This was supposed to be my Thanksgiving pressure cooker recipe – State Fair Turkey Drumsticks. But the night I was making it, I was busy, so I only took pictures of the first section of the recipe—that is, until I closed the pressure cooker lid. Everyone loved the big drumsticks, so I thought I would try some other recipes since there would be another Thanksgiving.
Then I kept hearing from my wife. With every holiday turkey that was served, she remarked, “These are good drumsticks – but not as good as the ones you made in the pressure cooker.” When can we have those again?”.
Hi, foodies! This guide will show you how to use your pressure cooker to make juicy, tender, and fall-off-the-bone smoked turkey legs in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful way to cook smoked turkey legs, look no further!
The Magic of Pressure Cooking: Time and Flavor
Pressure cookers are like culinary superheroes, using steam and pressure to cook food significantly faster than conventional methods. This not only saves you precious time but also helps lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Cooking Time: A Matter of Minutes
The cooking time for smoked turkey legs in a pressure cooker depends on the size of your legs and the desired level of doneness. Here’s a handy table to guide you:
| Turkey Leg Weight | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 pound | 10-12 minutes |
| 1.5 pounds | 15-17 minutes |
| 2 pounds | 20-22 minutes |
Pro Tip: Make sure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit by using a meat thermometer; these are only estimates. This is the golden rule for safe and delicious poultry.
Pressure Cooker Techniques: Choose Your Adventure
There are a few different ways to cook your smoked turkey legs in a pressure cooker:
Classic Pressure Cooking: This method involves placing your seasoned turkey legs in the pressure cooker with a small amount of liquid (broth, water, or even apple cider) and cooking them according to the recommended time
Slow Cooking: Try slow cooking your smoked turkey legs in the pressure cooker for exceptionally soft and flavorful results. After selecting the “Slow Cook” option, leave it to simmer for a few hours.
Air Frying: You can use an air fryer that doubles as a pressure cooker to get both a crispy exterior and a juicy interior all in one device. Just season your turkey legs, put them in the air fryer basket, and proceed according to the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Bonus Tips for Pressure Cooker Smoked Turkey Leg Perfection
Now that you are aware of the fundamentals, let’s add a few more pointers to make your experience with smoked turkey legs truly memorable:
- Baste it up: Basting your turkey legs with melted butter or pan drippings during cooking will keep them moist and add a beautiful golden hue.
- Rest is key: Allow your turkey legs to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
- Get creative with seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavor combinations. From classic rosemary and thyme to a zesty lemon-garlic rub, the possibilities are endless.
- Save those drippings: The pan drippings are liquid gold! Use them to make a delicious gravy or add them to your favorite soup or stew for an extra burst of flavor.
You can cook smoked turkey legs in a pressure cooker with ease if you follow these instructions and suggestions. Recall that the secret to success is a combination of culinary creativity, patience, and a trustworthy meat thermometer. So go ahead, cook with self-assurance, and savor the delectable fruits of your culinary efforts!
Pressure Cooker State Fair Turkey Drumsticks
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- Author: Mike Vrobel
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Pressure Cooker State Fair Turkey Drumsticks recipe – massive turkey legs, like you get at the amusement park.
- 6 turkey drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 2 packed teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- Mix the salt, pepper, brown sugar, and garlic powder with the drumsticks to season them, being careful to break up any big pieces of brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the turkey drumsticks.
- Everything in the pot: After adding the water and soy sauce, add the drumsticks.
- Locking the lid and cooking the drumsticks at high pressure for 20 minutes on a stovetop or 25 minutes on an electric PC is how to cook them under pressure. After that, release any remaining pressure as soon as possible after allowing the pressure to drop naturally for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Using tongs, carefully remove the drumsticks from the pot; they are very tender and easily crumble. If you have time, use a fat strainer to remove the fat from the pot liquid, letting it rise to the top. Serve the defatted liquid as a sauce at the table.
If you want crispy turkey skin, brush the drumsticks with the pot sauce and broil until browned. (I dont bother, and serve them as-is).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Up to six drumsticks will fit in my 6-quart Instant Pot, depending on how long the bones are. Shorter legs stack in there easily, but longer bones don’t fit in there flat and must be pieced in like a jigsaw puzzle. There is ample air within the pot, so the maximum fill line shouldn’t be an issue. As long as the lid will lock, the drumsticks fit.
- The cooking liquid is delicious poured over baked potatoes. Just sayin’.
Recipe: Pressure Cooker State Fair Turkey Drumsticks
- Pressure cooker with a minimum 6-quart capacity (I use an Instant Pot Duo electric pressure cooker).
30 MINUTE SMOKED TURKEY LEGS || JUICY TURKEY LEGS || THANKSGIVING IDEAS 2019
FAQ
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