Have you ever struggled with hard boiled eggs that won’t peel? Don't worry, you’re not alone! I make a batch of hard boiled eggs just about every week. They're great for quick breakfasts, snacks, and recipes like deviled eggs or egg salad. And once I started making them in the Instant Pot, I haven’t looked back.
My kids have even peeled them just because - well - it's fun!
This method gives you consistently cooked eggs with shells that practically slide right off. No frustration, no wasted eggs.
How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the quick version:
Place eggs on a trivet with water in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Cook under pressure, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes.
Release, then transfer to an ice bath.
That’s it!
How long do you cook hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot?
Cook eggs on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release and an ice bath.
This gives you fully set yolks and easy-to-peel eggs every time.
What is the 5-5-5 method?
The 5-5-5 method is one of the most popular ways to cook eggs in the Instant Pot:
- 5 minutes pressure cooking
- 5 minutes natural release
- 5 minutes in an ice bath
Why This Method Works
- The shells peel easily (no more sticking!)
- Eggs cook evenly every time
- Great for making a batch ahead for the week
- No need to babysit a pot on the stove
If you’ve ever dreaded peeling eggs, this method is a game changer!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- Ice + water (for ice bath)
How to Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
This is the easiest way I’ve found to make Instant Pot hard boiled eggs that turn out perfect every time.
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- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Place the trivet inside and arrange eggs on top.
- Lock the lid and set to High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Let the pot do a natural release for 5 minutes when the timer ends.
- Transfer eggs immediately to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Peel or refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips for Easy Peel Eggs
- Start peeling from the wider end where the air pocket is
- Use eggs that are a few days old (they peel easier)
- Don’t skip the ice bath—it stops the cooking process
- Tap gently and roll the egg before peeling
How Many Eggs Can You Cook at Once?
You can cook as many eggs as will fit on the trivet in a single layer.
The cook time stays the same whether you’re making 6 eggs or a dozen.
Why Are Instant Pot Eggs Easier to Peel?
Excuse me while I geek out on science for a sec. Pressure cooking forces a little moisture between the egg white and the shell.
That separation is what makes peeling so much easier compared to stovetop eggs.
It truly works—try it once and you’ll see!
How to Store Hard Boiled Eggs
- Store unpeeled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
- Keep peeled eggs in an airtight container
What to Make with Hard Boiled Eggs
Once you’ve got a batch ready, you’ve got options:
- Deviled eggs (perfect for Easter and potlucks)
- Egg salad
- Tuna salad with eggs
- Amish pasta salad
Make Ahead Tip
I like to make a batch at the beginning of the week so we always have something quick on hand. It's a great meal prep hack whether they're for breakfast on the go or an easy protein snack.
FAQ
Yes, you can. (Sorry). Too much cook time can lead to dry yolks. Stick to 5–6 minutes for best results.
Yes, you’ll want to keep the eggs elevated above the water so they steam properly.
Not necessarily, but it’s more consistent and much easier to peel. It's my preferred method!
Recipe
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
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Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- Ice + water for ice bath
Instructions
- Add 1 cup water to your Instant Pot and place trivet inside.
- Arrange 6 large eggs on the trivet.
- Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Allow to naturally release for 5 minutes.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
- Peel or refrigerate.
Notes
- Use slightly older eggs for easier peeling
- Ice bath is key for stopping cooking
- Great for meal prep
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Annie Hagy says
If you own an instant pot, you HAVE to use this recipe for hard boiled eggs. They come out perfectly, without the gray edges and are so easy to peel! The perfect topping for a salad.
Deanne says
Totally agree, Annie! Thanks for stopping in! 🙂
Annie Hagy says
If you own an instant pot, you HAVE to use this recipe for hard boiled eggs. They come out perfectly, without the gray edges and are so easy to peel! The perfect topping for a salad.