Ready in: 15 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Instant Pot Cooking · Storage: Up to 1 week in fridge.
Quick Answer
To make perfect hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot, cook them for just 5 minutes, then let them cool in an ice bath for easy peeling.
As the cool breeze of November begins to settle in New York City, I find myself preparing for the festive season ahead. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, followed closely by Christmas, and I'm reminded of all the delicious gatherings with family and friends that await. With an eye for practicality in the kitchen and a heart full of nostalgia for holiday traditions, I recently re-discovered a kitchen marvel that's perfect for those bustling months-Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs.
These eggs are not just about taste; they're a delightful addition to any holiday spread. But what makes them truly special in my home is how they're consistently perfect, with no cracks, no greenish yolks, and a peel that slips off effortlessly. This recipe has quickly become a staple for my gatherings, be it for deviled eggs, egg salad, or simply plated as a wholesome snack. Let's dive into the process!
A Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Snack
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Consistently perfect hard boiled eggs every time, with no cracks or greenish yolks.
- Effortless peeling process, leaving smooth and beautiful eggs for serving.
- Quick cooking time of just 5 minutes, making it a practical option for busy holiday gatherings.
- Versatile use-great for deviled eggs, egg salad, or as a wholesome snack.
- A trusty method that saves time and effort during the holiday hustle.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for the perfect hard boiled eggs:
Eggs
- 6 large eggs
Water
- 1 cup of water
Optional
- A pinch of salt (for flavor)
How to Make Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs in your Instant Pot:
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
Start by pouring 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This is essential for generating steam, which cooks the eggs to perfection. If you have a trivet or a steamer basket, place it in the pot.
Step 2: Arrange the Eggs
Carefully place the eggs on the trivet or in the steamer basket. You can layer them if you need to cook more than six, ensuring they don't touch each other to prevent cracking.
Step 3: Set the Cooking Time
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Using the manual setting, adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes. Yes, just 5 minutes! It's amazing how quickly you can have perfectly cooked eggs.
Step 4: Natural Release
After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Don't rush this! This step helps prevent the yolk from developing that unappetizing green ring.
Step 5: Ice Bath
After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure. Using tongs, transfer the eggs to the bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This cools down the eggs swiftly and makes peeling them much easier.
Step 6: Peel and Enjoy
The moment of truth! Tap the egg gently on a hard surface, roll it to crack the shell, and begin peeling. You'll find that the shell comes off with ease, leaving behind a beautiful, smooth egg that's ready for any dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the ice bath, which can result in overcooking and difficulty peeling.
- Forgetting to seal the pot; ensure the valve is set to sealing for proper cooking.
- Crowding the pot with too many eggs, leading to uneven cooking; stick to one layer of eggs.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a creamier yolk, reduce cooking time to 4 minutes-experiment to find your perfect doneness.
- Use eggs that are at least a week old for easier peeling.
- Adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water can aid in easy peeling.
- Be patient during the natural pressure release phase for the best texture.
Variations
- Use different types of eggs such as organic or free-range for varied taste.
- Add herbs or spices to the cooking water for flavor-enhanced eggs.
- Experiment with different cooking times for softer or firmer yolks.
How to Serve
- Slice eggs for a classic egg salad.
- Serve whole as a healthy snack with a sprinkle of salt.
- Use in deviled egg recipes for a festive appetizer.
- Chop and add to mixed greens for a nutritious salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Hard boiled eggs can be made a day in advance for easy access during busy holiday preparations.
- Storage: Store eggs in their shells in the fridge for up to one week. For peeled eggs, keep in a sealed container with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
- Reheating: To enjoy hard boiled eggs warm, briefly place them in hot water for a few minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the eggs.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Patience during the natural pressure release phase is key to achieving the perfect texture-fluffy whites and creamy yolks every time. Each batch serves as a reminder that elevating simple ingredients can create something special, especially during the festive season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 eggs · Serving Size: 1 egg
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~70 calories · 6g protein · 1g carbs · 5g fat
Recipe by:
Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by pouring 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot and place the trivet or steamer basket inside.
- Carefully arrange the eggs on the trivet or in the steamer basket, avoiding any contact to prevent cracking.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual for 5 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Tap each egg gently on a hard surface, roll to crack the shell, and peel it off for a smooth finish.
Notes
FAQs
How long do I need to cook the eggs in the Instant Pot?
For perfectly hard boiled eggs, set the cooking time to just 5 minutes. After that, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before transferring the eggs to an ice bath.
Can I use this method for more than six eggs at once?
Yes, you can layer eggs in the Instant Pot, but make sure they do not touch each other to prevent cracking. Just remember to keep the layers minimal for even cooking.
What should I do if my eggs are hard to peel?
If you're having difficulty peeling the eggs, consider using eggs that are at least a week old, as fresher eggs tend to stick to the shell. Additionally, an ice bath after cooking helps to make peeling easier.
