How Long to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs

How long to cook soft boiled eggs on stove in shell, cracked without the shell, in air fryer, or in an Instant Pot is here. Perfectly boiled egg with runny yolk timing is explained here.

Soft boiled eggs on the stove top are simple. All you need is some water, a slotted spoon to lift them in and out and the right timing. You can enjoy them on their own, incorporate them into various dishes, or use them as a protein-packed addition to your favorite meals.

How to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs from Boiling Water

1. Start with fresh eggs that are WHITE as they are easier to peel and tend to have a better texture. It’s best to use eggs at room temperature too to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare a Pot of Water: Fill a small or medium pot with enough water to cover the eggs completely. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Gently Lower Down: Using a spoon or tongs, carefully lower eggs into the boiling water, one at a time. Be cautious not to drop them, as it may cause the shells to crack.
4. Set the Timer: Once all the eggs are in the pot, set a timer for the desired level of doneness. We will explain how long is best below in the recipe card. Adjust the time slightly based on your preference for yolk consistency.
5. While the eggs are cooking, prepare a large bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes. This ice bath will stop the cooking process and help cool the eggs quickly.
6. Transfer to the Ice Bath: When the timer goes off, carefully remove the eggs from the boiling water using a spoon or tongs and transfer them directly into the ice bath. Let them sit in the ice water for about 5-10 minutes to cool and halt the cooking process.
7. Peel and Enjoy: After the eggs have cooled, gently tap each egg on a hard surface to crack the shell. Begin peeling from the cracked area, preferably starting at the wider end. The shells should come off easily.

These can be cooked directly from cold water, and the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the eggs and the desired level of doneness. Here’s a general guideline for cooking soft boiled eggs starting from cold water:

How to Cook Soft Boiled Egg Time from Cold Water

1. Add the eggs in a Pot: Place the desired number of eggs in a small or medium-sized pot, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
2. Add Cold Water: Pour enough cold water into the pot to cover the eggs by about an inch.
3. Heat the Water: Place the pot on the stove over medium high heat and gradually bring the water to a gentle boil.
   • It’s important to heat the water slowly to avoid cracking the eggs.
4. Start the Timer: Once the water reaches a gentle boil, start the timer.
5. The cooking time for soft boiled eggs starting from cold water is typically around 6 to 7 minutes for medium sizes. Adjust the time slightly based on the size of the eggs and your preference for yolk consistency.

How Long to Cook Egg in Boiling Water

Now this one is great for egg benedict for sure. It does take a bit of practice to get the hang of it. Once I did though it was a game changer. 5 minutes for a very runny egg. 6 minutes for perfect soft boiled egg with jammy yolk, 7 for runny just in the center of the yolk.

How to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs on Stove

1. Bring a pot of water to a low boil
2. Sprinkle salt into the hot water
3. Begin stirring the boiling water circularly with a spoon. So much so that when you stop it is still swirling around on it’s own
4. Crack large egg into the swirling boiling water
5. Allow it to sit inside and cook for about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes for a set white texture
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg(s) and enjoy your cracked soft boiled egg

Is it 3 minutes for a soft-boiled egg?

Basically, if you add it into a pot of already boiling water then yes it only takes 3 minutes, or 2.5 even, to get the yolks to a still runny but egg whites are no longer raw state.

If you don’t want to use the method explained below, in the shell, we have 2 ways. Choose your favorite way to cook soft boiled egg without a shell below. You can use broth or water to get this done. You’ll need a large slotted spoon to lift it out and allow the liquid to drain away.

How to Cook Soft Boiled Eggs for Ramen

We have other ways to cook eggs over easy in the shell or cracked though. Did you know you could cook air fryer soft boiled eggs too? You totally can. I think it is best if you crack into a silicone cup. You do the same if you were baking muffins in the same machine. Then you skip the peeling all together. If you want to add into your ramen you can just plop it right out.

• We have directions if you want to keep them in the shell too.
• I just think it is way easier to get the same result, and not have to worry about nicking the yolk. If so it will run all over the place when peeling off.

How do you soft boil eggs quickly?

Another easy one is using a cup! That is right, you can make a soft boiled egg in a microwave too. This egg in cup keeps the shell on. Essentially boils the water in a microwave safe mug with a bit of salt. A great way to “cook” when that is all you have available.

How to steam eggs to soft boil

For soft boiled eggs in Instant Pot you can use this timing. You could do the same either cracked or not method for this. With silicone cups they would have to sit on a trivet. The steam will make them get a bit more water on top from the condensation though.

How do you know if a soft-boiled egg is done?

When you cut into the egg, the yolk should be runny or slightly thickened, depending on your preference. It should not be completely solid. Whites should be fully opaque and firm, not translucent or watery. If the whites are still runny, it needs more cooking.