Hard boiled eggs are used in so many recipes! Nobody likes rubbery egg whites or eggs that are a pain to peel. We have compiled a list of fool-proof methods for consistent, perfectly cooked boiled eggs every time!
Once you’ve mastered hard boiling your eggs, you can take on classic deviled eggs for an incredibly impressive appetizer. Our simple egg salad makes for a great side and can even be used to make an egg salad sandwich.
Hard boiled eggs are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes. Most people are familiar with the traditional stovetop method for boiling eggs, but you can also cook eggs in the instant pot, air fryer, and even the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Hard-boiled eggs are so versatile that you can use them in dozens of recipes.
- Our tips will help you achieve easy-to-peel eggs every time!
- Eggs are a great source of protein.
- No matter the method you prefer, eggs are quick to make!
- Use as an on-the-go snack and great in meal prepping for the week.
This recipe joins our back to basics series, where we go over the basic parts of cooking that can often be overlooked when getting into cooking. We go through everything, from how to cut an onion, to something more advanced, like pan searing the perfect chicken.
Ingredients:
- Large eggs- older eggs, ones that are a week or two old, are best for hard-boiled eggs. Older eggs will peel better once cooked because the white will separate from the membrane more easily.
- Water- you will need water to boil your eggs in and a separate bowl of cold water with ice to submerge your eggs into once they are boiled.
How to Make Boiled Eggs:
The best way to make old-fashioned hard-boiled eggs is in a pot on the stove:
- Prep pot: Add your eggs to a pot and cover them with 1”-2” of cold water. Add vinegar, if using.
- Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil with the pot uncovered. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover with lid, and let the eggs sit, following the time guide below. The cook time varies depending on the doneness of the egg you are trying to achieve.
- Submerge: Immediately after your eggs have boiled for the desired time, remove them from the pot with a slotted spoon and submerge them in an ice bath for a few minutes.
- Peel: Once the eggs are cooled completely, peel and use in your favorite hard-boiled egg recipe peel and use or refrigerate peeled or unpeeled.
- Serve and enjoy!
Hard-Boiled Eggs Time Chart Guide:
The time it takes for an egg to boil perfectly will slightly differ depending on the size of the egg, its starting temperature (whether the egg is room temp or cold), and even the type of pot you use. Use these times as a rough guide for how long to boil your eggs:
- 3-4 minutes: soft boiled eggs with a runny center
- 5-7 minutes: medium cooked with a moist and jammy center
- 8-9 minutes: fully cooked with a soft center
- 10-11 minutes: fully cooked with a firm and dry center
Other Methods of Cooking Perfect Boiled Eggs:
Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Pour 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your instant pot.
- Add to the rack and place the eggs onto the rack.
- Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, do a quick release and remove the eggs into an ice bath for easy peel eggs.
Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Preheat your air fryer to 250°F. Add the eggs to the basket and air fry for 13-17 minutes, depending on your yolk preference.
- Note: All air fryers are different and the cooking time may slightly vary. Air fry with caution.
Baked Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place eggs into a muffin tin to prevent rolling and cook for 20-30 minutes, depending on how firm you want your yolk.
- Remove into an ice bath and cool before peeling.
Serving Suggestions:
- Peeled and sliced hard-boiled eggs need just a touch of salt and pepper to be enjoyed. We also like to top ours with everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Hard-boiled eggs make the perfect deviled eggs that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a snack.
- Sliced hard-boiled eggs make the perfect topper for breakfast avocado toast.
- Hard-boiled eggs are the key to making a delicious cobb salad.
frequently asked questions:
If you see a green ring around your egg yolk, that’s usually an indication of likely means your egg is overcooked eggs.
There may be a few reasons for this. First, cold eggs were added to warm water. And second, dropping eggs into boiling water increases the chances that your eggs will crack. Be sure you add the eggs to cold water before adding them to the stovetop.
Peel hard-boiled eggs after they have cooled completely for easy peel eggs.
Submerging eggs into cold water helps stop the cooking process and makes the eggs easier to peel once cooled.
Store and Freeze:
Store: Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the fridge peeled and unpeeled. Don’t leave eggs at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Peeled: Peeled eggs will last in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh, place a damp paper towel under the eggs or store them in water. Be sure to change the water daily. Unpeeled: Unpeeled hard-boiled eggs can last up to a week when refrigerated. |
More Recipes with Eggs:
If you enjoy recipes with eggs, be sure to try these other recipes:
How to make Hard Boiled Eggs
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- water
Instructions
- Add eggs to a pot and cover with 1" to 2" of cold water.
- Bring water to a boil and cook 10 minutes for hard boiled eggs.
- Transfer eggs to an iced water bath.
- Once cooled, peel the eggs and use as needed.