Prep ice water bath in a bowl. Place boiled eggs into ice water, gently cracking them against each other to create a divot in each for water to enter under shell. Start peeling within a couple minutes - don't let them get cold - dipping back into the water as needed to clear shell mess.
Tips for easy peel boiled eggs
Let the eggs sit in the cold water for 15 minutes to cool (you can add a few ice cubes to make them cold if using immediately), or refrigerate overnight. Peel under cool running water. Whether you peel them right out of the pan or the next day doesn't matter. Either way, they peel easily.
Baking Soda
According to our friends at Delish, adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your boiling pot of water will help the shell peel off seamlessly. Why? The alkaline in the baking soda will help your egg whites loosen up from the shell, making it easier to peel.
The Best Way to Peel Boiled Eggs
One last factor that improves your chances of a successful peel, and it's a major one: Make sure to chill your eggs completely. I mean, let them sit in that ice bath for at least 15 minutes, or, better yet, let them sit overnight in the fridge.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are easiest to peel right after cooling. Cooling causes the egg to contract slightly in the shell. To peel a hard-boiled egg: Gently tap egg on countertop until shell is finely crackled all over. Roll egg between hands to loosen shell.
Eggshell Peeler: After boiling, place the egg inside the peeler, give it a gentle shake, and watch the shell peel away easily. No more struggles with tiny shell pieces sticking to your egg! Egg Piercer: Simply pierce the egg with the piercer to create a small hole, preventing cracks during boiling.
Place eggs in a saucepan or pot and cover with cold water.
Eggs first, then water.
Keeping Hard-Boiled Eggs Fresh
For maximum freshness, leave them in their shells until you're ready to eat or prepare. The shell will help to protect the egg from bacteria, and can help prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator.
How to boil eggs without the shell sticking to the egg
Start the timer – 6 minutes for runny yolks, 8 minutes for soft boiled, 10 minutes for classic hard boiled, 15 minutes for unpleasant rubbery whites and powdery dry yolks. Transfer into a large bowl or sink of cold water. Peel under water starting from the base (it's easier).
Add salt to the water? Egg white solidifies more quickly in hot, salty water than it does in fresh. So a little salt in your water can minimize the mess if your egg springs a leak while cooking.
By placing the eggs and water into the container and shaking it vigorously for a minute or two, the eggs will peel themselves. The action causes them to smash against each other, shattering their shells, which are then washed away by the water.