The Best Way to Cook Juicy Turkey Legs in an Instant Pot

As Thanksgiving approaches, all I can think about is cooking up the perfect turkey legs for my family. There are so many ways to prepare turkey legs, but none are as convenient and foolproof as using an instant pot. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy turkey legs ready in under an hour with an instant pot.

If you’ve never attempted to make turkey legs before or are intimidated by the idea of cooking a whole turkey, using an instant pot is ideal. The instant pot does all the hard work for you through pressure cooking. All you need to do is add your turkey legs and seasonings, set the pot, and wait for deliciousness.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of cooking turkey legs in an instant pot step-by-step. I’ll also share my tips for the best turkey leg results as well as creative ways to serve them. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Legs in an Instant Pot

Before we dive into the recipe and steps let’s look at why using an instant pot is the best cooking method for turkey legs

• Super Tender and Juicy Meat – The pressurized steam environment inside an instant pot evenly distributes heat and moisture. This ensures the turkey legs cook through while retaining all their natural juices and becoming fork-tender.

• Locks in Flavor – Cooking in an enclosed instant pot allows the turkey legs to absorb all the flavors from the seasonings and braising liquid. The result is very flavorful and seasoned meat.

• Hands-off Cooking – Just assemble the ingredients, set the instant pot, and let it do its magic. No need to monitor it while simmering for long periods.

• Speedy Cooking Time – Turkey legs cook through in just 25-40 minutes in an instant pot. No need to use the oven for hours.

• Safety – The sealed lid and automated pressure release make instant pots very safe for pressure cooking No stovetop monitoring needed

Now that you know how great instant pots are for turkey legs, let’s go over what you need to get started.

Ingredients Needed

Cooking turkey legs in an instant pot is simple because you only need a few ingredients beyond the main turkey legs:

• Turkey Legs – Look for 2 plump, fresh turkey legs totaling around 3 lbs. Thaw if frozen.

• Chicken Broth – Use 2 cups to help braise the turkey legs and provide moisture.

• Onion – One coarsely chopped onion adds flavor.

• Garlic – 2 cloves minced gives great aroma.

• Herbs and Spices – This is up to you! I like using 1 tsp each of:

  • Poultry seasoning

  • Dried rosemary

  • Dried thyme

  • Salt

  • Pepper

• Butter – 1 tbsp butter helps keep the turkey legs extra moist.

That’s really all you need for basic instant pot turkey legs. Now let’s go over the simple steps.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Turkey Legs Recipe

Follow these steps to make juicy, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs in your instant pot:

1. Prepare the Turkey Legs

Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Use a fork to poke holes all over the legs. This allows the seasoning and flavors to penetrate the meat.

Rub the legs all over with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the nooks and crevices.

2. Sear the Turkey Legs

Turn your instant pot to the Saute setting. Once hot, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Carefully add the legs and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

This step helps lock in juices and gives the legs nice color. Remove legs and set aside.

3. Saute the Aromatics

Add the onions to the pot and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the garlic and saute just until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds lots of flavor.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients

Next, pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups broth, rosemary, thyme, butter, and nestle the seared turkey legs into the liquid.

6. Pressure Cook the Turkey Legs

Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam.

7. Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the turkey legs to a cutting board to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Meanwhile, set the instant pot to saute and let the braising liquid reduce slightly to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Slice the rested turkey legs and serve with the reduced braising liquid drizzled over the top. Enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

Here are some of my tips for getting the most delicious, foolproof turkey legs using this instant pot method:

• Brining the turkey legs in saltwater for 30 mins before cooking seasons them fully and helps retain moisture.

• Pat turkey legs very dry after rinsing or brining so the seasoning adheres.

• Always let the turkey legs rest before slicing for juicier meat.

• Add chicken wings or legs to make an instant pot turkey dinner. They take the same time to cook.

• Use low sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt if concerned about sodium levels.

• Add diced carrots, celery, and potatoes during cooking for a one-pot meal.

• Shred any leftover turkey for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles later in the week.

Now that you know how to make the turkey legs, let’s look at some fun ways to serve them.

Creative Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Turkey Legs

Beyond just serving the braised turkey legs with mashed potatoes and veggies, here are some unique ways to make them the star of your Thanksgiving table:

• Pile turkey legs over creamy polenta with marinara sauce for an Italian twist.

• Stuff turkey legs into hoagie rolls with gravy and cranberry sauce for handheld sandwiches.

• Chop turkey leg meat and toss with pasta, peas, parmesan, and alfredo sauce.

• Layer turkey slices over salad greens with bacon, bleu cheese, avocado, and vinaigrette.

• Make turkey leg fried rice with the shredded meat, veggies, and eggs.

• Simmer turkey meat in enchilada sauce and stuff into tortillas with cheese and rice.

• Toss shredded turkey with barbecue sauce and serve on brioche buns.