How to Make Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs 5 Different Ways
Updated: Oct. 11, 2021These easy techniques for how to boil eggs will make you an eggs-pert in no time. We'll also share tips on peeling hard-boiled eggs, storing eggs and more.
Hard-boiled eggs are just about the best recipe around. Whether you’re making them for deviled eggs, a picnic-ready potato and egg salad or enjoying as a snack on their own, knowing how to boil eggs is a must.
You know the basics, right? Water, eggs, boil. But how to boil eggs properly takes a little more know-how. To make things simple, we’ve outlined five effortless methods for hard-boiling eggs: on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, in the oven, in a slow cooker and in an air fryer.
Before you dive in, read these tips from our Taste of Home Test Kitchen pros:
- Remove your eggs from the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This will help them cook evenly and prevent the shell from cracking.
- Older eggs are best for hard-boiling. Eggs that are close to their best-by date will peel much easier than fresh eggs.
- Avoid a green ring around your yolks by diligently timing how long the eggs cook. No more leaving eggs on the stove and walking away!
- Don’t skip the ice bath. Not only does the ice bath prevent your eggs from overcooking, but it also helps loosen the shell and make them easier to peel.
Psst: Check out these differences between types of eggs.
How to Boil Eggs, 5 Ways
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Water
- Ice
Equipment
- Large saucepan and lid
- Pressure cooker with a trivet
- 6 silicone muffin cups
- Muffin or sheet pan
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Air fryer
- Large bowl
How to Boil Eggs on the Stovetop
This classic method might be a little different from what you’ve seen before. Since most of the cooking is done off the heating element, your hard-boiled eggs will never overcook.
- Place 6 large eggs in a single layer in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and quickly bring eggs to a boil over high heat.
- Immediately remove the pan from heat and let it stand for 15 minutes for large eggs (18 minutes for extra-large eggs and 12 minutes for medium eggs). The residual heat in the water cooks the eggs.
- Once they’re done sitting, rinse the eggs in cold water and place in ice water until completely cooled.
If you prefer a soft-boiled egg, consult this chart for cook times:
| Soft Boiled | 6 minutes | Runny Yolk |
| Medium Boiled | 9 minutes | Gel-Like Yolk |
| Firm Boiled | 12 minutes | Firm Yolk |
| Hard Boiled | 15 minutes | Hard Yolk |
How to Boil Eggs in an Instant Pot
For a hands-off approach, our Instant Pot hard-boiled egg recipe is a great option.
- Using a 6-quart electric pressure cooker, place the trivet insert and pour in 1 cup water. Then, set the eggs on the trivet.
- Lock the lid and close the pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Rinse the eggs in cold water and place them in ice water until completely cooled.
Get more tips here about Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs.
How to Boil Eggs in the Oven
Already have your oven on? Make some baked hard-boiled eggs while you’re at it. The method doesn’t even require water!)
- Preheat your oven to 325° F.
- Place 6 silicone muffin cups on a muffin pan or sheet pan and add 6 large eggs.
- Bake the eggs for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove them from the oven.
- Rinse eggs in cold water and place in ice water until completely cooled.
How to Boil Eggs in a Slow Cooker
If you don’t need your eggs right away, making slow cooker hard-boiled eggs is another great hands-off method.
- Gently place 12 eggs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add enough water to completely cover the eggs. Then cook, covered, on high for 2 hours.
- Remove eggs from slow cooker and place them in a bowl of ice water until completely cooled.
How to Boil Eggs in an Air Fryer
Yes, you can air-fry hard-boiled eggs!
- Preheat your air fryer to 275° F.
- Place 6 large eggs in a single layer on the tray in the air-fryer basket.
- Cook the eggs for 15 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the air fryer and rinse them in cold water. Then, place the eggs in ice water until completely cooled.
Check out these other surprising things you can air fry.
Tips for the Best Way to Boil Eggs
Why do my eggs crack when I boil them?
Usually, cracked eggs are a result of turbulent cooking. A rapid boil could knock eggs against the side of your cooking instrument and crack the eggshells. Egg whites might then leak out and allow the egg to overcook.
Another reason could be that your eggs are too cold when they’re added to the cooking appliance. To prevent this, take your eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start cooking. Be sure to avoid these other common mistakes you might be making with eggs.
How do you know when boiled eggs are done?
The best way to know when hard-boiled eggs are done is to use a timer and follow the cooking method. If you’re worried about overcooking your eggs, pull one out a minute or two early and cut open the egg to check the yolk’s consistency.
Do you have to let hard-boiled eggs cool before refrigerating?
Yes, you should let hard-boiled eggs cool down completely before refrigerating them. You can speed this process up by placing cooked eggs in a bath of ice water, as indicated in the cooking methods above.
Why are my hard-boiled eggs hard to peel?
The most likely culprit for eggs being hard to peel is that the eggs are too fresh. The shells of fresh eggs will chip much more than eggs that have been in your fridge for a few days. So, always use older eggs for easier peeling. If you’re still having a tough time peeling eggs, take a look at these three ways to peel a hard-boiled egg.
How long can you keep hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator?
Hard-boiled eggs with the shell last about a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Peeled hard-boiled eggs should be enjoyed the same day. Just make sure you don’t store eggs in this part of the fridge.
How do you keep hard-boiled eggs from smelling in the fridge?
To prevent hard-boiled eggs from stinking up your fridge, stick to the recommended shelf life of one week. If they smell, they are probably past their prime. Also, make sure you are storing them in the shell (unpeeled), so they don’t pick up other refrigerator flavors or odors.
Can I freeze hard-boiled eggs?
No, we would not recommend freezing hard-boiled eggs. The whites of previously frozen eggs will have a rubbery texture and be watery. You can, however, freeze eggs when they’re cooked these ways.
