How Long To Boil Eggs

There are dozens of ways to prepare boiled eggs. However, the way you boil your eggs depends on preference, time availability, and the amount of effort you are willing to put in.

Some egg boiling techniques take more effort than others. However, learning these egg boiling techniques will make you a master chef in the kitchen!

I. How Long to Boil Eggs in Air Fryer

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It takes less than twenty minutes to boil eggs in the air fryer. You may prepare boiled eggs in several ways, like soft, medium, and hard-boiled. The amount of time you cook your egg will change the consistency of your boiled egg.

Follow these directions using a 1400 to 1700 watt air fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 270 degrees Fahrenheit (if applicable).
  • Place eggs in fryer basket.
  • Carefully lower the basket.
  • For soft-boiled eggs, boil the egg for ten minutes.
  • For medium-boiled eggs, boil the egg for twelve minutes.
  • For hard-boiled eggs, boil the egg for twenty minutes.

Not all air fryers require preheating. If yours does not require preheating, the preparation time might be shorter. The more eggs in your fryer, the more heat they will consume.

II. How Long to Boil Eggs On Stove

It takes roughly nine to twelve minutes to boil an egg on the stove. The longer you boil an egg, the more done the egg will become. 

Boiling your eggs on the stove is one of the most traditional methods of preparing a boiled egg, and it is also a great way to start for beginners. 

Boiled egg in hand

Follow these directions to boil eggs on the stove:

  • Place six to twelve eggs in an empty pot
  • Carefully cover the eggs with one inch of cold water
  • Bring water to boil over medium-high heat

Cover your pot with a lid as you wait for your water to boil. In addition to quickening the time it takes to boil your water, it will also speed along the process of cooking your eggs. 

Remember to slowly reduce the heat before removing your eggs from the stove and draining them. You must also let them cool before peeling them by placing them in a bowl of ice water, leaving them on the counter, or running them under cold water.

Hard-boiled eggs

For a hard-boiled egg, boil the egg for a maximum of twelve minutes. Or, you can slow simmer the egg for fifteen minutes. Slow simmering your egg will allow for an easier peel and create a more creamy texture.

Related Article: Quick & Easy Deviled Eggs For A Crowd

Soft-boiled eggs

Soft boiling your eggs on the stove takes only nine minutes. The less time you let them boil, the runnier and creamier the yolk will be.

IV. How Long to Boil Eggs in Microwave

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It takes four minutes to boil (two) eggs in the microwave. Boiling only two eggs at once is common because boiling more can lead to inconsistent cooking. 

If you decide to boil more than two eggs at a time, add one minute to any number of eggs over two.

To boil eggs in the microwave, follow these directions:

  • Place two or more eggs in a microwave-safe bowl
  • Cover the eggs with half an inch of water
  • Add a teaspoon of salt
  • Microwave the eggs on high for four minutes (2 eggs) plus one minute for every additional egg.

Adding salt to your eggs in the microwave is critical, or they might explode. In addition to being messy, exploding eggs can damage your microwave.

Hard-boiled eggs

Boil your eggs for four minutes for the most delicious hard-boiled microwave eggs. Remove the microwave-safe dish from the microwave and sit on the counter covered for one minute, this will continue to cook the eggs.

Soft-boiled eggs

Unlike many other types of eggs, soft-boiled eggs are prepared in the same way as hard-boiled eggs. However, you will remove them from the water immediately after boiling instead of letting them sit briefly.

V. How Long to Boil Eggs in Instant Pot

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If you want to boil eggs in an instant pot, use the 5-5-5- method. This method boils the perfect egg every time.

In the 5-5-5 method:

  • Boil eggs for five minutes.
  • Naturally release instant pot for five minutes.
  • Soak your eggs in a bowl of ice water for five minutes.

Hard-boiled eggs

This fifteen-minute boiling method hard boils your egg perfectly, creating a more rubbery texture with a hardened yolk.

Soft-boiled eggs

For soft-boiled eggs, reduce the timing of this method to four minutes each. 

The yolk will be softer, and the exterior will be less rubbery if you soft-boil your eggs. Experimenting with the amount of time that you boil your eggs is encouraged.

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VI. Conclusion

The average time to boil eggs is roughly fifteen minutes. The amount of time it takes to boil eggs varies, depending on how you prepare them. 

Generally, the longer you boil eggs, the harder they become. So, for softer eggs, shorten the time and try experimenting with the texture -within safe limitations.

Let them cool before peeling either by leaving them out or placing them in a bowl of ice water. Using ice water can make peeling your eggs easier.