Last Updated on February 1, 2023 by Anne-Marie

Make Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs using the 5-5-5 and 6-6-6 methods. It’s easy to make perfect hard-boiled eggs in your pressure cooker.

Why this recipe works

Pressure cooker hard-boiled eggs are a major time saver when you need to make large batches of deviled eggs as a favorite snack or a party appetizer, too.

Not only can you cook large amounts of eggs in your Instant Pot. But you’ll find that the egg shells slip right off when you cook them in a pressure cooker.

No more tossing out half of your boiled eggs or saving them for egg salad sandwiches when the egg whites stick to the shells.

Below we'll explain when and why to use the 5-5-5 or 6-6-6 method for pressure cooking.

We'll also look at the 4-4-4 and 7-7-7 methods.

Ingredients

• eggs – the number will depend on the size of the pressure cooker and if using a stackable egg rack
• cold water
• ice

The best way to make pressure cooker hard-boiled eggs

1. Place the rack in the bottom of your Instant Pot pressure cooker.

You can use an Instant Pot wire rack or steamer basket if you have one.

You can also cook eggs with the pressure cooker metal trivet or steamer rack that came with your Instant Pot.

2. Add COLD water. If you use hot water, your eggs will crack when you add them.

3. Layer eggs in a single layer when using the steamer rack. Or place them in the egg rack.

4. Set the timer for 5 minutes on the High-pressure setting.

5. While the eggs are cooking, prepare your ice bath. You do this by placing ice cubes in a large bowl and filling it with cold water.

6. When done, do a Quick Pressure Release using a wooden spoon or kitchen towel to turn the vent knob to the vent position, so you don’t burn your hand. Then remove the pressure cooker lid.

7. Immediately remove the hard-boiled eggs from the Instant Pot.

8. Quickly place the eggs into the bowl of iced water.

Of course, the Instant Pot boiled eggs will be super hot, so use tongs to place them into the ice bath.

9. Remove eggs from the water bath and dry them with a paper towel. Crack or roll eggs on a paper towel covered countertop to carefully remove the shell.

Peel eggs before storing them in the refrigerator. Afterward, they’re harder to peel. The only egg-ception is dyed Easter eggs, which you’ll want to dye and then refrigerate for later.

Don’t leave pressure cooker eggs out for more than a couple of hours.

Should I use the 5-5-5 method or the 6-6-6 method?

You’ve probably seen recipes for the Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs 5-5-5 Method and Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs 6-6-6 Method. Which method should you use?

The best way to make pressure cooker eggs is the 5-5-5 Egg Instant Pot Method.

● 5 minutes to come to pressure cooking time

● 5 minutes quick release

● 5 minutes in an ice water bath

Using the ice-cold water bath is essential. That’s so you get easy peeling eggs for your deviled egg appetizers recipes like Wasabi Keto Deviled Eggs or Sriracha Keto Deviled Eggs.

When to use the 6-6-6 Method

However, if you prefer well-done hard-boiled eggs, use the 6-6-6 method.

Also, if you live at a high elevation, your eggs may need more cook time, so use the 6-6-6 method.

Some people who live at very high elevations may need to play around with the 6-6-6 and 7-7-7 methods for the best eggs.

The 4-4-4 method

Now that I told you about the 5-5-5 method, some people believe that the 4-4-4 method is best.

● Some folks like medium hard-boiled eggs so they cook their eggs with the 4-4-4 method.

● If you use farm-fresh eggs with smaller yolks, your eggs may cook more quickly, so use the 4-4-4 method.

● Your pressure cooker may take less cook time to make the perfect hard-boiled egg, so 4 minutes of cooking time may be the best for you.

Whatever method you choose, cool down the eggs for 5 minutes in a bowl of ice water, so you get easy peeling eggs!

Using an 8-quart pressure cooker?

This recipe is for a 6-quart electric pressure cooking pot.

If you’re using an 8-quart Instant Pot, use 1 1/2 cups of cold water.

Then, cook at high pressure for 3 minutes and do a quick pressure release.

Since it takes more time for a larger pressure cooker to come up to pressure, the eggs need less cooking time. (They’re in the pot longer.)

More Instant Pot tips

Not sure what size is best for you? The 6-Quart Instant Pot vs. 8-Quart Instant Pot. – Calling all pressure cooking fans. In this article, we’ll explore the differences and benefits of each size of pressure cooking pot.

Instant Pot Not Heating or Working? – This guide will help you figure out why your electric pressure cooker isn’t heating.

When Is It Safe to Open My Instant Pot? – Tips on how to safely do a quick pressure release, natural pressure release, and water test.

What is Natural Release vs. Quick Release on an Instant Pot? – Learn how to do a natural pressure release vs. a quick pressure release.

Cooking your first batch

When making your first batch of pressure cooker hard boil eggs, start with six eggs for five minutes.

If you like your results, then terrific! Use them in Seven Layer Salad or Avocado Deviled Eggs.

If not, you only messed up six eggs and can feed them to the dog.

Next, try another minute if you have soft-boiled eggs with runny yolks. Or cook for a minute less if you get over-cooked eggs.

What’s your favorite way to use hard-boiled eggs?