How Long to Boil Eggs - 4 Methods and Durations

Boiling eggs might seem simple, but getting them just right—whether you want soft, medium, or hard-boiled—can be tricky. Overcooked eggs end up with a greenish yolk, while undercooked ones can be too runny. That’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll cover step-by-step methods to boil eggs perfectly every time, no matter how you like them. From quick tips to common mistakes, you’ll find everything you need right here.

Method 1: Stovetop Boiling (Classic Method)

This traditional method is straightforward and works well for any level of doneness. It’s a tried-and-true technique that’s easy to control.

Steps:

1. Place eggs in a single layer at the bottom of a pot.
2. Add enough cold water to cover the eggs by at least 1 inch.
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4. Once boiling, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid.
5. Let the eggs sit in the hot water based on your desired doneness:
   • Soft-boiled: 4–6 minutes
   • Medium-boiled: 7–9 minutes
   • Hard-boiled: 10–12 minutes
6. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
7. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before peeling.

Tips and Recommendations:

• Always start with cold water to prevent cracking.
• For easier peeling, add a teaspoon of vinegar or baking soda to the water.
• Use older eggs for boiling—they tend to peel more easily than fresh ones.

Method 2: Steaming (Foolproof and Easy to Peel)

Steaming eggs is gaining popularity because it makes them incredibly easy to peel. It also reduces the risk of cracking since eggs aren’t submerged in water.

Steps:

1. Fill a pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place eggs in a steamer basket or directly into the pot if you don’t have one.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the eggs:
   • Soft-boiled: 6–7 minutes
   • Medium-boiled: 9–10 minutes
   • Hard-boiled: 12–13 minutes
4. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath immediately after steaming to cool them down.

Tips and Recommendations:

• This method is perfect if you struggle with peeling boiled eggs.
• Use a timer to ensure you don’t overcook the eggs.
• If you’re steaming a large batch, rotate the eggs halfway through for even cooking.

Method 3: Instant Pot (Quick and Hands-Free)

The Instant Pot is ideal for those who want consistent results with minimal effort. It uses pressure cooking to ensure eggs come out perfectly every time.

Steps:

1. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
2. Place eggs on the trivet or in a steamer basket inside the pot.
3. Seal the lid and set the pot to Manual (High Pressure) mode.
4. Cook based on desired doneness:
   • Soft-boiled: 3 minutes
   • Medium-boiled: 5 minutes
   • Hard-boiled: 7 minutes
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
6. Move eggs to an ice bath for at least 5 minutes before peeling.

Tips and Recommendations:

• Great for batch cooking—fits up to a dozen eggs at once.
• Avoid stacking eggs too high to prevent cracking.
• Use the “5-5-5” rule (5 minutes pressure, 5 minutes natural release, 5 minutes in ice water) for perfect hard-boiled eggs.

Method 4: Air Fryer (No Water Needed)

If you have an air fryer, you can boil eggs without boiling water. It’s a low-mess, hands-off method.

Steps:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 270°F (130°C).
2. Place eggs in the fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Cook the eggs based on your preference:
   • Soft-boiled: 9–10 minutes
   • Medium-boiled: 11–12 minutes
   • Hard-boiled: 13–15 minutes
4. Remove eggs and immediately place them in an ice bath to cool.

Tips and Recommendations:

• No need to preheat the fryer if you’re in a rush, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• Shake the basket gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Use tongs to handle hot eggs safely.

Boiling eggs doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the stovetop, steaming, an Instant Pot, or even an air fryer, each method has its benefits. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve perfectly boiled eggs every time—no guesswork involved.

If this guide helped you, don’t forget to share it with others who might find it useful.