I love turkey. It happens to be one of my favorite meats, partially because it tastes so good but also because it just gives me those warm and cozy holiday feels. Mike and I actually eat turkey a lot, at all times of the year, because instant.
A couple of years ago, we did a whole Instant Pot Thanksgiving, just to see if we could. Spoiler alert: we did it! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sprouts, the Instant Pot did it all. The thing I was most impressed with was the turkey. It was juicy and incredibly fast. No basting, no guessing, just super simple juicy turkey.
Absolutely yes! We made a little skin-on boneless turkey breast roast rubbed with butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage. All the classic turkey flavors you know and love. And bonus, you’ll even get some drippings to make turkey gravy.
Cooking turkey in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to get moist, tender meat ready for your holiday table. But is it really possible to cook an entire turkey in a pressure cooker? And will it come out with the same delicious flavor as a roasted bird? In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about cooking turkey in a pressure cooker.
The Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker for Turkey
There are some clear advantages to choosing a pressure cooker over a traditional oven when cooking your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey
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It’s faster – A whole turkey cooks in 1/3 of the time in a pressure cooker compared to roasting, A 12 lb bird takes only 60-70 minutes start to finish! This frees up valuable oven space,
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Meat stays juicy – The intense pressure forces steam deep into the turkey meat keeping it incredibly moist and tender. No more dry turkey!
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Maximizes flavor – Cooking at high pressure draws out and concentrates flavors from aromatics like onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. Your turkey will be bursting with seasoning.
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Set it and forget it – No basting or tenting required like when oven roasting. Just lock the lid on the pressure cooker and walk away.
Tips for Successfully Cooking Turkey in a Pressure Cooker
Follow these tips for foolproof pressure cooked turkey:
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Choose the right size cooker – Make sure your bird fits snugly with 2-3 inches of clearance. Too much extra room can lead to uneven cooking.
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Partially freeze the turkey – Chilling it makes the turkey easier to maneuver into the pot evenly. Defrosting halfway is perfect.
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Truss the legs – Tying the drumsticks together helps prevent overcooking compared to the breast meat.
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Use cooking liquid – Add 1-2 cups broth or water to generate steam for even cooking. Chicken or turkey broth adds flavor.
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Allow natural release – Don’t quick release pressure or turkey may be underdone. Let pressure come down naturally for 10-15 mins before venting.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pressure Cooked Turkey
Follow these simple steps for perfect pressure cooked turkey every time:
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Prep the bird – Remove giblets, rinse cavity, pat dry, truss, and rub with oil and seasonings. Partially freeze if possible.
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Add aromatics – Stuff cavity with onion, garlic, fresh herbs, citrus, etc.
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Place turkey in pot – Put trivet or steamer rack in bottom, add 1-2 cups broth/water. Lower turkey onto trivet breast up.
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Pressure cook – Lock the lid, select high pressure, and set cook time based on size. Use natural release method.
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Finish and serve – Carefully remove turkey, let rest 15 minutes before carving. Brown skin further in oven if desired.
Handy Tips and Variations
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Brining the turkey first helps keep it super moist.
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For crispy skin, broil after pressure cooking. Rub with oil/butter first.
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Infuse more flavor by adding onions, garlic, herbs, citrus, or spice rubs to the pot.
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Cook turkey breast, legs, wings, etc. using the same method. Just adjust time by size.
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Save the bones to make turkey broth in the pressure cooker afterwards!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook a stuffed turkey in a pressure cooker?
It’s not recommended, as stuffing may not cook through properly and can prevent heat circulation. Cook stuffing separately.
What size pressure cooker do you need for turkey?
Choose a cooker that fits your bird with 2-3 inches of clearance. Too much room can lead to uneven cooking.
How long does turkey take to cook in a pressure cooker?
Whole birds take 45-60 minutes at high pressure depending on size, around 6 minutes per pound. Breasts and parts take less time.
Is pressure cooked turkey safe to eat?
Absolutely! Turkey is perfectly safe when cooked properly in a pressure cooker. The high temp kills any harmful bacteria. Just use correct cook times.
The Takeaway
Cooking a moist, flavorful holiday turkey in a pressure cooker is totally doable with some simple preparation. Make sure to use a properly sized pot, chill the turkey, and use natural pressure release. With a few test runs, you’ll get the method down and be able to free up your oven. Give it a try this holiday season!
You get turkey gravy too!
Good news: you can make a super simple gravy with the drippings and stock that are in the Instant Pot.
Measure out the drippings. Pour the drippings into a liquid measuring cup and top it off with more chicken stock (or water) so you have 2 cups of liquid.
Make a roux. Melt some butter over medium low then stir in some flour to make a roux. Cook the mixture, stirring, until it is light golden and smells toasty.
Add the liquid. Slowly stream in the liquid while stirring. Let everything come to a simmer and reduce slightly. Taste and season.
How long to cook Instant Pot turkey breast
The magical ratio is: 6 minutes per pound of boneless turkey breast at high pressure.
Six minutes per pound will give you supremely juicy turkey without that weird stringy texture you get when you cook poultry for too long. With turkey breast you want to quick release right away and take the turkey out of the Instant Pot so it doesn’t continue to cook and get dry.