How Long Should I Boil Eggs at High Altitude?

Boiling eggs in high altitude requires more time than at sea level.

Food Safety

Boil eggs longer at high altitudes than at sea level. The reduced atmospheric pressure causes water to boil at a lower temperature. Instead of raising the heat to make the egg cook faster, increase the cooking time. This will ensure a safe and thoroughly cooked egg.

Above 10,000 feet

According to the American Egg board, it is almost impossible to cook a hard-boiled egg at altitudes higher than 10,000 feet. At this altitude, water boils at a low 194 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bottom Line

Allow eggs to cook longer at a moderate temperature when boiling them at a high altitude. This may require extra planning since it involves more cooking time. A potential solution if you are near or above 10,000 feet is to boil eggs in a pressure cooker. By raising the temperature at which water boils, a pressure cooker can create cooking conditions similar to those at sea level.

References

• New Mexico State University: High Altitude Cooking
• United States Department of Agriculture: High Altitude Cooking and Food Safety
• Incredible Egg: Basic Hard-Cooked Eggs
• Miss Vikki: Pressure Cooking at High Altitudes