Mastering Perfectly Cooked Turkey Legs in a Pressure Cooker

When it comes to preparing juicy, flavorful turkey legs, using a pressure cooker can yield incredibly tender and delicious results in a fraction of the normal cooking time. But determining the right duration for pressure cooking turkey legs can seem tricky. This comprehensive guide provides tips and techniques to help you nail the perfect cook time for succulent turkey legs every time.

Benefits of Pressure Cooking Turkey Legs

Pressure cooking offers several advantages when cooking turkey legs:

• Fast cooking – Pressure cookers can reduce cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional methods. Legs are ready in 30-40 minutes.

• Enhanced moisture – The sealed environment traps steam and moisture, preventing the meat from drying out.

• Intensified flavor – Cooking under pressure drives seasoning deep into the meat for richer taste

• Convenience – Easy to operate and minimal prep means you can have turkey legs on the table incredibly fast.

Key Factors That Impact Cook Time

While general guidelines provide averages several factors affect the exact pressure cooking time needed

• Size of legs – Larger meatier legs require longer cook times than smaller ones.

• Bone-in or boneless – Boneless legs cook faster than bone-in since bones insulate heat.

• Pressure cooker model – Different appliances vary in efficiency, so check manufacturer guidance.

• Quantity – Cooking multiple legs vs a single leg impacts time needed.

• Frozen or thawed – Frozen legs take 10-15 minutes longer than thawed.

Average Pressure Cook Times for Turkey Legs

These average times serve as a starting point for boneless, thawed turkey legs:

• Small (1 lb) – 25 minutes
• Medium (1.5 lbs) – 30 minutes
• Large (2 lbs) – 35 minutes

Check your model’s manual, as times can vary slightly between brands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey Legs

Follow these simple steps for foolproof pressure cooked turkey legs:

• Season legs – Rub with salt, pepper, herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage. Massage seasoning into meat.

• Brown legs (optional) – Browning adds flavor. Sauté seasoned legs in cooker pot with oil until browned.

• Add liquid – Pour in 1-2 cups broth, water, or wine to create steam.

• Insert legs – Place legs in single layer in pot, evenly spaced.

• Seal and cook – Lock lid and select high pressure setting. Set timer per size of legs.

• Release pressure – Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining.

• Check doneness – Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Adjust time if needed.

• Rest and serve – Let legs rest 5 minutes before serving. Pair with glaze or gravy.

Handy Time Saving Tips

• Prepare legs and liquid/seasoning a day ahead. Refrigerate. Add to cooker cold.
• While legs cook, prep side dishes or make gravy using drippings.
• Cook two batches back-to-back for meal prepping. Refrigerate or freeze extras.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding the pot – Leave space for steam circulation.
• Quick releasing too soon – Always naturally release for 10 minutes minimum.
• Not checking temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
• Cooking legs straight from freezer – Defrost first in refrigerator overnight.

Serving Ideas for Succulent Turkey Legs

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving juicy pressure cooked turkey legs:

• Pair with traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing.
• Toss shredded leg meat with barbecue sauce for pulled turkey sandwiches.
• Dice meat and add to soups, stews, chili, or pasta dishes.
• Glaze or coat legs with your favorite sauces like honey mustard, teriyaki, or buffalo.
• Serve drumsticks on their own as an easy weeknight dinner.

With the simple tips in this guide, you can become a pressure cooking pro that consistently nails perfectly cooked turkey legs – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Master this skill to get delicious drumsticks on the table any night of the week in no time at all.