How to Make Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot

Through the years I have often struggled to find a fool proof easy method to hard boil eggs! When I started raising my own chickens, I quickly realized that farm fresh eggs are even more difficult to work with. Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot are incredibly easy, consistently perfect, and practically peel themselves. Whether you’re prepping for a week of lunches, making deviled eggs, or just love a good high-protein snack, this is the method that never fails.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot using the foolproof 5-5-5 method. Plus, I’ll answer all your egg-related questions and share some pro tips to make this process even easier.

Why Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is a game-changer in my kitchen with so many things, whether I’m making these hard boiled eggs or even Broth. Here’s why:

• Consistent Results: No guessing games—your eggs will come out perfectly cooked every single time.
• Easy to Peel: Even my farm-fresh eggs peel effortlessly.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it.
• Batch : You can easily cook a few or a dozen with the same cook time in batches. I don’t recommend putting more than one layer in the instant pot. I have tried this and it usually results in a couple cracked eggs. But the process is quick and easy enough to do a couple batches if you are looking to do a lot of them. My 8 quart Instant Pot holds 21 eggs in one batch!

The 5-5-5 Method (What It Means)

This simple method breaks down into three easy parts:

• 5 minutes pressure cooking
• 5 minutes natural release
• 5 minutes in an ice bath

Ingredients:

• 6–12 large eggs
• 1 cup cold water
• Ice and cold water (for ice bath)

Instructions:

Add Water to Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert.

Place the Eggs on the Trivet
Use the metal trivet that came with your Instant Pot or an egg rack. Gently place the eggs on top in a single layer.

Seal and Pressure Cook (5 Minutes)
Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (or Manual) and set the time for 5 minutes on High Pressure.

Natural Release (5 Minutes)
When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Transfer to Ice Bath (5 Minutes)
Immediately place the eggs in a bowl of ice water and let them sit for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking process and helps them peel easily.

How to Store Hard Boiled Eggs

• In the Shell: Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Peeled: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why are my eggs undercooked or overcooked?
Stick with the 5-5-5 method for large eggs. If you’re using extra-large eggs, add 1 extra minute of pressure cooking. If you’re at high elevation, consider adding a minute as well.

Why is there a green ring around the yolk?
This happens when eggs are overcooked. Using the Instant Pot 5-5-5 method eliminates this issue entirely.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

• Make sure to use an Instant Pot trivet: or a steamer basket to make this recipe! The eggs will crack while cooking if they are sitting on the bottom of the Instant Pot insert.
• Use a Steamer Basket for Large Batches: It keeps eggs secure and makes transfer easier.
• Peel Under Running Water: If you’re still having trouble peeling, a little water under the shell can help loosen it.

Variations

• Soft Boiled Eggs: Cook for 3 minutes on high pressure, quick release, and place in an ice bath for 3 minutes.
• Extra Firm Yolk: If you like a very firm yolk, cook for 6 minutes instead of 5.

Serving Ideas

Once you’ve made a batch of Instant Pot hard boiled eggs, the possibilities are endless:

• Quick Snacks: Add a little sea salt and pepper and enjoy.
• Egg Salad: Mix with mayo, mustard, and chopped celery.
• Deviled Eggs: Classic or spicy—always a crowd pleaser.
• Breakfast: Pair with toast, avocado, or eat on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stack the eggs in the Instant Pot?

When I tried this, I stacked 3 layers of eggs. I noticed that a few were cracked. I recommend doing a single layer. If you need more hard boiled eggs, I would do a couple batches. The process is so simple and quick.

Do eggs need to be submerged in water in the Instant Pot?

No, the eggs do not have to be submerged in the Instant Pot. In fact, they shouldn’t be. Here’s why:

In the Instant Pot method, the eggs are steamed, not boiled. You only need about 1 cup of water in the bottom of the pot, and the eggs should sit on a trivet or rack above the water, not directly in it. This creates steam under pressure, which cooks the eggs evenly and makes them easy to peel — even when they’re farm-fresh.

Can I use this method with quail or duck eggs?

Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the time slightly for quail eggs (try 2 minutes pressure cook). Duck eggs are slightly larger, so they may need 6 minutes.

How Long Do You Hard Boil Eggs in the Instant Pot?

To make hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot, set the cook time for 5 minutes at high pressure and wait for the pressure to build up. Then the 5 minute timer will begin once it’s up to pressure. After that, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release before doing a quick release. Then transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water for 5 more minutes. This totals to about 15 minutes start to finish, but the hands-on time is minimal.

You can adjust the pressure cook time slightly depending on how firm you want the yolk:

• 4 minutes: slightly softer, jammy center
• 6 minutes: extra firm yolk

What Is the 5-5-5 Rule for Eggs?

The 5-5-5 rule is just another name for the 5-5-5 method mentioned above. It’s a simple memory trick for making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot:

1. Cook for 5 minutes at high pressure
2. Let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes
3. Chill in an ice bath for 5 minutes

It’s the go-to method because it works for most types of eggs (especially large chicken eggs) and results in perfectly cooked yolks and easy-to-peel shells every time.

Does the temperature of the eggs matter before cooking?

Cold eggs straight from the fridge: These are perfectly fine to use and what most people do. They may take a few extra seconds to come up to pressure, but the 5-5-5 method (5 minutes pressure cook, 5 minutes natural release, 5 minutes in an ice bath) still works well.

Room temperature eggs: These may cook slightly faster, and the yolks might be a touch softer if you’re very precise. But for hard-boiled eggs, the difference is minimal.

Either cold or room-temp eggs will work great — just try to be consistent so you get predictable results every time.

What Is the Egg Button on the Instant Pot?

Many Instant Pot models come with a pre-programmed Egg button, designed specifically for cooking hard boiled eggs. When you press it, the Instant Pot typically sets a 5-minute cook time on high pressure, which aligns well with the 5-5-5 method.

However, not all models have this button—and if yours doesn’t, no worries! Just use Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer to 5 minutes. You’ll get the same result, especially when you follow up with the 5-minute natural release and ice bath.

More Farmhouse Recipes!

Making hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your kitchen routine. Whether you’re meal prepping or need quick snacks for the week, this method delivers every time—no guesswork, no mess, no stress.

Once you try the 5-5-5 method, you’ll never go back to stovetop boiling again.