Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (5-5-5)

Name: Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (5-5-5)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 eggs ((room temperature))

If you've ever struggled with hard-to-peel shells or inconsistent results, these Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs are about to change your life! Using the popular 5-5-5 method, you'll get perfectly cooked eggs with creamy yolks and shells that peel like a dream. So, whether you're making keto deviled eggs or just a quick protein snack, this foolproof method works beautifully in an Instant Pot or a Ninja Foodi.

instant pot boiled eggs in a white plate with a dish towel with a chicken on it

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If you came here to learn about natural egg dyes or dying eggs with onion skins, this isn't that kind of post! These colorful eggs come from my chicken flock, no dye needed. In this post, I'll show you everything you need to know to boil eggs flawlessly in an Instant Pot.

Whether you have a flock of chickens, like I do, or grab your eggs from the local grocery store, making boiled eggs in a pressure cooker is a game-changer!

So what is the 5-5-5 method? Simply put, the eggs are pressure-cooked on high for 5 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release, then a 5-minute ice bath. Simple, right? But incredibly effective, and the shells practically slide right off.

Jump to:

Ingredients & Substitutions
How to Make Instant Pot Boiled Eggs
Serving Ideas
FAQs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pro Tips
More Pressure Cooker Recipes
Recipe
Comments

Ingredients & Substitutions

Eggs: You need 1 dozen eggs (or however many eggs you want to cook at a time), as long as they fit without crowding.
Water: Add 1 cup for a 5 or 6-quart pot, and 1-½ cups for an 8-quart pot.

You'll need an Instant Pot or a Ninja Foodi with a rack or a trivet. If you plan on cooking more than 12 eggs at a time, I recommend using a stackable egg steamer rack.

How to Make Instant Pot Boiled Eggs

Step 1: If you're using eggs from your own flock, be sure to gently wash off any dirt or debris before cooking.

Step 2: Place the trivet inside the pressure cooker, then pour 1 cup of water into the pot. Carefully place room-temperature eggs in a single layer on the trivet to keep them above the water. Secure the lid in place, then set the lever to the sealing position.

Step 3: Turn your Instant Pot on and select high pressure for 5 minutes. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes (you may want to set a timer). When the time is up, do a quick release to vent the remaining steam.

Pro Tip: While your pressure cooker is venting, prepare the ice bath by adding ice and water to a medium-sized bowl.

Step 4: Transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. Peel eggs and enjoy, store them in the fridge, or use them in your favorite recipe.

water and ice in a bowl with colorful eggs

peeled eggs in an open hand with eggs and peels below it

Serving Ideas

Chop some of your Instant Pot boiled eggs into an egg salad or add them to a dill pickle potato salad. Slice over avocado toast, or layer them into an Israeli sabich sandwich. You can also make keto deviled eggs or a pot of Šaltibarščiai, also known as Lithuanian pink soup. So many delicious options to choose from!

FAQs

How long can you store peeled hard boiled eggs?

Peeled hard boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, keep them in an airtight container and place a damp paper towel over them to prevent them from drying out. If you notice any off smell or slimy texture, it's time to toss them out.

Do eggs need to be at room temperature before pressure cooking?

For better results, room temperature eggs work best. If you want to use refrigerated eggs, place them in a bowl of lukewarm water for 10 minutes to help bring them to room temperature more quickly.

Why are my hard boiled eggs hard to peel?

Super fresh eggs can be stubborn to peel. If possible, use older eggs because they peel much faster.

What if I want soft boiled eggs instead?

Reduce the pressure cook time to 3-4 minutes, but keep the other steps at 5 minutes each.

Why did my eggs crack in the Instant Pot?

A few cracked eggs are normal and usually happen from the pressure changes or overcrowding. They're still perfectly safe to eat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using eggs that are too fresh
Forgetting the trivet
Overcrowding the pot
Skipping the ice bath

Pro Tips

Use slightly older eggs for easier peeling.
Don't skip the ice bath. It stops the cooking process and helps the shells separate cleanly from the boiled eggs.
Whether you're cooking 4 eggs or a dozen, the timing stays the same. Just don't overcrowd to the point where eggs are jammed tightly together.
If you're meal prepping, leave the shells on until you're ready to eat. Unpeeled eggs stay fresh longer than peeled ones.
Use an egg rack for batch cooking. It lets you stack the eggs in layers safely without cracking them.

colorful boiled eggs in a white plate with a napkin under it

More Pressure Cooker Recipes

If you enjoyed this Instant Pot hard boiled eggs recipe, you may want to check out these other Instant Pot recipes, too!

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Hilda Sterner