Growing up, my grandmother always made Thanksgiving turkey. She cooked it slowly and low until it was so dry.
She could make Nova Scotia chowder and Christmas cherry balls but turkey was not her thing.
Cooking a moist, flavorful turkey in an Instant Pot is a great alternative to traditional oven roasting With its pressure cooking setting, you can make tender, juicy turkey in a fraction of the time. But when it comes to Thanksgiving, many wonder – what size turkey actually fits in the compact 6-qt Instant Pot?
We tested different sizes of turkeys in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot to provide a complete guide on capacity and fit. Whether you are cooking for a smaller gathering or curious how big of a bird your Instant Pot can handle, this article will cover everything you need to know.
Key Factors That Determine Turkey Capacity
The main factors that decide what size turkey will fit in your 6-qt Instant Pot are
- Actual interior capacity of your model
- Dimensions and shape of the turkey
- Stuffed vs. unstuffed
- Use of accessories like a trivet
Most 6-quart Instant Pot inserts max out at 5-6 quarts capacity when accounting for the max fill line. This means a 6 lb. unstuffed turkey or 5 lb. stuffed turkey are good size options.
However, shape matters more than weight alone. Compact, rounded turkeys fit best. Extra tall or broad birds may not fit as easily. Carefully checking dimensions is key.
Using a trivet or stainless steel rack adds more vertical clearance. Stuffing the turkey reduces usable capacity.
Tips for Selecting the Right Size Turkey
Follow these helpful tips when picking a turkey for your 6-quart Instant Pot:
- Aim for an unstuffed turkey around 5-6 lbs.
- Opt for a compact, rounded shape over tall or very broad.
- Allow roughly 1 lb. turkey per person when estimating size.
- Buy unstuffed to maximize interior room.
- For stuffed, reduce size to 5 lbs. maximum.
- Inspect dimensions and measure if unsure of fit.
- Choose fresh instead of frozen to better assess shape.
Choosing an appropriately sized turkey prevents overfilling and unsafe pressurization issues. Inspecting dimensions guarantees a good fit.
Prepping Your Turkey for the Instant Pot
Proper preparation helps your Instant Pot turkey cook evenly and absorb flavors:
- Always thaw frozen turkey thoroughly first.
- Remove giblets and neck from interior cavities.
- Dry brine in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking day.
- Season all over with salt, pepper and herbs.
- Rub butter or oil under and on the skin.
- Add aromatics like onions, garlic and broth to pot.
- Use a trivet or rack if turkey is especially large.
Dry brining infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it moist. Herb seasoning and butter helps the turkey get deliciously browned. The trivet prevents scorching.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Cooking duration depends on size and shape, but general time estimates are:
- 5 lb. unstuffed turkey: ~30 minutes
- 6 lb. unstuffed turkey: ~35 minutes
- 5 lb. stuffed turkey: ~40 minutes
Use manual or poultry setting on high pressure. Allow 10 minute natural pressure release after. Check internal temp, and continue cooking if under 165°F.
The natural release time lets the turkey gently finish without overcooking exterior areas. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe 165°F minimum temperature.
Handy Accessories
Certain accessories can make cooking turkey in the Instant Pot easier:
- Turkey lifters: Help maneuver the turkey in and out.
- Trivets/racks: Add more vertical clearance.
- Roasting slings: Holds turkey compressed to maximize capacity.
- Temperature probes: Monitor temp without opening lid.
- Springform pans: Holds stuffing instead of stuffing the turkey.
The right accessories enable a better fit and easier handling. Slings and trivets help fit bigger birds. Probes monitor doneness.
Handling Leftovers
Instant Pot turkey also means leftovers! Follow these tips:
- Allow turkey to rest 1 hour before refrigerating.
- Separate white and dark meat into containers.
- Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Refrigerate stuffing and gravy separately.
- Dice or shred turkey to reheat.
- Use in soups, sandwiches, salads, casseroles.
Properly storing and handling leftovers prevents spoilage. Shredding makes turkey convenient for quick meals like wraps or tetrazzini.
Key Takeaways
- A 6-qt Instant Pot accommodates a 5-6 lb. unstuffed or 5 lb. stuffed turkey.
