Cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, juicy meat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, pressure cooking turkey saves time and delivers delicious results. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to cook a turkey in a pressure cooker, including tips on seasoning, cooking times, and finishing touches.
Why Cook a Turkey in a Pressure Cooker?
Pressure cooking a turkey has some great advantages:
– Faster Cooking Time: It can reduce cooking time by up to 70% compared to traditional oven roasting.
– Juicy and Tender Meat: The steam and pressure break down the turkey’s connective tissues, making the meat incredibly tender.
– Less Hassle: You don’t have to babysit the turkey or worry about drying it out.
– Year-Round Cooking: Pressure cooking keeps your kitchen cool, making it perfect even in warm weather.
Choosing the Right Turkey for Your Pressure Cooker
Before you start, it’s important to pick a turkey that fits your pressure cooker:
– Size: Aim for a turkey no larger than 12-14 pounds to fit comfortably inside.
– Fresh or Frozen: Fresh turkey is preferred for better flavor, but frozen works too if properly thawed.
– Brining: Consider brining your turkey 24 hours in advance using a saltwater solution for extra moist and flavorful meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey in a Pressure Cooker
Step 1: Prepare Your Pressure Cooker
– Add about 2 cups of water or broth to the pressure cooker.
– Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pot to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
– Place a trivet or reversible rack inside to keep the turkey elevated above the liquid.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
– Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
– Rub the turkey all over with your favorite seasonings. Common choices include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and sage.
– For extra flavor, gently separate the skin from the breast and rub butter and herbs underneath.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
– Place the turkey breast side up on the rack inside the pressure cooker.
– Seal the lid and set the cooker to high pressure.
– Cook for about 6 minutes per pound of turkey. For example, a 7-pound turkey breast takes roughly 35-45 minutes under pressure.
– After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.
Step 4: Optional – Crisp the Skin
Pressure cooking won’t produce crispy skin by itself, but you can easily fix that:
– Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet.
– Broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, watching closely until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
– Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes loosely covered with foil before carving.
– This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat even juicier.
Making Gravy from Pressure Cooker Juices
Don’t waste the flavorful liquid left in the pot! Here’s a quick way to make gravy:
– Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan.
– Melt butter in a separate pan and whisk in flour to make a roux.
– Slowly add the strained liquid to the roux, whisking constantly.
– Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Turkey
– Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
– If cooking a whole turkey, keep it under 12 pounds for best results.
– Stuff the cavity with aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, and herbs to infuse more flavor.
– Butter under the skin adds richness and moisture.
– Natural pressure release is key to keeping the meat tender and preventing it from drying out.
Sample Cooking Times for Pressure Cooker Turkey
| Turkey Weight | Cooking Time (High Pressure) | Natural Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6 lbs | 35-40 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| 7-10 lbs | 45-50 minutes | 15 minutes |
| 10-12 lbs | 55-60 minutes | 15 minutes |
Adjust times slightly depending on your pressure cooker model and turkey size.
Cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a game-changer for quick, delicious meals. With simple seasoning, the right cooking time, and a quick broil for crispy skin, you can enjoy juicy turkey any time of year without the wait. Give it a try and impress your family with this easy, flavorful method!