Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Poached Egg Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy and requires only a couple of ingredients. It is a convenient hands-off method, which means you do not need to watch simmering water or worry about the egg falling apart in the pot. It is also a great option for making one serving at a time, and you can easily prepare more than one egg if needed. The result is a tender poached egg with a soft texture that works well in many meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooking spray
1 room temperature egg
Directions
Spray a mason jar lightly with cooking spray, then crack the room temperature egg into the jar.
Place the rack inside the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of tap water into the pot.
Set the mason jar on the rack inside the Instant Pot. If making more than one egg, place the additional jars on the rack as well.
Close the lid, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on manual pressure for 3, 4, or 5 minutes depending on how firm you want the egg.
When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release.
Remove the mason jar from the Instant Pot using oven gloves or other heat-safe protection, since the jar will be hot.
Carefully flip the jar upside down to release the poached egg.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 serving.
Prep time is very short, and the pressure cook time is 3 to 5 minutes. The full recipe takes about 6 minutes, depending on how long it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and for you to safely remove the jar.
Variations
You can adjust the cooking time based on your preferred yolk texture. A shorter cooking time gives you a softer egg, while a longer cooking time creates a firmer center.
For extra flavor, serve the poached egg over avocado toast, English muffins, sautéed spinach, or rice bowls.
You can also make multiple poached eggs at once by using more mason jars, as long as they fit safely on the rack inside the Instant Pot.
A light sprinkle of salt, black pepper, chili flakes, or fresh herbs after cooking can add extra flavor without changing the simple method.
Storage/Reheating
Poached eggs are best enjoyed right away for the best texture.
If you need to store one, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 1 day.
To reheat, place the poached egg briefly in warm water for about 30 to 60 seconds until heated through. Avoid overheating, since this can make the egg rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a cold egg straight from the fridge?
A room temperature egg is best for more even cooking, but you can use a cold egg if needed. The texture may vary slightly.
What size mason jar should I use?
A small mason jar or similar heat-safe jar works best. It should be large enough to hold one cracked egg comfortably.
Do I need to grease the jar?
Yes, spraying the jar with cooking spray helps the egg release more easily after cooking.
How much water goes into the Instant Pot?
You need 1 cup of tap water in the bottom of the Instant Pot for this recipe.
Why do I need the rack?
The rack keeps the mason jar elevated above the water and makes it easier to remove the jar safely.
How do I know whether to cook for 3, 4, or 5 minutes?
Use 3 minutes for a softer egg, 4 minutes for a medium texture, and 5 minutes for a firmer poached egg.
Can I cook more than one egg at a time?
Yes, you can cook multiple eggs if you use separate mason jars and they fit properly inside the Instant Pot.
Is quick release necessary?
Yes, quick release helps stop the cooking process right away so the egg does not overcook.
How do I remove the egg from the jar?
Once the jar is out of the Instant Pot, carefully flip it upside down to let the egg slide out. Using cooking spray first makes this easier.
What can I serve with a poached egg?
Poached eggs are delicious on toast, breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls, salads, roasted vegetables, or hash.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot poached egg recipe is a smart and simple way to enjoy a perfectly cooked egg with very little effort. With just a mason jar, water, and an egg, you can create a quick breakfast or topping for many dishes. It is an easy method to keep on hand whenever you want a reliable poached egg without the usual fuss.
