The utilization of hydrogen energy is an important way to low carbon economy, and the development of active electrodes is the most critical step for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction. With the addition of KNO3 as a capping agent, the exposed crystal facet of CuFe2O4 is regulated, and the crystal facet (111) becomes dominant. Compared to CuFe2O4 (3 1 1), CuFe2O4 (111) exhibits low barrier of water dissociation and suitable *H binding strength, resulting in high intrinsic activity. Furthermore, the 3D printed electrodes show more excellent performance. At 3D printed CuFe2O4 (111) electrode, the overpotential is only 152 mV (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) at 100 mA cm−2, and Tafel slope is as low as 33 mV dec-1. In addition, 3D printed CuFe2O4 (111) electrodes shows high stability. The superior performance of 3D printed CuFe2O4 (111) electrodes originates from high intrinsic activity and more exposed active sites. This study provides a new path for the development of efficient, stable and inexpensive monolithic catalyst electrodes for alkaline hydrogen evolution.