The Ultimate Instant Pot Turkey Guide: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Perfect Turkey with the Instant Pot

First, make sure you have a frozen turkey that’s been thawed in the refrigerator or cold water. If you’re using a fresh turkey, skip this step.

Place the turkey in the Instant Pot and add your desired seasonings, marinade, or brine. Close the lid, making sure the valve is set to ‘sealing’. Press the ‘manual’ or ‘pressure cook’ button and set the cooking time to 30 minutes for a 4-6 pound turkey. For larger turkeys, add 10-15 minutes of cooking time per pound.

When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The short answer is: it depends. If you’re cooking a small turkey (less than 4 pounds), you might be able to get away without a trivet. However, for larger turkeys, a trivet is essential to prevent the meat from coming into contact with the Instant Pot’s bottom and burning.

If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a foil ball or a metal rack to elevate the turkey. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the turkey will cook faster without a trivet.

The answer is yes, but with some caveats. When cooking a stuffed turkey in the Instant Pot, make sure the stuffing is loosely packed and the turkey is not overcrowded. You can also use a separate cooking vessel, like a steamer basket, to cook the stuffing separately.

However, if you’re cooking a large turkey with a dense stuffing, it’s best to cook the stuffing outside the turkey to prevent food safety issues.

The Instant Pot will automatically switch to ‘keep warm’ mode when the cooking time is up. However, to ensure your turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

The Instant Pot’s maximum capacity is 7.5 quarts, which can accommodate a turkey up to 14 pounds. However, for larger turkeys, it’s best to use a bigger Instant Pot or a separate cooking vessel, like a deep roasting pan or a stockpot.

Yes, you can achieve a crispy, golden finish on your turkey skin in the Instant Pot. After cooking the turkey, remove it from the Instant Pot and place it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. You can also pan-fry the skin in a skillet with some oil for a crispy finish.

Absolutely! Marinating or brining your turkey before cooking it in the Instant Pot can add incredible flavor and tenderize the meat. Just be sure to remove any excess moisture from the turkey before cooking to prevent steam from building up in the Instant Pot.

The longer you let the pressure release naturally, the more tender and juicy your turkey will be. Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Yes, you can cook a bone-in turkey in the Instant Pot! However, make sure to adjust the cooking time and pressure according to the turkey’s size and bone density.

When cooking a turkey in the Instant Pot, don’t throw away those leftover bones! You can use them to make a delicious, rich broth for soups, stews, and stocks. Simply add the bones to the Instant Pot with some aromatics and liquid, and cook on ‘saute’ mode until the liquid is reduced and the bones are tender.

To prevent the turkey from sticking to the Instant Pot, make sure to add some oil or cooking spray to the pot before cooking. You can also use a non-stick Instant Pot liner or a foil sheet to prevent sticking.

When cooking a turkey in the Instant Pot, the resulting drippings are a treasure trove of flavor. Simply strain the drippings into a saucepan, whisk in some flour or cornstarch to thicken, and add some broth or water to make a delicious, savory gravy.