How Long to Pressure Cook a Frozen Turkey? Your Complete Guide to Cooking a Frozen Turkey in an Instant Pot

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Season the turkey: Rub your desired seasonings onto the turkey. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
  3. 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.
  4. Add broth and gravy: Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot and stir in the gravy mix and the thawed gravy packet.
  5. Place the trivet and turkey: Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and set the seasoned turkey on top.
  6. 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.
  7. Natural release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes.
  8. Rest the turkey: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. 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:

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?

Meaning if you’ve forgotten to put the bird in the oven, or didn’t switch it on, your guests will likely be tucking into a midnight feast. But one woman has shared how she managed to cook a full-size turkey—from frozen—in just 90 minutes, using a pressure cooker.

How long does it take to cook frozen turkey?

8- to 12-pound turkey: 4 to 4-1/2 hours. 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5-3/4 hours. 14- to 18-pound turkey: 6 to 6-3/4 hours. 18- to 20-pound turkey: 6-3/4 to 7-1/2 hours.

How long do you cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker?

As a reminder, frozen meats will take 50% longer to cook than thawed. What is this? For example, a thawed roast should be cooked under pressure for 15-20 minutes per lb. A frozen roast should be cooked under pressure for 22-30 minutes per lb.

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