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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot » How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    LAST UPDATED: February 2, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: March 12, 2017 By Toni Dash 118 Comments

    How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    slice hard boiled eggs with shells

    After lots of experimenting, this Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe delivers every time. A simple three-part process nails it. No more shell cracking while boiling and special tips for high altitude. 

    slice hard boiled eggs with shells

    Maybe it will seem weird but one of the first things that sprang to mind to master when getting my Instant Pot was a hard boiled eggs recipe. It’s not that I eat that many hard boiled eggs but they are tricky to make.

    With Easter coming I knew we’d soon be making lots of them and wondered if making them in the Instant Pot would be easier or with more predictable end results.

    For those of you about to click away because you TOO don’t eat hard boiled eggs consider this recipe for Huevos Diablo (spicy Devil Eggs) or this Bacon-and-Egg Salad Sandwich. They will cause the most ardent of non-hard boiled egg eaters to reconsider!

    Love using an air fryer? Try these Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs too!

    Jump to:
    • What Defines Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Finding the Best Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs method
    • Testing PERFECT Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • The BEST Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Mind-Blowing Instant Pot Tips You Need to Know!
    • Recipe
    peeled hard boiled egg made in an Instant Pot

    After 15 test batches, and dozens of eggs, I have mastered How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs! I’m very excited to share what I learned.

    First I set my personal criteria for the experiment…..

    What Defines Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    1. The eggs are cooked all the way through, white and yolk, without overcooking
    2. No eggshells crack in the process
    3. The eggs peel easily without removing any of the cooked egg white
    4. The three goals above are accomplished in the least amount of time
    sliced Instant Pot hard boiled eggs on a wood cutting board

    Finding the Best Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs method

    Before launching my experiment, I had tried a few methods I found online.

    My first observation was that there are MANY methods to cook Instant Pot hard boiled eggs online, and they are all different.

    • Some maintain you cannot cook the eggs on high pressure or they will crack.
    • There were multiple methods named with three numbers sounding like swim team drills my kids do: 5-5-5, 6-4-2, etc.
    • Some swear by quick release, others by slow release.

    It was really hard to know where to begin!

    close up of sliced hard boiled eggs made in an Instant Pot

    The two methods I tried didn’t work to meet my criteria.

    Both left the egg yolks uncooked fully as well as the peeling wasn’t predictable leaving the eggs looking gnawed on (not something I would want for a hard boiled egg recipe I was serving at a party).

    After this, I stopped the experimenting and dove into some research. This tidbit changed everything for me:

    “For every 1,000 feet above 2,000-foot elevation, you must increase cooking time by 5 percent.” – Mother Earth News

    I live at approximately 5,500 feet and though I have not run into issues with altitude affecting prior Instant Pot recipes, the precision of how to make perfect Instant Pot hard boiled eggs seemed possibly affected.

    This was a game changer in my experiment.

    eggs in an Instant Pot on trivet

    Testing PERFECT Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    I’ll spare you my elaborate spreadsheet of testing and results but I tested on low pressure and high pressure, with a quick pressure release and slow release, with an ice bath and without, conventional white eggs and cage-free pasture-raised brown eggs.

    My results showed cooking eggs on high pressure (I experienced no cracking with white eggs which are more thin-shelled or brown eggs), with a slow release of 5 minutes and another 5 minutes in an ice bath was the golden method.

    I was able to cook them on low pressure successfully (for a longer time) to my criteria too though it took longer and they weren’t quite as easy to peel.

    I think the ice bath serves to both cool the eggs and stop the cooking process as well as improves ‘peel-ability’; they peel like a dream.

    Instant Pot hard boiled eggs in an ice bath

    I did run into a surprise during this testing, however:  that these are the best hard boiled eggs I’ve ever eaten!

    The white is perfectly cooked without being rubbery.

    The yolks are light and fluffy with a beautiful flavor.

    They are also a brilliant yellow with no grayish outer ring from over cooking. I’m very excited about how to make the perfect Instant Pot hard boiled eggs!!

    The BEST Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    After extensive testing, I believe this is the best hard boiled egg recipe ever (seriously). It’s:

    • Fast
    • Easy
    • No shell cracking
    • Perfect easy peeling
    • I personally think it makes the best TASTING hard boiled eggs too.
    Halved Instant Pot hard boiled egg recipe with blue knife

    How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    Making fantastic hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is easy and takes three steps:

    • cooking with high pressure and the cooking time is based on altitude (and is rounded to a the nearest minute).
    • a 5 minute slow release, and
    • a 5 minute ice water bath.

