This Instant Pot Whole Turkey recipe is ideal for busy families because it allows you to enjoy all the amazing flavors of a Thanksgiving turkey with half the work. Did you know that you can cook a juicy and delicious Thanksgiving turkey in your pressure cooker?
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Absolutely! Cooking a whole turkey in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to achieve juicy, flavorful results without the hassle of a traditional oven. This method is perfect for busy individuals or those looking for a more convenient approach to Thanksgiving dinner.
Instant Pot Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8-pound fresh or defrosted turkey
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 celery stalk, quartered
- 1 medium carrot, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, halved
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1/2 cup water
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place half of the onion and one clove of garlic inside the turkey cavity.
- Assemble the Instant Pot: In the bottom of your Instant Pot, arrange the remaining onion, celery, carrot, garlic, and bay leaf. Place the trivet on top and carefully position the seasoned turkey on the trivet.
- Cook the Turkey: Pour 1/2 cup of water into the Instant Pot. Close the lid, ensuring it’s securely locked, and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the timer to 48 minutes (6 minutes per pound of turkey).
- Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Crispy Skin (Optional): For crispy skin, transfer the turkey to a baking sheet. Brush the skin with oil or drippings from the Instant Pot and broil in the oven for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Tips:
- Larger or Smaller Turkey: Simply adjust the cooking time using the 6 minutes per pound rule.
- Stuffing: If desired, you can cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish and pour turkey drippings over it before baking.
- Gravy: Use the drippings from the Instant Pot to make a delicious gravy.
- Secret Tip for Crispy Skin: Before broiling, brush the turkey skin with Kitchen Bouquet Browning and Seasoning Sauce for a deeper, richer color.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook a frozen turkey in the Instant Pot?
A: It’s not recommended to cook a frozen turkey in the Instant Pot as it may not cook evenly and could potentially be unsafe.
Q: What pressure should I use?
A: The Instant Pot will automatically adjust the pressure to high pressure.
Q: Can I use a different type of pressure cooker?
A: Yes, you can use any pressure cooker that has a similar capacity to the Instant Pot.
Q: Can I cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! A 7-pound turkey breast typically takes around 35 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot.
Q: Can I stuff the turkey?
A: While it’s possible to stuff the turkey, it’s recommended to cook the stuffing separately to ensure even cooking and avoid overdrying the turkey.
Cooking a whole turkey in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a delicious and juicy Thanksgiving meal. By following these simple steps and tips, you can impress your guests and create a memorable holiday experience. Remember, the key is to adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey and to allow for a natural pressure release. With a little planning and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delicious and convenient cooking method.
How to Make Instant Pot Whole Turkey
Cooking a whole turkey in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier. To achieve that gorgeous golden-brown glow, all you need to do is stuff and season your turkey, place it in the Instant Pot with your vegetables, and broil it for five minutes.
- Season: Use black pepper and kosher salt to season the turkey’s exterior and interior. Rub preferred spices on the outside skin of the turkey.
- Stuff: Stuff the turkey’s cavity with one clove of garlic and half of an onion.
- Add Vegetables to Instant Pot: Fill the 8-quart Instant Pot’s inner pot with the remaining vegetables. Place the trivet on top of the vegetables.
- Place the turkey on top of the trivet after tucking its wings under it.
- Cook: Shut off the heat source and turn the steam valve to the sealed position. Next, select the 46-minute setting on the High Pressure or Manual button (approximately 6 minutes for each pound of turkey). After letting the turkey naturally release for ten minutes, turn the steam valve to vent in order to release the remaining pressure.
- Let Cool: Before carefully moving the turkey to a sizable baking sheet, carefully open the lid and let it cool for five minutes. If preferred, sprinkle additional dried herbs on top of the skin after basting it with oil or Instant Pot drippings.
- Broil: Keep a close eye on the turkey to ensure the skin does not burn as it broils for approximately five minutes, or until it turns golden.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
The best way to store your turkey is by slicing it and wrapping the slices in foil. Then, place the foil-wrapped turkey into a resealable plastic bag. As soon as you’re ready to store your turkey, put it in the refrigerator because it will begin to dry out if it is left out on the counter for too long.
If you want to store your turkey whole, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container. If you want to reheat an entire turkey, bake it for about 20 minutes at 325°F in a pan covered with foil and any leftover Instant Pot juices. Sliced turkey can be reheated in the microwave.