Cooking eggs in an Instant Pot is a game changer for anyone who loves eggs but hates the uncertainty of stovetop boiling. Whether you want soft, medium, or hard-cooked eggs, the Instant Pot delivers consistent, easy-to-peel results that will make your mornings and meal prep a breeze. Let’s dive into how you can master cooking eggs in your Instant Pot with simple steps and foolproof timing.
Why Cook Eggs in an Instant Pot?
– Consistency: No more guessing or watching the clock. The Instant Pot cooks eggs evenly every time.
– Easy Peeling: Eggs cooked in the Instant Pot peel effortlessly, with shells sliding off cleanly.
– Time-Saving: You don’t need to monitor the pot, freeing you up for other tasks.
– Batch Cooking: You can cook from 2 up to 14 eggs at once, depending on your pot size and rack arrangement.
– Versatility: Perfect for soft-boiled eggs for breakfast, medium for salads, or hard-boiled for deviled eggs and snacks.
What You’ll Need
– Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
– Trivet or steamer basket (usually comes with the Instant Pot)
– 1 cup of water
– Eggs (from 2 up to 14, depending on your pot size)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Eggs in the Instant Pot
1. Prepare Your Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet or steamer basket inside. Arrange the eggs in a single layer on the rack, making sure they don’t touch the water directly or each other too tightly to avoid cracking.
2. Seal and Set
Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it. Set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the timer according to your desired egg doneness (see cooking times below). Make sure the pressure is set to high.
3. Cooking Times for Perfect Eggs
| Egg Type | Pressure Cooking Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Cooked (runny yolk) | 2-3 minutes | Whites set, yolk is runny |
| Medium Cooked (jammy yolk) | 4-5 minutes | Yolk slightly set but creamy |
| Medium Cooked (more set yolk) | 5-6 minutes | Firmer yolk, good for salads |
| Hard Cooked (fully cooked yolk) | 6-8 minutes | Fully cooked yolk, great for deviled eggs |
Note: The time starts once the pot reaches full pressure, which usually takes about 5 minutes. After cooking, immediately release the pressure manually for soft and medium eggs to prevent overcooking. For hard eggs, a quick release works well too.
4. Ice Bath for Easy Peeling
Prepare an ice bath (a bowl of cold water with ice). Once the cooking cycle finishes and pressure is released, use tongs to transfer the eggs immediately into the ice bath. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes. This step stops the cooking process and makes peeling much easier.
5. Peel and Enjoy
After chilling, gently tap the eggs on a hard surface and peel. The shells should come off easily, leaving smooth, intact eggs perfect for any dish.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Eggs
– Use room temperature eggs for the most consistent results, especially for hard-boiled eggs.
– Don’t overcrowd the rack; eggs should be in a single layer or stacked carefully without cracking.
– The size of your Instant Pot (usually 6-quart) can affect timing slightly, so adjust if needed.
– For soft and medium eggs, quick pressure release is essential to avoid overcooking.
– Store peeled or unpeeled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Eggs
– No more guessing or uneven cooking.
– The peel slides off like magic, saving you frustration.
– Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or recipes like deviled eggs, egg salad, and breakfast bowls.
– You can cook a dozen eggs at once, saving time and energy.
Cooking eggs in the Instant Pot is simple, reliable, and produces delicious results every time. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you ever boiled eggs on the stove!