    These eggs don’t crack and are very easy to peel, leaving the egg smooth.

    The great thing about the Instant Pot is that you can make 1 perfect hard boiled egg or a dozen at the same time.

    I suppose that is the same for making it on the stove top but I can’t predictably make hard boiled eggs on the stove without some cracking and the white oozing out.

    I was excited after landing on what I feel is the perfect Instant Pot hard boiled egg recipe.

    What I did NOT anticipate is how much better the flavor of the cooked eggs is!

    Fast forward a year after originally publishing this recipe and I make a batch of these eggs a week. I crave them now.

    I also have received a reader email weekly from those at high altitude letting me know that this recipe made the best hard boiled eggs they’ve had!

    Measuring cup of water with eggs in blue egg container

    If you need some inspiration about what to make with your eggs, these 22 Fantastic Recipes for Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs is sure to spark some inspiration (along with the recipes on the first page).

    If you are looking for some Easter Egg options I have you covered! I love these Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs – using food ingredients for dying. Have some spare ties laying around? Silk Dyed Easter Eggs are fun to make and any silk will work. Want something super easy?  Tattooed Easter Eggs use removable tattoos (that you can make yourself too). I used naturally blue colored eggs for these.

    Mind-Blowing Instant Pot Tips You Need to Know!

    After developing Instant Pot recipes for the past few years, I’ve uncovered some unexpected, useful tips I think you’ll want to know!

    Sign-Up below and I’ll tell you all my Instant Pot secrets!


    UPDATE July 2018: I’ve now made Instant Pot hard boiled eggs via this method weekly; probably 100 batches. The results are always consistent and the eggs delicious. The ONLY time I’ve found an issue with cracking has been with eggs from a specific local farm which I’ve observed have very thin shells.

    Recipe

    Halved Instant Pot hard boiled egg recipe with blue knife

    How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    This three part method of cooking hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is a proven success!  The cooking time is based on altitude and is rounded to a the nearest minute.
    5 from 30 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 1 dependent on quantity of eggs used
    Calories: 62kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup cold tap water
    • Large eggs (any amount)
    • Ice and cold water (for an ice bath)
    • 6-quart Instant Pot

    Instructions

    • Place the rack that comes with the Instant Pot in the insert. Pour in the 1 cup cold tap water. Add the eggs on the rack. 
      eggs in an Instant Pot on trivet
    • seal the lid of the Instant Pot positioning the pressure vent to SEALING.
      How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. After extensive testing this is a proven method for perfectly cooked eggs that peel like a dream (no shell cracking when cooking too)- BoulderLocavore.com
    • Select MANUAL, HIGH PRESSURE and using the “=/-” buttons insert the correct time for your altitude: 0-3,000 feet=8 minutes, 3,000-5,000 feet=9 minutes, 5,000-7,000 feet=10 minutes.
      How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. After extensive testing this is a proven method for perfectly cooked eggs that peel like a dream (no shell cracking when cooking too)- BoulderLocavore.com
    • When the cooking time has completed allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for 5 minutes then release the remaining pressure.
      How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. After extensive testing this is a proven method for perfectly cooked eggs that peel like a dream (no shell cracking when cooking too)- BoulderLocavore.com
    • Place the eggs (carefully using an oven mitt or kitchen towel, they will be very hot) into a bowl with cold water and ice for 5 minutes. Remove and peel or store in the refrigerator.
      Instant Pot hard boiled eggs in an ice bath

    Notes

    NOTE on Total Time: The total time listed accounts for the cooking time, slow release of 5 minutes, water/ice bath for 5 times and time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The time for the latter is an estimate and it could take longer to come to pressure.

    Nutrition Information
    is based on 1 hard boiled egg. Multiply times the number you make for complete information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 62kcal | Protein: 5g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 60mg | Vitamin A: 240IU | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 0.8mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Instant Pot Hearty Chicken Soup
    Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tiffany says

      April 16, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      What about someone at 8,099 feet? It’s my first Easter in our new home and I don’t want to mess up 😊

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 17, 2022 at 8:36 pm

        Hi Tiffany. Follow the guide for your altitude listed in the post and you should be fine!