- Carefully inspect dimensions before purchasing.
- Allow 1 lb. per person when selecting turkey size.
- Use accessories for better fit and easier handling.
- Cook 30-40 minutes on high pressure based on size.
- Verify 165°F internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers properly and repurpose in creative ways.
With proper selection, prep, and cooking technique, you can easily make tender, delicious Instant Pot turkey for Thanksgiving or anytime. Just stay within size limits for your pot’s capacity. Ready to enjoy moist, flavorful turkey in under 2 hours? Your versatile Instant Pot has you covered!
Instant Pot TurkeyYield:
Yes it’s possible! You can cook a Thanksgiving Instant Pot turkey with a crispy skin.
- 8 lb turkey, fresh or defrosted
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 stalk celery, quartered
- 1 medium carrot, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, cut in half
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1/2 cup water
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Use a paper towel to dry the turkey, then season it with black pepper and kosher salt.
- Put a half-onion and a garlic clove inside the turkey.
- Place the trivet with the turkey on top of the rest of the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- Place the turkey in the oven and set the timer for 48 minutes. NPR for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove from Instant Pot. To get crispy skin, put the turkey on a baking sheet and baste it with oil or Instant Pot juices. Broil until golden, about five minutes.
For larger or smaller turkey simply use the 6 minutes per pound rule.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although BaconisMagic. ca attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Should You Stuff Turkey?
I used to think that dressing (or stuffing) HAD to be in the turkey because that’s where all the flavor is, right?
Wrong.
A few years ago I tested two kinds of stuffing.
One was in the turkey, and the other was in a casserole dish I made and then poured turkey juices over before baking. No one could tell the difference.
Fat from the turkey is what everyone loves, so we just pour it over the stuffing and cook it while the turkey rests.
This method changed the way I cook because turkey dries out quickly and stuffing makes the cooking time longer.
Remove the stuffing and cook a better bird.
Instant Pot Duo 3, 6, & 8 qt UNBOXING – WHICH INSTANT POT TO BUY
FAQ
What size turkey fits in a 6 qt Instant Pot?
What size roast fits in a 6 quart Instant Pot?
What size bowl fits in a 6 quart Instant Pot?
Can you cook a 7 lb Turkey in an Instant Pot?
Choose a turkey that will fit in your Instant Pot. A 6 lb turkey or turkey breast should fit into a 6 qt Instant Pot. For 7 lb turkey or breasts, use an 8 qt. Instant Pot (paid link). You don’t have to brine but it makes the turkey taste so much better. Brining is easy! Just add garlic, kosher salt (paid link) and water to a large container.
How do you cook a Turkey in an Instant Pot?
Stuff: Put half of the onion and one clove of garlic inside the cavity of the turkey. Add Veggies to Instant Pot: Add the remaining vegetables to the bottom of the inner pot of an 8-quart Instant Pot. Place the trivet on top of the vegetables. Add Turkey: Tuck the wings under the turkey, then set the turkey on top of the trivet.
How do you brine a Turkey in an Instant Pot?
To brine the turkey, place water, kosher salt in large container. Stir well, add turkey, cover with water and allow to brine at least 5 hours or overnight. Press Saute on Instant Pot. Add oil. When hot, add chopped onions cook for about 3 minutes. Add garlic, celery, carrots and herbs, cook for another 3 minutes.
Is Instant Pot turkey breast good?
The moist heat from the instant pot perfectly cooks the turkey, without drying out the meat, while the homemade herb butter infuses the turkey with flavor. Finished with a rich gravy, Instant Pot Turkey Breast is not only easy to make but also delivers delicious, juicy turkey. Time-Saver.
How do you Pressure Cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
Step Three: Pressure Cook. There are four key things to remember when pressure cooking a turkey breast in the Instant Pot. Place the turkey breast meat side down on the inner rack. That is so the juices flow into the meat, keeping the turkey breast super juicy. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound.
How to make turkey gravy in Instant Pot?
Directions are included for how to make turkey gravy right in the instant pot as well. In a small bowl, combine the butter with Mix together the butter with rosemary, thyme, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper until well combined. Loosen the skin on the turkey breast using your hand.