How Long to Pressure Cook a Turkey for Perfectly Moist Meat

Cook the most tender, moist, and incredibly flavorful Instant Pot whole turkey with perfectly crisp skin in under 2 hours using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Mealthy CrispLid or Ninja Foodi.

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. But, when we got an Instant Pot Duo Crisp just a few weeks before Thanksgiving, I couldnt resist trying a 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.

Cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a great way to get moist, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven. But nailing the cook time is crucial to ensuring your bird turns out just right. Undercook it and you’ll end up with dangerously undercooked poultry. Cook it too long and you’ll have dry, stringy meat. So how long should you pressure cook a turkey to perfection? Let’s find out.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

Several factors impact how long you’ll need to pressure cook your turkey

Size of the bird – A small 12 lb turkey will cook faster than a large 20 lb one. General rule of thumb is 5-8 minutes per lb.
Bone-in or boneless – A bone-in turkey will take longer than a boneless breast or other cut. Bones conduct heat slower
Thickness of meat – Thicker parts like breasts and thighs will require more time than thinner areas.
Pressure cooker type – Older models may require longer cook times than new electric pressure cookers.
Altitude – At higher altitudes above 2000 feet, you may need to add 5-15% to the cook time.

So cook times can range quite a bit based on these factors. Let’s look at some general guidelines.

Cook Time Guidelines

For a whole 12-15 lb turkey, plan on cooking for approximately 35-50 minutes at high pressure. Use natural release.

For a 16-20 lb turkey, increase cook time to 45-60 minutes. The larger the bird, the more cook time needed.

For a boneless turkey breast (2-5 lbs), reduce cook time to just 15-30 minutes.

For turkey parts like drumsticks or thighs, cook for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness.

Remember to factor in the size, bone-in vs boneless, and other aspects mentioned earlier. And always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached a safe 165oF in the thickest part.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are more detailed steps for how to pressure cook a whole turkey:

Thaw turkey completely before cooking. This may take 2-3 days.
Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey and pat dry.
Rub skin with olive oil or butter. Season generously inside and out.
Place 1-2 cups broth or water in pot. Insert trivet or steamer basket.
Place seasoned turkey on trivet, breast side up.
Lock lid and set valve to sealing position. Select high pressure.
Set cook time based on size. For a 12 lb turkey, cook 40 minutes. 20 lb turkey, 55 minutes.
Allow 10 minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
Use meat thermometer to check doneness. Cook longer if needed.
Let turkey rest 10-15 minutes before carving.

The natural release is very important for allowing juices to redistribute for moist meat. And letting the turkey rest after gives time for juices to reabsorb so they don’t run out when you carve.

Helpful Tips

For best results, choose the right size bird for your pressure cooker. Check manufacturer guidelines.
Cut vegetables and aromatics like onion, celery, apples larger to prevent overcooking.
Add broth, wine, or cider to the pot instead of water for more flavor.
Truss legs with twine so they don’t overcook compared to the breast.
Use foil strips to shield bone ends and prevent scorching if needed.
Maximize browning by broiling turkey after pressure cooking if desired.

Common Questions

How long per pound do you pressure cook a turkey? For a whole turkey, pressure cook for 5-8 minutes per pound. Boneless cuts take less time.

Can you put stuffing in a pressure cooked turkey? It’s not recommended. Stuffing can harbor bacteria if undercooked. Cook it separately.

Do you brown a turkey before pressure cooking? Browning isn’t required, but it adds nice flavor. Brown in batches if needed.

Should you baste a pressure cooked turkey? Basting isn’t needed since the turkey cooks in moisture. Omit it.

Can you crisp the turkey skin after pressure cooking? Yes, broil the skin for 3-5 minutes after cooking through. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Conclusion

Mastering turkey in the pressure cooker takes some trial and error. But following these general cook time guidelines will set you up for success. Just remember to factor in the size of your bird, take the temperature, and allow ample resting time for a tender and juicy holiday centerpiece.

how long to pressure cook turkey

Why This Recipe Works

When cooking in the Instant Pot, there is no need to brine your turkey. The steam pressure during cooking, along with the aromatics in the pot, result in a tender, moist and flavorful turkey without the step of brining.
The Duo Crisps air fryer lid allows you to broil your turkey right in the pot. No need to go through the delicate step of removing a tender turkey from the pot to transfer to the oven, and no need to dirty a pan! If you have a regular Instant Pot, you can purchase the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or Mealthy CrispLid to air fry. Another option is the Ninja Foodi, which is similar to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
From start to finish, the turkey is ready in under two hours!