        Reply
    2. Gracie says

      February 16, 2022 at 12:51 pm

      I am at a loss.. I have tried for weeks now with no consistency.
      One week, the 5-5-5 trick works great, and the eggs are perfect, the next I do the EXACT SAME THING and my eggs are basically undercooked watery things that are virtually inedible. Last night I even upped the cooking time to 6 mins on high pressure and waited 7 minutes on NPR and THEY CAME OUT WATERY GLOBS OF UNCOOKED EGGS!!!!
      Can you help me out with what I’m doing wrong?! I live at 1,500 ft and I really just don’t understand it and I’m tired of wasting eggs hahaha

      Reply
      • Gracie says

        February 16, 2022 at 12:57 pm

        And im just seeing now that you recommend 8 minutes instead of the 5-5-5 trick lol. I will try that next!!!!

        Reply
        • Toni Dash says

          February 16, 2022 at 5:48 pm

          The 5-5-5 method has never worked for me. The key is to adjust the time for your altitude (as well as the cooking and release process and using an ice bath). Follow the guidelines for your altitude and I think you’ll be pleased with the results!

    3. James says

      January 16, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      Used this as my first IP recipe today. Easy to follow. Live @ 5925′ in Centennial. Eggs came out perfect.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        January 17, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        So glad to hear it James and congrats on the IP! I really believe this method makes the best and most delicious hard boiled eggs of any method.

        Reply
    4. Marilyn Cross says

      January 03, 2022 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      I followed this recipe exactly. I live at 5,280 feet and they turned out perfectly

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        January 04, 2022 at 11:59 am

        So glad to hear it Marilyn! This is my all time favorite way to make hard boiled eggs. And I swear they taste better too.

        Reply
    5. Deidre Honig says

      June 28, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Perfect! Since moving to Denver I’ve been at a loss for making hardboiled eggs. This is the answer. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:54 pm

        I’m so glad! I have probably made hundreds of batches now and it’s still my favorite.

        Reply
    6. Brenda S says

      April 03, 2021 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      These eggs turned out great! I used time for high altitude (am at just over 7000 ft)

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 03, 2021 at 4:46 pm

        So glad to hear it Brenda!

        Reply
    7. Kim says

      April 03, 2021 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      I live at 5500 feet and this method is the only one I’ve found that works every time!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 03, 2021 at 11:27 am

        Yay! Me too.

        Reply
    8. Heather says

      March 15, 2021 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      I live at 9100 feet and cooked for 9 minutes. Yolks just beginning to show slight discoloration on the outside, so I could reduce the time (but I THINK hubby bought medium eggs!).

      Thanks for this! It sure beats waiting for the water to boil and then cooking for 19 minutes!

      Reply
    9. Dave says

      January 03, 2021 at 1:41 pm

      Not sure how I could mess this up, and I see all the great comments from others, but I didn’t have such great luck. I live in Colorado Springs, CO at about 6800 feet. I have a new 8 quart IP. Used a cup of water, high pressure for 10 min. Let sit for 5 minutes. 5 minute ice bath. Looked great. Pealed great. Tasted like fish. My son somehow choked his down (but he eats everything all the time), but I had to spit out my second bite. Thought it might be bad eggs but the rest of the dozen was fine. Thoughts?

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        January 03, 2021 at 3:29 pm

        Hi Dave. As noted, this recipe is based on using a 6 quart Instant Pot which requires 1 cup of water. In looking at the Instant Pot website they indicate an 8 quart model which you used required a minimum liquid amount of 2 cups. It would take longer to come to pressure for an 8 quart I would think and I’m unsure how the cooking time would be modified from 6 quart. This article on the Instant Pot website might be helpful.

        My guess would be the issue you experienced is a combination of no modification for an 8 quart Instant Pot, using the 8 quart at your altitude and possibly as you wondered that something may be going on with the eggs you used. I’ve probably made this recipe hundreds of times at this point and the eggs actually always taste better than those made on the stove top and never taste like anything weird like fish. Were they farm eggs or from a store? If from a store did you check the expiration date?

        If you have any more of the eggs (uncooked) there is a float test you can do to see if they are bad or not (not Instant Pot related, just in general).

        I’m sorry you had this experience. Trust me, Instant Pot hard boiled eggs are the best so it definitely sounds like something odd happened here. Your son is a champ!

        Reply
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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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