Yes, You Can Cook A Turkey in the Instant Pot

Can you really cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can! This miraculous appliance and other electric pressure cookers like it have revolutionized cooking as we know it and a traditional turkey dinner can be on the table in just over an hour. Incredible, isn't?

Below we highlight two different methods for cooking Instant Pot turkey: a whole bird and a turkey breast. Instead of waiting all day for the bird to cook in the oven put your newfound freedom to good use by actually enjoying your dinner party instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Instant Pot Whole Turkey

First things first, to cook a whole turkey in an Instant Pot you will have to consider the bird's weight. An 8-quart Instant Pot (the largest available at the moment) can cook a turkey or chicken weighing up to 10 lbs.

You will season the turkey as usual (we have a great recipe here) and place it atop the steamer insert. You can add the vegetables of your choice to the bottom of the pot.

The trick lies in cooking the turkey for an hour in the Instant Pot then broiling it for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven to ensure the most delicious crispy skin. This video from MonkeySee demonstrates the whole process:

Instant Pot Turkey Breast

If you prefer cooking a turkey breast instead, you'll love this recipe idea from YouTuber Joanna Cismaru. She seasons a turkey breast then browns it on all sides using the sauté function on the Instant Pot then cooks it for just 25 minutes. Then she uses the drippings to make gravy right in the Instant Pot. Brilliant!