How to Cook a Moist and Tender Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

How to Cook Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

Thanksgiving is coming up, and you’re probably wondering how to cook the perfect turkey. If you’re short on time or don’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen, a pressure cooker is a great option.

Pressure cookers cook food quickly and evenly, so you can have a delicious, moist turkey on the table in no time. Plus, pressure cookers are very safe to use, as long as you follow the instructions carefully.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a turkey in a pressure cooker. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make the best turkey ever.

So if you’re ready to learn how to cook turkey in a pressure cooker, read on!

Step Instructions Time
1 Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. 5 minutes
2 Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. 5 minutes
3 Place the turkey in the pressure cooker. 5 minutes
4 Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. 5 minutes
5 Close the pressure cooker and set the pressure to high. 5 minutes
6 Cook the turkey for the following times based on the weight of the turkey: 5 minutes
7 10 minutes per pound for a bone-in turkey, or 8 minutes per pound for a boneless turkey. 5 minutes
8 Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually. 5 minutes
9 Remove the turkey from the pressure cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. 5 minutes

What is a Pressure Cooker?

A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food quickly and evenly. It works by trapping steam inside the pot, which raises the boiling point of water and allows food to cook at a higher temperature. This results in shorter cooking times and more tender, flavorful food.

Pressure cookers are also very energy-efficient, as they use less fuel than traditional ovens. They are also relatively safe to use, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

How to Cook a Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

Cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a great way to save time and energy. Here are the steps involved:

1. Choose the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey for your pressure cooker, it is important to consider the size of the pot. The turkey should fit snugly in the pot, but not so tightly that it prevents the steam from circulating. A good rule of thumb is to use a turkey that is about two-thirds the size of the pot.

You should also choose a turkey that is fresh or frozen. Thawed turkeys will cook more evenly than frozen turkeys.

2. Preparing the Turkey

Before cooking the turkey, you will need to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. You can also rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.

If you are using a frozen turkey, you will need to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.

Once the turkey is thawed, you can begin to season it. You can use any seasonings that you like, but some popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Cooking the Turkey

To cook the turkey in a pressure cooker, you will need to add the following ingredients to the pot:

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • The turkey
  • Any desired seasonings

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and bring it to pressure over high heat. Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, reduce the heat to low and cook the turkey for the following amount of time:

  • 10 minutes per pound for a fresh turkey
  • 12 minutes per pound for a frozen turkey

After the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure cooker to depressurize naturally. This will take about 10 minutes.

Once the pressure cooker has depressurized, you can open the lid and remove the turkey. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

4. Carving the Turkey

To carve the turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Start by removing the legs from the turkey. To do this, cut through the skin and meat between the leg and the body. Then, cut through the joint to separate the leg from the body.

Repeat this process with the other leg.

Next, remove the wings from the turkey. To do this, cut through the skin and meat between the wing and the body. Then, cut through the joint to separate the wing from the body.

Repeat this process with the other wing.

Finally, carve the breast meat from the turkey. To do this, cut through the skin and meat between the breast and the thigh. Then, cut down the center of the breast to separate the breast meat from the bone.

Repeat this process with the other breast.

You can now serve the turkey.

How to Cook Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook turkey quickly and evenly. They can also help you save time and energy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook turkey in a pressure cooker:

1. Choose the right turkey

The size of the turkey you choose will depend on the size of your pressure cooker. A general rule of thumb is to use a turkey that is no larger than half the capacity of your pressure cooker.

2. Prepare the turkey

First, rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Then, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. If you are not planning on using the giblets, you can discard them or save them for another use.

Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. If you are using a whole turkey, you may want to cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to cook.

3. Season the turkey

Once the turkey is clean and dry, season it with your favorite spices and herbs. You can also add a little bit of oil to the turkey to help the seasonings stick.

4. Cook the turkey

Place the turkey in the pressure cooker and add enough water to come halfway up the sides of the turkey. If you are using a whole turkey, you may need to add more water.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and bring it to pressure over high heat. Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, reduce the heat to low and cook the turkey for the following times:

  • 10 minutes per pound for a whole turkey
  • 5 minutes per pound for a boneless, skinless turkey breast

After the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure cooker cool down naturally. Once the pressure cooker has depressurized, open the lid and remove the turkey.

5. Let the turkey rest

Before you serve the turkey, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.

6. Carve and serve the turkey

Once the turkey has rested, carve it and serve it with your favorite sides.

Tips for Cooking Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you are not planning on serving the turkey immediately, you can keep it warm in the pressure cooker by turning off the heat and leaving the lid on.
  • If you want to make gravy from the drippings, you can do so by straining the liquid from the pressure cooker and whisking in a little bit of cornstarch.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the turkey is not cooked through, you can cook it for a longer period of time.
  • If the turkey is dry, you can add more liquid to the pressure cooker.
  • If the turkey is tough, you can cook it at a lower pressure for a longer period of time.

Tips for Cooking Turkey in a Pressure Cooker

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey in a pressure cooker:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If you are not planning on serving the turkey immediately, you can keep it warm in the pressure cooker by turning off the heat and leaving the lid on.
  • If you want to make gravy from the drippings, you can do so by straining the liquid from the pressure cooker and whisking in a little bit of cornstarch.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the turkey is not cooked through, you can cook it for a longer period of time.
  • If the turkey is dry, you can add more liquid to the pressure cooker.
  • If the turkey is tough, you can cook it at a lower pressure for a longer period of time.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few troubleshooting tips for cooking turkey in a pressure cooker:

  • If the turkey is not cooked through, you can cook it for a longer period of time.
  • If the turkey is dry, you can add more liquid to the pressure cooker.
  • If the turkey is tough, you can cook it at a lower pressure for a longer period of time.

If you are still having trouble cooking turkey in a pressure cooker, you can consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact customer service for assistance.

Pressure cookers are a great way to cook turkey quickly and evenly. They

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a pressure cooker?

A 3- to 4-pound turkey will take about 20 minutes per pound to cook in a pressure cooker. For example, a 6-pound turkey will take about 120 minutes (2 hours) to cook.

What temperature should I cook my turkey in a pressure cooker?

The ideal cooking temperature for a turkey in a pressure cooker is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

**What pressure should I use to cook my turkey in a pressure cooker?

The pressure should be set to high for cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker.

**How much liquid should I add to the pressure cooker when cooking a turkey?

You should add enough liquid to the pressure cooker to come at least halfway up the sides of the turkey. This will help to create steam and prevent the turkey from drying out.

**What can I do if my turkey is still pink in the middle after cooking?

If your turkey is still pink in the middle after cooking, it is important to return it to the pressure cooker and cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

**What are some tips for cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker?

Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker:

  • Use a trivet or steamer basket to keep the turkey elevated off the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will help to prevent the turkey from burning.
  • Add a little bit of oil to the bottom of the pressure cooker to prevent the turkey from sticking.
  • Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker:

  • Not using enough liquid. This can cause the turkey to dry out.
  • Not using a trivet or steamer basket. This can cause the turkey to burn.
  • Not checking the internal temperature of the turkey. This can result in undercooked or overcooked turkey.
  • Not letting the turkey rest before carving it. This can cause the turkey to be dry and tough.

    cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to produce a delicious and juicy meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that your turkey will be cooked to perfection every time.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

  • Use a brine to help the turkey retain moisture.
  • Cook the turkey at a high pressure for a short amount of time.
  • Let the turkey rest before carving.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to cook a perfect turkey in your pressure cooker in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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