I use a simple 5-5-5 method: 5 minutes at high pressure, 5 minutes of natural pressure release, and 5 minutes in an ice water bath. Once you get the timing down for your Instant Pot, you’ll have an easy, reliable way to make hard boiled eggs whenever you need them.

Hard boiled eggs are great to have ready in the refrigerator for the week. Use them to make deviled eggs or egg salad, slice them over a salad for lunch, or grab one for a quick, protein-packed snack. Having a batch ready to go makes it so much easier to add a little extra protein to your day.

The Instant Pot 5-5-5 Method

The 5-5-5 method is an easy way to remember how I make hard boiled eggs in my Instant Pot:

• 5 minutes: Cook the eggs on high pressure.
• 5 minutes: Let the pressure release naturally.
• 5 minutes: Transfer the eggs to an ice water bath.

That’s it! The combination of pressure cooking, a short natural release, and an ice bath gives you consistently cooked eggs with firm whites, creamy yolks, and shells that are easy to peel.

Keep in mind that Instant Pots and egg sizes can vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the pressure-cooking time by a minute or two to get the yolk exactly how you like it. Once you find your perfect timing, you can repeat it every time you make a batch.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Start with large eggs.
The timing in this recipe is based on large eggs. If you’re using a different size, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Give the 5-5-5 method a try first.
Different Instant Pot models and egg sizes can produce slightly different results. Start with 5 minutes on high pressure and see how the yolk looks. If you prefer a softer yolk, reduce the pressure-cooking time by a minute. For a firmer yolk, add a minute. Once you find the timing you like, you can use it every time.

Keep the eggs elevated above the water.
Use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot, a steam basket, or an egg rack to keep the eggs above the water. In my 6-quart Instant Pot, I can usually fit 8-12 eggs in a single layer on the bottom of the trivet or basket.

Set a timer for the 5-minute natural release.
When the Instant Pot beeps that the pressure cooking is finished, don’t touch anything. Set a timer for 5 minutes and let the pressure release naturally. When the timer goes off, carefully move the steam release valve to “venting” to release the remaining pressure.

Don’t skip the ice bath.
As soon as the 5-minute natural release is complete, release the remaining pressure and transfer the eggs directly to the ice water bath. Don’t leave them sitting in the pressure cooker, because they’ll continue cooking.

Peel them gently.
To peel the eggs, tap them gently on the counter in several places to loosen the shell, then use your fingers to carefully remove it. I find that starting at the wider end of the egg can also make peeling easier.

Make a batch ahead of time.
Hard boiled eggs are great to have ready in the refrigerator for quick breakfasts, snacks, salads, and egg salad. Store them unpeeled in an airtight container for up to a week, or peel them and use within 3 days.

Ingredients

• Large eggs – I typically cook 8–12 eggs at a time in my 6-quart Instant Pot.
• Water – You’ll need 1 cup for the Instant Pot.
• Ice and cold water – For the ice water bath after cooking.

How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot

1. Add the water. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
2. Add your trivet or basket. Place the Instant Pot trivet, a steam basket, or an egg rack inside the pot. This keeps the eggs elevated above the water.
3. Add the eggs. Carefully place the eggs in a single layer on the trivet, steam basket, or egg rack.
4. Pressure cook. Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the steam release valve to “sealing.” Press Pressure Cook and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure. On some Instant Pot models, this may be labeled “Manual.”
5. Prepare the ice bath. While the eggs are cooking, fill a large bowl with 1–2 cups of ice and enough cold water to come within a couple of inches of the top of the bowl.
6. Allow a 5-minute natural release. When the Instant Pot beeps that the cooking time is complete, don’t touch anything. Set a timer for 5 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally. When the 5 minutes are up, carefully turn the steam release valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
7. Transfer the eggs to the ice bath. Once the pressure has been completely released, carefully remove the eggs with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them directly into the ice water bath.
8. Chill for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes in the ice bath, the eggs are ready to peel and enjoy. Store peeled eggs in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or leave them unpeeled and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

How Long Do You Cook Eggs in an Instant Pot?

For large eggs, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release, then place the eggs in an ice water bath for 5 minutes. Instant Pots and egg sizes can vary, so you may need to experiment slightly to find the timing that works best for you.

How to Use Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Having hard boiled eggs ready in the refrigerator makes so many meals and snacks easier! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:

• Deviled eggs – Perfect for a party, holiday dinner, or just because you love them.
• Egg salad – Chop them up and turn them into an easy lunch.
• Salads – Slice an egg over your favorite green salad for an easy protein boost.
• Quick snacks – Grab one straight from the refrigerator when you need something filling between meals.

I love having a batch of hard boiled eggs ready to go because they’re such an easy way to add protein to breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eggs can you cook in an Instant Pot?

The number of eggs depends on the size of your Instant Pot and what you’re using to hold them. In my 6-quart Instant Pot, I typically cook 8–12 large eggs at a time using the trivet, a steam basket, or an egg rack.

Do the eggs need to be covered with water in the Instant Pot?

No. You only need 1 cup of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot. The eggs sit elevated above the water on a trivet, steam basket, or egg rack and cook in the steam created by the pressure cooker.

Why do my hard boiled eggs have a green ring around the yolk?

A greenish ring around the yolk can happen when eggs are overcooked. Following the 5-minute pressure cook, 5-minute natural release, and 5-minute ice bath method helps prevent overcooking.

How long do Instant Pot hard boiled eggs last in the refrigerator?

Hard boiled eggs can be refrigerated for up to 1 week when stored unpeeled. If you’ve already peeled them, store them in an airtight container and use them within 3 days.