1-First Step: Gather and prepare
1. Remove the number of eggs you plan to cook from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature; the recipe works with 1 to 12 large eggs at room temperature. If eggs are cold, warm them in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Measure the water: use 1 cup cold tap water for a 3 or 6-quart pressure cooker, or 1.5 cups for an 8-quart model. Using cold tap water gives accurate timing.
3. Place an egg rack or metal trivet inside the Instant Pot inner pot to keep eggs above the water line. An egg rack is optional; a trivet works fine.

2-Second Step: Load the eggs
4. Arrange room temperature eggs on the rack. You may stack eggs; stacking does not affect cooking time. For large batches, make sure they sit stably on the rack.
5. Secure the lid and set the vent knob to sealing. This traps the steam and brings the cooker to high pressure quickly.

3-Third Step: Set cooking program
6. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 5 minutes. This timing is the base for the classic Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs texture with fully set whites and creamy yolks.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare an ice bath
7. While the eggs cook, fill a large bowl halfway with ice cubes, then add cold water so the eggs will be fully submerged. The ice bath stops cooking immediately and helps shells separate from the membrane.

5-Fifth Step: Release pressure and chill
8. After the 5-minute cook time, allow a natural pressure release for exactly 5 minutes.
9. Perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the vent knob to venting while standing back to avoid steam. Remove the lid when safe.
10. Use tongs or a spoon to remove eggs carefully and place them in the ice bath for at least 5 minutes.

6-Final Step: Peel and serve
11. Peel by gently cracking shells and rolling eggs on the counter after chilling. Starting at the wider end where the air pocket is often helps the shell come away more cleanly. Peel under cool running water for easiest results.
12. Serve immediately or store as described in the storage section below.