The Instant Pot makes boiled eggs foolproof! Here’s how to make perfectly hard boiled and soft boiled eggs using your pressure cooker.
My stovetop boiled eggs are easy, but lately I’ve been reaching for my Instant Pot instead. I especially love it for soft-boiled eggs, which can be a little tricky to get just right on the stove.
As a bonus, Instant Pot eggs are incredibly easy to peel. The high pressure and temperature help loosen the shells so they practically slide right off.
Key Ingredients
- Eggs: Use as many eggs as will fit in a single layer. My 6-quart model fits 10 to 12 large eggs.
- Water: You’ll need a little water for cooking the eggs and an ice bath for when they are finished.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
Key Equipment
- Pressure cooker: An Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker.
- Trivet or steamer basket: This raises the eggs above the water. Most Instant Pots come with a suitable trivet.
- Slotted spoon or tongs: To safely transfer eggs to the ice bath.
How to Make Instant Pot Eggs
Tip 1: Set up the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet or steamer basket at the bottom. Then, arrange the eggs in a single layer on top.
Tip 2: Best cooking times. How long you cook the eggs depends on how soft or firm you want the yolks. Use the Manual or High Pressure setting. Here’s a guide for timing:
- 3 minutes: Soft, runny yolk with just-set whites. Ideal for dipping toast soldiers!
- 4 to 5 minutes: Jammy yolk, bright yellow center, firm whites. Great for ramen or salads.
- 6 to 7 minutes: Mostly set yolk with fully firm whites. Versatile for snacks or egg salad.
- 8 to 9 minutes: Completely cooked yolk. Perfect for deviled eggs or potato salad.
Tip 3: Manually release the pressure. Manually release the pressure right after cooking, then transfer the eggs to an ice water bath to stop them from overcooking. Once cool, peel. The shells should slide right off.
My Favorite Ways to Use Them
Soft-boiled eggs are all about the jammy, golden yolk. They’re perfect for topping ramen, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or salads. I also love them on avocado toast or served with buttered toast soldiers for dipping (one of my childhood favorites!).
Hard-boiled eggs are more sturdy and great for meal prep or quick snacks. Slice them for salads, turn them into deviled eggs, or mix them into potato salad, egg salad, or avocado egg salad.
Instant Pot Boiled Eggs
- PREP
- COOK
- TOTAL
These Instant Pot eggs couldn’t be simpler! If you’re looking for a 100% foolproof way to cook eggs, you’ve found it. This recipe works for both hard-boiled and soft-boiled eggs.
Please read the manufacturer’s instructions for your pressure cooker before following this recipe.
You Will Need
2 to 12 large eggs
1 cup water
Directions
1Set up the cooker: Place a steaming rack or metal trivet at the bottom of the pressure cooker (ours came with the 6-quart Instant Pot).
2Add water and eggs: Pour 1 cup of water into the pot, then place the eggs on the rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch the water.
3Pressure cook: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for your desired time. Suggested cooking times: 3 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 5 to 6 minutes for medium-boiled eggs, and 7 to 9 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
4Prepare the ice bath: While the eggs cook, fill a medium bowl with ice and water.
5Release pressure and cool: When the timer goes off, manually release the pressure, keeping your hands away from the steam. Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Let them sit for a few minutes, then peel and enjoy.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing unpeeled eggs: Refrigerate in their shells for up to 1 week in a bowl or airtight container. Soft-boiled eggs don’t keep as long, so plan to eat them within 2 days.
- Storing peeled eggs: Refrigerate right after cooling. To keep them moist, store them in a container of cold water (changing the water daily) or wrap them in damp paper towels and place them inside an airtight container. Eat within 5 days. We don’t recommend storing peeled soft-boiled eggs.
- Should I use the “Egg” setting? No need! Simply use the High Pressure setting. It’s simple, reliable, and allows you to customize the cook time for soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled eggs.
- What’s a manual release? A manual or quick-release lets you safely release the built-up steam as soon as the cooking time ends. Check your model’s manual for the specific button or valve to use.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
I just had major oral surgery and have been on a soft food/liquid diet for four days. This eating has not been pleasant until this morning. I took my instant pot and made a batch of the soft boiled eggs featured here. My life has changed, I am now happy again
I wanted to try my insta pot to make deviled eggs. My eggs were medium size so I set timer for 9 min but they were underdone. I did another batch at 11 min and it was better.