valve switch to “sealing.”

Depending on your model the buttons might be different, but the timing stays the same. Press the egg button, the manual button or “Pressure Cook” and set the cook time to 5 minutes on high pressure.

Step 3: Natural Release for 5 Minutes

Once the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes (you’ll see the minutes of natural pressure release countdown on the screen of your instant pot).

Step 4: Quick Release and Ice Bath

After the 5 minute natural release, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release of the remaining pressure.

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the eggs immediately into a large bowl filled with ice water for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and helps create easy peel eggs.

Step 5: Peel the Eggs

The easiest way I’ve found to peel hard boiled eggs is to crack the entire shell evenly before beginning to peel it. You can tap it on the counter and then gently roll it on the counter to break up the shell.

You’ll notice how easily the shell comes off with this cooking and peeling method. In most of the eggs, the majority of the shell comes off in one piece!

Tips for the Best Results Making Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

• Fresh Eggs: Surprisingly, even fresh eggs peel easily using this method, unlike stovetop methods.
• Ice Water Bath: Don’t skip the ice bath—it’s the best way to ensure the shells come off easily.
• Different Sizes: For extra large eggs, add an extra minute to the cook time.
• When in doubt, remember the 5-5-5 method! 5 minutes of pressure cooking, 5 minutes of natural pressure release before releasing the rest of the pressure manually, 5 minutes in the ice bath before peeling.

Uses and Storage for Hard Boiled Eggs

Uses:

• Slice for egg salad sandwiches or green salads.
• Decorate for Easter eggs.
• Bring the family favorite deviled eggs for the Thanksgiving or Christmas potluck. Consider bringing them along side my from scratch green bean casserole or herb roasted turkey breast to steal the show.
• Enjoy as a perfect snack or quick protein boost with your breakfast or midday break.

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Note: freezing whole hard boiled eggs won’t give you a great result. The whites will become tough, rubbery, and all around unappealing. However, the yolks freeze and thaw well if you want to save those for garnishes or future recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions for Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs