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Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes pressure cooking + 5 minutes broiling
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Instant Pot Whole Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. The turkey is seasoned, pressure cooked with vegetables and stock for deep flavor, then finished under the broiler for a beautifully browned, crispy skin. An optional homemade gravy made from the drippings elevates the dish to a complete, impressive meal perfect for gatherings throughout the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Seasoning

  • 1 (8 pound) whole turkey, fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions, divided
  • 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup water or poultry stock
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for broiling)

Gravy (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or flour)
  • 1/4 cup poultry broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey neck and giblets from inside the cavity and set aside if making homemade gravy, otherwise discard. Wash the turkey and pat completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
  2. Season the Turkey: Place the turkey on a clean cutting board and generously season it with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including inside the cavity. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended for easier cleanup.
  3. Insert Onion into Cavity: Slice one onion in half and insert it inside the turkey’s cavity to infuse flavor during cooking.
  4. Prepare Instant Pot: Roughly chop the remaining onion and add it to the inner pot of the Instant Pot along with the chopped carrots, poultry stock or water, and the reserved turkey neck and giblets. Place a wire rack fitted inside the Instant Pot on top of the vegetables and liquid.
  5. Place Turkey in Instant Pot: Place the turkey breast side up on the wire rack, tucking in the wings. Truss the turkey by tying the legs together with kitchen string to keep them close to the body for even cooking.
  6. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cooking, seal the lid, and ensure the steam release valve is in the sealed position. Pressure cook the turkey for 50 minutes, which equals approximately 6 minutes per pound.
  7. Natural Release: When cooking time is complete, turn off the cooker and let the turkey remain sealed inside for 15 minutes to continue cooking gently.
  8. Quick Release and Check Temperature: After 15 minutes, carefully turn the steam release valve to venting for quick release of remaining pressure. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted deep into the thickest part of the meat to verify an internal temperature of 170°F (74°C).
  9. Rest and Broil: Remove the turkey from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a roasting tray, baste with melted butter, and broil in the oven for 5 minutes or until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Monitor carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Final Rest: Transfer the turkey to a plate, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for an additional 10 minutes before carving.
  11. Make Gravy (optional): Strain the drippings from the Instant Pot through a mesh sieve to remove solids and transfer the liquid back to the pot. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and poultry broth and stir until dissolved. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on high and slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Add butter and Worcestershire sauce and stir until fully incorporated. Simmer the gravy for 2-3 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • To ensure juicy results, avoid opening the Instant Pot during cooking.
  • If broiling is not preferred, you can skip the broiling step for a softer skin.
  • Use a digital meat thermometer for accurate doneness checks.
  • Trussing the turkey helps it cook evenly and maintain shape.
  • The homemade gravy can be thickened with flour if cornstarch is not available.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before cooking and when making gravy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of turkey with gravy
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Find it online: https://yumyy.com/instant-pot-whole-turkey-recipe/