diff --git a/ci/cloud-init/user-data.template.yaml b/ci/cloud-init/user-data.template.yaml
index 245c81f..d4ed6b9 100644
--- a/ci/cloud-init/user-data.template.yaml
+++ b/ci/cloud-init/user-data.template.yaml
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ write_files:
   - path: /home/adam/.ssh/id_ed25519
     owner: adam:adam
     permissions: '0600'
+    defer: true
     content: |
       -----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----
       # REPLACE WITH YOUR ED25519 DEPLOY PRIVATE KEY