Instant Pot Boiled Eggs

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook, making everything from stews to desserts easier and more efficient. But did you know it can also simplify the process of boiling eggs? This guide will provide a foolproof recipe for Instant Pot boiled eggs that are easy to peel and perfectly cooked every time.

Ingredients:

• Eggs (10 in number)
• Water (4 cups, divided into two parts)
• Ice (1 cup)

Optional Ingredients:

• Fresh chives for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Start by arranging the trivet in the basin of your Instant Pot. This handy accessory comes with your pot and is perfect for making sure your eggs are evenly cooked.
2. Pour 2 cups of water into the pot. The steam generated by this water will pressure cook the eggs to perfection.
3. Carefully arrange your eggs on the trivet. You can fit quite a few eggs in at once, but for this recipe, we’ll stick with ten.
4. Now, it’s time to start cooking. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
5. While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath using the remaining 2 cups of water and the 1 cup of ice. This will be used to stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.
6. After the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the steam for 5 minutes.
7. Once the 5 minutes are up, use a pair of tongs to carefully remove the eggs from the pot and place them into the ice bath. Leave them there for another 5 minutes.
8. Now, it’s time to peel your eggs. You’ll find that the shells come off much easier than with traditional boiling methods.
9. Slice the eggs in half and arrange them on a serving dish. If you like, you can sprinkle them with fresh chives for a bit of extra flavor and a pop of color.

Recipe Tips:

• Consistency: For the most consistent results, try to use eggs that are the same size and from the same batch. Different sizes and ages of eggs can cook at slightly different rates.
• Peeling: Gently tap the boiled egg on a hard surface to create small cracks all around before peeling. This makes the shell come off more easily.
• Cooking Time: If you prefer your yolks a bit more runny, try reducing the natural release time by a minute or two.
• Storing: If you’re not planning on eating all your boiled eggs right away, leave them unpeeled and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll last longer this way.
• Safety: Always make sure to use oven mitts or tongs when removing hot eggs from the Instant Pot to prevent burns.
• Quantity: If you want to cook fewer eggs, the cooking time remains the same. The quantity of eggs doesn’t affect the cooking time.

Substitutions:

• Chives: If you don’t have chives on hand, you can substitute them with green onions (scallions), leeks, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs like dill or parsley for a touch of freshness.
• Ice Bath: If you run out of ice, simply use cold water for the bath. It might take a bit longer to cool the eggs, but it will still get the job done.
• Trivet: If your Instant Pot didn’t come with a trivet or you’ve misplaced it, you can roll up a few pieces of aluminum foil into coils or use a heat-proof dish that fits inside the pot to keep the eggs off the bottom.
• Water: No need to stick with plain water. For a flavor twist, try using broth or adding seasonings to the water before cooking the eggs.

FAQs:

1. Can I use this method with other types of eggs? Yes! This method works well with most types of eggs, including duck and quail eggs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I cook more than 10 eggs at once? Absolutely. As long as they fit on the trivet without stacking, you can cook as many eggs as you’d like.
3. Does the number of eggs I put in an Instant Pot matter? Not at all. The cooking time remains the same regardless of how many eggs you cook at once. However, try not to stack too many eggs and ensure there’s enough water in the pot – 1 cup for a 3 or 6 quart Instant Pot, and 1.5-2 cups for an 8 quart.
4. Do the eggs have to be submerged in the Instant Pot? No, they don’t. The eggs should be suspended above the bottom of the pot and the water. Pouring 1 cup of cold water into a 6-quart Instant Pot is sufficient to generate the steam needed for cooking the eggs, without submerging them
5. How can I prevent eggs from exploding in the Instant Pot? To avoid egg explosion, let the eggs come to room temperature before pressure cooking, use cold water in the pot, and ensure the eggs don’t have any cracks
6. Should eggs be at room temperature before using the Instant Pot? Yes, it’s recommended to let your eggs come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent temperature shock and ensures they don’t crack.

Making boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and nearly foolproof. The result is perfectly cooked eggs that are easy to peel every time. Whether you’re making deviled eggs for a party or just preparing a quick snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot boiled eggs!