Have you ever found yourself scrambling for dinner with a frozen turkey in your hands? Well, worry no more! Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can now cook a delicious, juicy turkey from frozen in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven
This guide will answer all your questions about pressure cooking a frozen turkey. including:
- How long to cook a frozen turkey in an Instant Pot: We’ll provide you with a handy chart to determine the exact cooking time based on the weight of your turkey.
- Step-by-step instructions: We’ll walk you through the entire process, from prepping your turkey to making a delicious gravy.
- Tips and tricks: We’ll share valuable advice on how to achieve the perfect results, like ensuring your turkey is cooked through and achieving crispy skin.
- Additional resources: We’ll provide links to helpful recipes and articles for further information and inspiration.
Let’s dive into the world of pressure-cooked frozen turkey!
Time Chart for Pressure Cooking Frozen Turkey in an Instant Pot:
Turkey Weight (lbs) | Cooking Time (mins) |
---|---|
3-4 | 65 |
4-5 | 70 |
5-6 | 75 |
6-7 | 80 |
7-8 | 85 |
8-9 | 90 |
9-10 | 95 |
10-11 | 100 |
Note that depending on the model of your Instant Pot and the thickness of your turkey, these cooking times are only estimates. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey is always a good idea. The thickest part of the breast should register at 165°F.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pressure Cooking Frozen Turkey:
- Prep your turkey: Remove the plastic and netting from the frozen turkey. Run warm water over the turkey to loosen the gravy packet. Place the gravy packet in a bowl of hot water to thaw while you prepare the turkey.
- Season the turkey: Rub your desired seasonings onto the turkey. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Sauté the vegetables (optional): Add olive oil to the Instant Pot and turn on the sauté function. Add chopped onions and celery and cook until softened.
- Add broth and gravy: Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot and stir in the gravy mix and the thawed gravy packet.
- Place the trivet and turkey: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and set the seasoned turkey on top.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid, ensure the valve is set to “sealing,” and pressure cook on high for the time specified in the chart above.
- Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- Rest the turkey: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Make gravy (optional): While the turkey is resting, you can thicken the remaining liquid in the Instant Pot to make gravy. Use a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.
Tips and Tricks for Pressure Cooking Frozen Turkey:
- Use a meat thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s cooked through. 165°F in the thickest part of the breast is the magic number.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Make sure your turkey fits comfortably in the Instant Pot without touching the sides. If it’s too large, consider cutting it into smaller pieces.
- Achieve crispy skin: After pressure cooking, you can broil the turkey for a few minutes to achieve crispy skin.
- Add flavor with vegetables: Sautéing onions and celery in the Instant Pot before adding the turkey adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Use the leftover broth: The flavorful broth from the Instant Pot can be used to make gravy, soup, or risotto.
Additional Resources:
- Simply Meals: Frozen Turkey in Your Instant Pot! Only 1 Hour Cook Time! AMAZING: https://www.mealplanningeasy.com/frozen-turkey-in-your-instant-pot/
- The Blond Cook: Instant Pot Frozen Turkey Breast: https://theblondcook.com/instant-pot-frozen-turkey-breast/
- Allrecipes: How to Cook a Frozen Turkey: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-cook-a-frozen-turkey/
For busy people and families, pressure-cooking a frozen turkey is a practical and time-saving solution. Even if you start with a frozen bird, you can now confidently prepare a tasty and juicy turkey for your next meal with the aid of this guide. Now grab your Instant Pot, give these directions a try, and discover the wonders of frozen, pressure-cooked turkey!
Pressure cooking a frozen turkey in 90 minutes.
FAQ
Can you pressure cook a whole frozen turkey?
How long does it take to cook frozen turkey?
How long do you cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker?