Using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Mealthy CrispLid or Ninja Foodi, cook the most succulent, juicy, and intensely flavorful whole turkey with flawlessly crisp skin in less than two hours.
Weve used just about every method there is to cook turkey. Weve fried, spatchcocked, dry-brined and wet-brined our turkey. While they were good, they werent irresistible. Wed actually decided to pass on the turkey this Thanksgiving in favor of pot roast and ham. However, a few weeks before Thanksgiving, we received an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, and I couldn’t help but try making turkey in it. After one bite, my wife stated: “This is the best turkey Ive ever had. We need to add turkey back to the Thanksgiving menu. ” If youre looking for tender, moist and incredibly flavorful turkey, youve come to the right place.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and if you’re looking for a stress-free way to cook a delicious turkey look no further than your pressure cooker! Yes, you can absolutely pressure cook a turkey, and it’s a surprisingly easy and efficient method.
In this guide, we’ll combine the best of two worlds, the Instant Pot Whole Turkey with Crispy Skin recipe from The Foodie Eats and the Pressure Cooker Instant Pot Turkey recipe from Temecula Blogs, to create the ultimate pressure-cooked turkey experience.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The benefits of pressure cooking a turkey: Say goodbye to dry, overcooked turkey and hello to juicy, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone.
- Choosing the right turkey: Not all turkeys are created equal. We’ll help you choose the perfect size and type for your pressure cooker.
- Preparing your turkey: From seasoning to aromatics, we’ll guide you through every step of the preparation process.
- Cooking your turkey: We’ll provide clear instructions on how to cook your turkey in your pressure cooker, including timing and pressure settings.
- Achieving crispy skin: Learn how to achieve that golden, crispy skin that everyone loves, even with a pressure cooker.
- Serving and carving your turkey: We’ll share tips on how to carve your turkey like a pro and present it beautifully on your Thanksgiving table.
- Bonus tips and tricks: Discover additional hacks and ideas to make your pressure-cooked turkey even more delicious.
Let’s get started!
The Benefits of Pressure Cooking a Turkey:
- Faster cooking time: Pressure cookers significantly reduce the cooking time compared to traditional methods. This means you’ll have more time to focus on other Thanksgiving preparations.
- More flavorful and juicy turkey: The pressure cooking process locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in a succulent and tender turkey that everyone will rave about.
- No need to brine: Pressure cooking eliminates the need for brining, saving you time and effort.
- Frees up oven space: With your turkey in the pressure cooker, you’ll have your oven free to cook other Thanksgiving dishes.
- Easy cleanup: Pressure cookers are relatively easy to clean, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
Choosing the Right Turkey:
- Size: The size of your turkey will depend on the size of your pressure cooker. For an 8-quart pressure cooker, aim for a turkey no larger than 9 pounds. If you have a larger pressure cooker, you can go for a slightly bigger bird.
- Type: Choose a fresh or thawed turkey. Frozen turkeys are not recommended for pressure cooking.
Preparing Your Turkey:
- Seasoning: Rub your turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and outside the cavity. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder.
- Aromatics: Place sliced onions, garlic, lemon, and thyme sprigs in the bottom of your pressure cooker along with some liquid smoke and water. This will create a flavorful base for your turkey.
Cooking Your Turkey:
- Pressure cooking: Place the trivet on top of the aromatics and then carefully place the seasoned turkey on top, breast side up. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 40 minutes. This will ensure that the turkey remains juicy and tender.
Achieving Crispy Skin:
- Broiling: After the natural release, remove the pressure cooker lid and switch to the air fryer lid. Broil the turkey for 10 minutes or until the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Alternative methods: If you don’t have an air fryer lid, you can transfer the turkey to a baking sheet and broil it in the oven for a few minutes.
Serving and Carving Your Turkey:
- Carving: Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to carve.
- Presentation: Arrange the carved turkey on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or vegetables for a beautiful presentation.
Bonus Tips and Tricks:
- Use the drippings: Don’t throw away the flavorful drippings from the pressure cooker. Use them to make a delicious gravy or sauce for your turkey.
- Add vegetables: You can add chopped vegetables to the pressure cooker along with the turkey for a complete meal.
- Get creative with seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to find your perfect flavor combination.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Pressure cooking is a versatile method, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking.
Pressure cooking a turkey is a fantastic way to achieve a delicious, juicy, and flavorful bird in a fraction of the time. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make your Thanksgiving turkey a success. So, grab your pressure cooker and get ready to impress your guests with a perfectly cooked turkey!
How to Make an Instant Pot Whole Turkey
Why This Recipe Works
- You can cook turkey in the Instant Pot without brining it. Without the need for brining, the steam pressure created during cooking and the aromatics in the pot produce a juicy, flavorful, and tender turkey.
- You can broil your turkey directly in the pot with the Duo Crisps air fryer lid. If you own a regular Instant Pot, you can air fry food without dirtying a pan or the delicate process of removing a tender turkey from the pot to transfer to the oven by purchasing the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or Mealthy CrispLid. The Ninja Foodi, which is comparable to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, is an additional choice.
- The turkey takes less than two hours to prepare from start to finish!
Pressure Cooking Turkey
FAQ
Can you cook a whole turkey in Ninja Foodi?
Does turkey get more tender the longer you cook it?
How long should you pressure cook meat for?
Can you cook turkey breast in a pressure cooker?
Instant Pot Turkey Breast cooked in the pressure cooker is super moist and tender, with only a 30 minute cook time. Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t need to take hours when you have a pressure cooker and this easy Instant Pot turkey breast recipe!
Can You Pressure Cook a Turkey?
Traditional oven-roasted turkeys have a tendency to turn out dry. Since pressure cooker uses steam to cook, you’ll have tender, moist meat. When you pressure cook a turkey, you don’t end up with the classic golden-brown skin right out of the cooking pot. But you can still get crisp skin with an air fryer attachment or a quick broil in the oven.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in a pressure cooker?
The cooking time for a turkey in a pressure cooker depends on the size of the bird and the specific pressure cooker you are using. As a general guideline, you can estimate about 6-8 minutes per pound of turkey. For example, a 12-pound turkey may take approximately 72-96 minutes to cook under pressure.
Can you cook a frozen turkey in a pressure cooker?
Trying to cook a frozen turkey in a pressure cooker can lead to uneven cooking and may even result in safety concerns. Thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of weight. How much liquid should I add to the pressure cooker when cooking a turkey?