Instant Pot Turkey: Discover the Ultimate Guide on How to Cook a Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey in Minutes!

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast is undoubtedly the turkey. While preparing a turkey can seem like a daunting task, the Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy and convenient. In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to instant pot turkey, ensuring a juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked bird.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Trivet or steamer rack
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity and discard. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
3. Heat the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
4. Brown the Turkey (Optional): If desired, sear the turkey in the Instant Pot by placing it breast-side down and cooking for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Add the Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot.
6. Place the Turkey: Place the trivet or steamer rack in the Instant Pot and carefully place the turkey on top.
7. Cook the Turkey: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on the “Manual” setting for 3 minutes per pound of turkey. For a 12-pound turkey, cook for 36 minutes; for a 14-pound turkey, cook for 42 minutes.
8. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release the remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.”
9. Check the Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the turkey is not done, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
10. Carve and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips

• For a more flavorful turkey, brine the turkey overnight in a solution of water, salt, and sugar.
• If your turkey is too large to fit in the Instant Pot, you can cut it into smaller pieces.
• Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions to the Instant Pot for a flavorful broth.
• If you don’t have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket or a crumpled piece of aluminum foil to elevate the turkey.

Troubleshooting

• My turkey is still not done after the recommended cooking time. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes and check the temperature again.
• My turkey is overcooked. Reduce the cooking time next time.
• My turkey is dry. Make sure to brine the turkey and check the temperature regularly.

Variations

• Roasted Turkey: After cooking the turkey in the Instant Pot, transfer it to a roasting pan and roast in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
• Smoked Turkey: Use a smoker box with your Instant Pot to infuse your turkey with a smoky flavor.
• Stuffed Turkey: Fill the turkey cavity with your favorite stuffing before cooking it in the Instant Pot.

Conclusion

With the Instant Pot, preparing a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey has never been easier. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering centerpiece that will make your Thanksgiving feast a memorable one.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen turkey in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add an additional 10-15 minutes per pound of frozen turkey.
Q: How long should I let the turkey rest before carving?
A: Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Q: Can I make gravy with the turkey juices from the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, strain the turkey juices and follow your favorite gravy recipe.