Mastering Juicy, Tender Turkey Legs in Your Pressure Cooker

As the holidays approach, pressure cookers provide a convenient way to make delicious turkey drumsticks with minimum effort. But how long should you actually cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker to achieve fully cooked, fall-off-the-bone tender meat?

Finding the ideal timing is key to perfectly cooked drumsticks without drying them out. Let’s explore the foolproof methods for creating moist, flavorful pressure cooked turkey legs your family will rave about.

Why Choose a Pressure Cooker?

Cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker offers many advantages over roasting The pressurized environment tenderizes tough cuts like drumsticks rapidly using moist heat

While oven roasting may dry out lean turkey meat, pressure cooking locks in juices for succulent results. The enclosed pot also concentrates flavors as spices infuse the meat.

Cleanup is easier too – no pan drippings to scrub out of a roasting rack. Simply dump everything into the dishwasher after serving. Using a pressure cooker saves time and effort while delivering ideal turkey legs.

Factor #1: Leg Size

The most important factor in determining pressure cooker turkey leg cook time is the size and thickness of the actual drumsticks

Standard turkeys have legs weighing around 1-2 pounds each. But heritage breed turkeys like Narragansetts can have monster legs over 2-3 pounds. More meat and bone equals longer cooking.

If using enormous turkey legs, extend the time slightly. For average 1-2 pound drumstick, around 15-25 minutes under pressure is sufficient to become fork tender.

Factor #2: Bone-In vs. Boneless

Leaving the leg bone intact when pressure cooking provides moisture and flavor. But deboned turkey legs will cook faster with slightly shorter pressure time.

With no dense thigh bone to heat penetrate, boneless legs may only need 10-15 minutes pressurized. But bone-in is recommended for the superior flavor and texture bones impart.

Factor #3: Pressure Cooker Type

Most electric pressure cookers automatically alter timing to account for their slower pressurization. So they may recommend cooking turkey legs 5-10 minutes longer than faster stovetop pressure cookers.

Always check manufacturer guidance, as times vary between brands. Instant Pot electric PCs add 5-10 minutes typically. Follow their pre-sets for foolproof results.

Factor #4: Number of Drumsticks

More turkey legs stacked in the pot may slightly increase pressurization time before cooking starts. But once pressurized, the cooking duration remains the same per pound of meat.

Six small drumsticks shouldn’t need longer than two big legs – it just may take a few more minutes initially to build pressure.

Seasoning and Liquid

No need to radically adjust liquid or seasoning amounts for different leg sizes. The key is making sure drumsticks are loosely packed with ample room for steam circulation.

One cup of liquid like broth, wine or water is usually sufficient. Sprinkle legs generously with salt, pepper and herbs or spices for flavor.

Preparation Methods

To prep turkey legs for the pressure cooker:

• Thaw completely if frozen
• Pat dry
• Season well
• Add to pot with 1 cup broth/liquid
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure

Use natural pressure release after cooking. The resting time continues gently heating the meat. Then serve your succulent drumsticks!

Cooking Times for Moist Turkey Legs

Based on the above factors, here are general pressure cooker time guidelines:

• Bone-in legs, 1-2 lbs each: 15-25 mins
• Boneless legs: 10-15 minutes
• Electric pressure cookers: Add 5-10 mins

Always check for doneness and adjust time if needed. Undercooking risks dangerous bacteria. Better to have slightly overdone legs than worry about foodborne illness.

Delicious Flavor Variations

Beyond basic seasoning, try these flavorful liquid options:

• Chicken or turkey broth
• White wine or apple cider
• Soy sauce, barbecue sauce, teriyaki
• Fruit juices like orange, cranberry, pomegranate
• Herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage

Mix and match to complement your side dishes. The pressurized moisture infuses intense flavors into the meat.

Make Ahead and Freezing

Cooked turkey legs keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the pressure cooker with a bit of liquid.

They also freeze well up to 4 months. Thaw first before reheating.

Juicy, Tender Results

Now you have all the tools to perfectly nail cooked turkey drumsticks in your pressure cooker. Follow cooking times based on leg size and cooker type, add flavorful liquid, and you’ll have ideal results every time.

With minimal hands-on effort, your pressure cooker will deliver exceptionally moist, tender turkey legs the whole family will love. Take advantage of this handy kitchen tool for easy holiday feasts. Ditch the roast and savor delicious pressure cooked drumsticks!