### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Foolproof Method**: No more guessing if your eggs are perfectly cooked—this method nails it every time.
– **Hands-Off Cooking**: The Instant Pot does all the work, while you’re free to tackle other tasks in the kitchen.
– **Easy to Peel**: Say goodbye to stubborn shells! These eggs practically peel themselves thanks to the steam pressure.
– **Customizable for Your Preferences**: Whether you like soft, medium, or hard yolks, the Instant Pot has your back.
– **Batch-Friendly**: Perfect for meal prep, these eggs can be made in large quantities without extra effort.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **Essentials**
– **Eggs**: Any size or variety will work (white, brown, cage-free, etc.). Choose fresh eggs for cooking, but keep in mind slightly older eggs peel even easier.
– **Water**: 1 cup is enough to create the steam needed for perfect cooking.
– **Optional Accessories**: A trivet or egg rack, while not required, helps keep the eggs elevated and evenly cooked.
#### **Pro Tips**
– If you want to cook different yolk levels (soft vs. medium), adjust the cooking time accordingly—3 minutes for soft, 5 minutes for hard.
– Cold eggs straight from the fridge work best for consistent results.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Set Up the Instant Pot**: Place your trivet or egg rack inside the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
2. **Arrange the Eggs**: Gently place your eggs on the trivet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not stacked.
3. **Select Your Cooking Time**:
– Soft-boiled: 3 minutes on high pressure.
– Medium-boiled: 4 minutes on high pressure.
– Hard-boiled: 5 minutes on high pressure.
4. **Pressure Cooking**: Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the manual or pressure-cook mode and the desired cooking time.
5. **Quick Release**: Once the timer beeps, perform a quick pressure release by carefully switching the valve to “Venting.” Wait until the pin drops.
6. **Ice Bath Time**: Use tongs to transfer the eggs into a bowl of ice water. Let them sit for at least 5 minutes—this stops cooking immediately and makes peeling a breeze.
7. **Peel and Enjoy**: Gently tap the eggs on a hard surface to crack the shells, then peel. They’re ready to enjoy right away or store for later!
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– Don’t overcrowd your Instant Pot. While you can cook as many eggs as fit in a single layer, doubling up can lead to uneven cooking.
– Not a fan of ice baths? Run the eggs under cold water for at least 2-3 minutes for a similar effect.
– If you’re peeling later, tap the egg shells lightly and return them to the fridge. The tiny cracks make them even easier to peel later!
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– **Deviled Eggs**: Use these perfectly cooked eggs to create your favorite deviled egg recipe. Add paprika or fresh dill for flair.
– **Egg Salad**: Dice and mix with mayo, mustard, and fresh chives for a creamy, tangy egg salad.
– **On-the-Go Snacks**: Keep a small batch in the fridge for quick protein-packed snacks.
– **Spicy Kick**: Sprinkle with chili powder and sea salt for an elevated snack.
– **Breakfast Additions**: Pair with avocado toast or toss in with sautéed veggies for an easy morning boost.
### **FAQs**
**1. Can I store these eggs for later?**
Absolutely! Store peeled or unpeeled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
**2. Can I freeze hard-boiled eggs?**
It’s not recommended to freeze the entire egg, as the whites get rubbery, but you can freeze the yolks if needed.
**3. Do I need to adjust the cook time for high altitude?**
Yes, you may need to add 1-2 minutes of pressure cooking time if you’re at a high altitude.
**4. What if my eggs crack during cooking?**
Small cracks are okay and won’t affect the taste, but avoid overcrowding to prevent cracks caused by bumping.
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### Perfect Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs
**Prep Time**: 5 minutes | **Cook Time**: 3-5 minutes | **Total Time**: 15 minutes
**Yield**: 6 eggs (or more, depending on your Instant Pot size)
#### **Ingredients**:
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup water
#### **Instructions**:
1. Place a trivet or egg rack in the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water.
2. Arrange eggs in a single layer on the trivet.
3. Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and choose the desired cook time: 3 minutes for soft-boiled, 4 for medium, 5 for hard.
4. Once done, perform a quick release and transfer eggs to an ice bath.
5. Let eggs sit in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling.
### Wrapping It Up
There you have it—foolproof Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel and tailor-made for your taste! I’d love to see your egg-cellent creations. Share your results and tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid or drop a comment below with your favorite way to enjoy these perfect eggs. Let’s make every meal time a celebration!
