Hard Boiled Eggs: If you’ve ever struggled with peeling hard-boiled eggs or dealing with cracked shells, the Instant Pot might just be your new kitchen hero. With this simple method, you can achieve perfectly cooked and easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs in just under 20 minutes, with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a snack or preparing a batch for deviled eggs, follow these steps to enjoy hassle-free results.
Ingredients:
- Cold large eggs, straight from the fridge (as many as will fit in a single layer in your pressure cooker)
Method:

- Prepare the Pressure Cooker:
Place a steamer basket at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add 1/2 to 1 inch of water (1 to 2 cups) to the pressure cooker. The water level should be just below the steamer basket. - Add the Eggs:
Place the cold eggs onto the steamer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them or stack them, as this can lead to cracked eggs during cooking. - Pressure Up:
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam valve is set to “sealed.” Select high pressure and set the timer for 4 minutes (3 minutes for stovetop pressure cookers). The cooker will take around 5 to 10 minutes to reach full pressure before cooking begins. - Natural Release:
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to sit for 5 minutes with the lid on and the steam vent sealed. This step helps release steam naturally. (For stovetop pressure cookers, remove from heat.) - Quick-Release:
After the 5-minute natural release, carefully switch the steam valve to “venting” to quick-release any remaining pressure. - Cooling:
Transfer the cooked eggs to a bowl of cold water. You can add ice to speed up the cooling process, though it’s not necessary for easy peeling. Replace the water as needed until the eggs are cool. Once cooled, store the eggs in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
With this straightforward Instant Pot method, you’ll have a batch of perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs ready to enjoy. Whether you’re making salads, sandwiches, or a simple protein-rich snack, these eggs will peel effortlessly, making your culinary endeavors much more convenient.
Remember, if you’re cooking for a larger group, you can repeat the process in multiple batches. Just follow the steps and adjust the number of eggs and cooking time as needed.
Say goodbye to the frustration of peeling stubborn eggshells and hello to smooth and easily peeled hard-boiled eggs. With this technique, you’ll have a kitchen hack that simplifies your cooking routine and produces consistently excellent results.