Now that you’ve mastered hard-boiled eggs, learn the other ways to cook an egg.
Smoked Salmon Egg Salad
Served on croissants, these grown-up sandwiches offer a great way to use leftover Easter eggs. Salmon adds smoky flavor. —Cathy Tang, Redmond, Washington
Nana's Italian Roulade
My great-aunt from Sicily taught my mother how to stuff and bake a steak in a jelly-roll style. It’s unique and really special in our family. —Roseanne McDonald, Days Creek, Oregon
Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish Vinaigrette
Totally scrumptious and packed with nutrition, this salad was my response to friends who asked how they could incorporate kale into their diets without sacrificing taste. It is also wonderful made with collard or mustard greens, prepared in the same fashion as the kale, or with a mix of spinach & arugula or watercress. —Elizabeth Warren, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Herbed Tuna Sandwiches
A delightful combination of herbs and reduced-fat cheese makes this simple tuna sandwich a standout. —Marie Connor, Virginia Beach, Virginia
BLT Chicken Salad
Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina
Zucchini Burgers
With just-picked-from-the-garden-zucchini, your kids won’t even know these burgers are meatless. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Stuffed Meat Loaf Slices
This is a family favorite requested for special occasions. We received it from a fellow faculty member when my husband and I were in our first years of teaching. —Judy Knaupp, Rickreall, Oregon
Copycat Chicken Salad
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it its signature taste. I like to use a thick, crusty oat bread for this sandwich. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Ramen Sliders
I grew up eating ramen and love it to this day. A fun spin on my favorite type of noodle soup, these sliders are topped with an egg and kimchi. —Julie Teramoto, Los Angeles, California
Pesto-Dijon Egg Salad Sandwiches
Turn your old-standby egg salad into your new lunch favorite. Honey Dijon mustard and pesto add a sensational, savory spin, and the celery and onion lend nice crunch. —Carrie Kenny, Batavia, Ohio
Quick Nicoise Salad
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Almond Chicken Salad
These little sandwiches with zingy toppings are super simple to pull together. This classic version originated in a deli in Prague, where they're a really popular winter party food. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
Cobb Salad Sub
When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio
Judy's Macaroni Salad
After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Bacon 'n' Egg Lasagna
My sister-in-law served this special dish for Easter breakfast one year, and our whole family loved the mix of bacon, eggs, noodles and cheese. Now I sometimes assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for a terrific hassle-free brunch entree. —Dianne Meyer, Graniteville, Vermont
Faux Potato Salad
Cauliflower in potato salad? You bet, along with carrots, olives and other yummy surprises. —Mike Schulz, Tawas City, Michigan
Veggie Nicoise Salad
More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish...and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Deviled Egg Spread
I tried this egg salad at a luncheon and had to have it. I punched it up with pickled banana peppers. It’s a hit with my kids and picky mother. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas
Mom's Super Stupendous Potato Salad
In college, my best friend and I debated whose mom made the best potato salad. Turns out they were almost identical! Even though I've since tweaked our recipe, it still takes me home again. —Ellie Martin Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets
Dining by the campfire? This easy packet of potatoes, bacon and cheese makes a terrific hash. We like to serve it with eggs and fresh pico de gallo. —Gina Nistico, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Egg & Asparagus Breakfast Croquettes
Trying to come up with something new for breakfast on the run, I decided that this was an interesting way to combine the whole meal. If you want to get fancy, these are extra delicious with hollandaise on top and sprinkled with paprika.—Barb Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Thai-Style Cobb Salad
This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Bacon 'n' Egg Sandwiches
I came across this unique grilled combo when I was digging in my mom's recipe box. The crisp bacon, hard-boiled eggs and crunchy green onions make these cozy sandwiches look impressive when company drops by for lunch. Best of all, they're a snap to assemble. —Ann Fuemmeler, Glasgow, Missouri
Classic Egg Salad
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Curried Olive Egg Salad
Accessorizing the humble egg salad sandwich with olives, curry powder and celery seed really bumps up the flavor of lunch. —Anita Doyle, Dodgeville, Wisconsin
Momma's Warm Potato Salad
My friend's mom makes the absolute best potato salad. It is like a really good egg salad with potatoes in it.
Garden-Fresh Chef Salad
For much of the year, I can use my garden's produce when I make this cool salad. In spring, the salad mix and radishes come from my crop. In summer, I use the tomatoes, cabbage and carrots. What a good feeling! —Evelyn Gubernath, Bucyrus, Ohio
Make-Ahead Hearty Six-Layer Salad
This salad is an all-time favorite. I reach for the recipe whenever I need a dish to pass. It’s easy to make, can be assembled ahead of time and looks great. —Noreen Meyer, Madison, Wisconsin
Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad
I turned barbecue chicken into a major salad with romaine and carrots, sweet peppers and avocados. That’s how I got my family to eat more veggies. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah
Dilly Potato & Egg Salad
Everyone has a favorite potato salad, and this is mine. As a young bride, I was eager to learn how to cook and make things that my husband would love. I combined my mom's and his mom's recipes, and this potato and egg salad the delicious result. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Pesto Egg Salad Sandwiches
For a casual springtime meal with a twist, boil up some eggs and dinner will be done presto. —Tenley Haraldson, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
Grandma's Spinach Salad
With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Easy Macaroni Salad
This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Creamy Egg Salad
I love the versatility of this creamy egg salad. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana
Classic Cobb Salad
Making this salad is a lot like putting in a garden. I “plant” everything in nice, neat sections, just as I do with seedlings. —Patricia Kile, Elizabethtown, PennsylvaniaRashanda Cobbins and Julie Schnittka contributed to this article.
