Can I Cook A Turkey In An Instant Pot? Everything You Need To Know

With the holidays coming up many home cooks are looking for ways to make cooking a turkey as easy as possible. The Instant Pot has become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years because of its convenience and versatility. So can you actually cook a whole turkey in an Instant Pot? The short answer is yes!Cooking a turkey in the Instant Pot may seem unconventional but it is absolutely possible. An Instant Pot uses pressure cooking technology to cook food very quickly, while also locking in moisture and flavor. This method allows you to cook a tender, juicy turkey in a fraction of the usual oven roasting time.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a delicious whole turkey in your Instant Pot

Benefits of Cooking A Turkey In An Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to cook your holiday turkey provides several advantages over traditional oven roasting:

• Significantly Reduced Cooking Time – The high pressure environment of the Instant Pot allows the turkey to cook up to 70% faster than the oven. A 12-15 lb turkey only needs about 1 hour in the Instant Pot.

• Moist and Tender Meat – Pressure cooking keeps all the juices locked in, so your turkey turns out incredibly moist and tender. No more dried out holiday bird!

• More Oven Space – Free up your oven to cook all your side dishes by moving the turkey to the Instant Pot

• Less Active Cooking Time – The Instant Pot does all the work for you with minimal monitoring needed. Once the lid is on, you can focus on other tasks.

• Consistent Results – Takes the guesswork out of cooking a turkey. The controlled environment of the Instant Pot produces a perfectly cooked turkey every time.

Tips For Cooking A Turkey In The Instant Pot

Cooking a whole turkey in an Instant Pot may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Completely Thaw The Turkey – Only cook a fully thawed turkey in the Instant Pot. Calculate 1.5 days of thawing time in the fridge for every 5 pounds.

• Use A Size-Appropriate Pot – Make sure your turkey fits in the pot. An 8 quart Instant Pot can hold a 10-12 lb turkey. Go bigger for larger birds.

• Trim Excess Fat – Remove any large pockets of fat from the turkey to prevent scorching and smoke.

• Dry The Skin – Be sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels before cooking for crispy skin. Wet skin will steam instead of brown.

• Truss The Turkey – Trussing brings the wings and legs in tight to allow the bird to cook evenly.

• Use A Steaming Rack – Elevate the turkey on a rack over 1 cup of broth to allow steam circulation.

• Baste After Cooking – Brush the turkey with oil or broth and broil after pressure cooking to crisp and brown the skin.

Step-By-Step Instant Pot Turkey Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof results:

1. Remove Giblets and Rinse Turkey – Discard the neck and giblets from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat very dry with paper towels.

2. Season the Turkey – Rub salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings all over the outside and inside of the turkey. Butter or oil helps crisp the skin.

3. Truss Turkey – Use cooking twine to truss the turkey, pulling the wings and legs in tight.

4. Prepare Instant Pot – Place 1 cup broth in pot. Insert steamer rack.

5. Position Turkey – Place seasoned and trussed turkey breast-side up on rack over broth.

6. Pressure Cook – Secure the lid. Set to high pressure for 45-60 minutes (12-15 min per pound). Allow 10 minute natural pressure release.

7. Baste and Crisp Skin – Carefully remove turkey. Baste all over with broth. Broil 10-15 minutes until browned.

8. Check Temp – Turkey is safe to eat once internal temp in thickest part of breast reaches 165°F.

9. Let Rest and Carve – Allow turkey to rest 15 minutes before easy carving. Enjoy your moist, tender Instant Pot turkey!

Helpful Tips For Best Instant Pot Turkey Results

• For maximum browning, dry brine the turkey in the fridge uncovered for 8-24 hours before cooking.

• Rub salt, oil, and dried herbs under and on top of the skin to flavor and crisp.

• Cook stuffing in a separate dish, not inside the turkey where it can harbor bacteria.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F.

• Letting the turkey rest before carving allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.

• Save the turkey broth from the Instant Pot to make gravy or soup.

Common Instant Pot Turkey Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making turkey in an Instant Pot:

How long does it take to cook a turkey in an Instant Pot?

Cooking time depends on the size of your turkey, but estimate 12-15 minutes per pound on high pressure. A 12 lb turkey takes about 2 1/2 hours total.

Can you stuff a turkey in an Instant Pot?

Stuffing a turkey is not recommended with pressure cooking. Cook stuffing separately to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.

What size Instant Pot do you need to cook a turkey?

An 8 quart Instant Pot can fit a 10-12 lb turkey. Go bigger if cooking a very large bird. Make sure the turkey can lay flat with the lid closed.

How do you get crispy turkey skin in the Instant Pot?

Pat the skin dry before cooking. Baste with broth after pressure cooking. Broil 10-15 minutes until browned. Rubbing butter under and on the skin also helps.

Do you need a steaming rack to cook turkey in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you need a rack to elevate the turkey off the bottom of the pot and allow steam circulation. Stainless steel or silicone steamer racks work great.

The Bottom Line

Cooking a moist, delicious whole turkey in the Instant Pot is totally doable with the right techniques. The pressure cooking method cuts the cook time nearly in half compared to the oven with very little active monitoring needed from you. Just be sure to fully thaw the turkey, use a size-appropriate pot, dry the skin well, and broil after cooking for crispy skin. Follow the step-by-step instructions above for foolproof results. Break out your Instant Pot this holiday season for the easiest turkey dinner ever!