[Full Guide] How Long To Cook Drumsticks In Instant Pot?

Drumsticks are a popular and budget-friendly cut of poultry that can be easily cooked to juicy perfection in an Instant Pot. This versatile cooking method offers a quick and convenient way to prepare flavorful drumsticks with minimal effort. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the selection, preparation, cooking times, troubleshooting tips, and step-by-step instructions for cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this article will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create delicious drumstick dishes using your Instant Pot.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Drumsticks In Instant Pot

Cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure, with a natural release of 5 to 10 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary based on factors such as the size of the drumsticks and whether they are fresh or frozen. Additionally, the desired level of doneness and the specific recipe being used will also influence the cooking duration.

Selection

When selecting drumsticks for cooking in an Instant Pot, it’s essential to choose high-quality, fresh poultry to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Whether you prefer chicken or turkey drumsticks, look for cuts that are plump, moist, and free from any unpleasant odors. The skin should be smooth and free from blemishes, and the meat should appear pink with no signs of discoloration.

If you opt for frozen drumsticks, be sure to thoroughly thaw them before cooking to ensure even and thorough cooking in the Instant Pot. Proper thawing can be achieved by placing the frozen drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave.

Preparation

Before cooking drumsticks in the Instant Pot, it’s important to properly prepare the poultry to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking. Here are the key steps for preparing drumsticks:

1. Seasoning

• Begin by seasoning the drumsticks with your choice of herbs, spices, and marinades. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and adds depth to the final dish. Common seasonings for drumsticks include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.

2. Browning

• While not mandatory, browning the drumsticks before pressure cooking can enhance the overall flavor and appearance of the dish. To brown the drumsticks, simply use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to sear the meat until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step also adds extra depth of flavor to the drumsticks.

3. Trimming

• If necessary, trim any excess skin or fat from the drumsticks before cooking. This step can help reduce the amount of fat in the final dish and create a more appealing presentation.

4. Optional Ingredients

• Consider adding additional ingredients such as onions, carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the Instant Pot along with the drumsticks to infuse extra flavor into the dish.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Drumsticks

The cooking times for drumsticks in an Instant Pot can vary based on several factors, including the size of the drumsticks, whether they are fresh or frozen, and the desired level of doneness. Here are general guidelines for cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot:

Fresh Drumsticks

• When cooking fresh drumsticks in an Instant Pot, the typical cooking time at high pressure is approximately 10 minutes, followed by a natural release of pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep in mind that larger drumsticks may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Frozen Drumsticks

• If using frozen drumsticks, the cooking time in an Instant Pot will be extended to approximately 15 minutes at high pressure, with a natural release of 5 to 10 minutes. It’s important to ensure that the drumsticks are fully thawed before pressure cooking to prevent uneven cooking.

Doneness

• To ensure that the drumsticks are thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. This temperature ensures that the poultry is safe to consume while maintaining juicy and tender meat.

How To Cook Drumsticks In Instant Pot

Now that you’ve selected and prepared your drumsticks, it’s time to explore the step-by-step process of cooking them in an Instant Pot. Follow these instructions for successful cooking:

Step 1: Season The Drumsticks

• Begin by seasoning the drumsticks with your preferred herbs and spices. This is a crucial step for infusing flavor into the meat.

Step 2: Optional Browning

• If desired, use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to brown the drumsticks. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 3: Add Liquid

• To create steam and pressure for cooking, add a liquid such as chicken broth, water, or your choice of cooking liquid to the Instant Pot. This helps prevent burning and facilitates even cooking.

Step 4: Arrange The Drumsticks

• Place the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer at the bottom of the Instant Pot to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Set Cooking Time

• Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time according to the guidelines for fresh or frozen drumsticks. Use the manual or pressure cook setting to set the desired cook time at high pressure.

Step 6: Natural Release

• Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 to 10 minutes. This step helps the drumsticks retain moisture and avoids overcooking.

Step 7: Serve Or Optional Crisping

• Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the Instant Pot and check the drumsticks for doneness. If desired, you can transfer the drumsticks to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot is relatively straightforward, certain issues may arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Undercooked Drumsticks

• If the drumsticks are undercooked after the initial cooking time, return them to the Instant Pot and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at high pressure.

Tough Texture

• Tough drumsticks can result from undercooking or using older, less tender poultry. To address this issue, extend the cooking time and consider using a meat tenderizer to improve the texture.

Burnt Or Stuck Drumsticks

• If the drumsticks stick to the bottom of the Instant Pot or if a burn warning appears, carefully release the pressure, remove the drumsticks, deglaze the pot, and then resume cooking with additional liquid.

Overcooked Drumsticks

• To prevent overcooked drumsticks, reduce the initial cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes or adjust the pressure release time. Monitoring the cooking process with a meat thermometer can also prevent overcooking.

Cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient way to prepare flavorful and tender poultry. By carefully selecting, preparing, and cooking the drumsticks, you can create a wide variety of delicious dishes using this versatile kitchen appliance. With the detailed guidelines provided in this article, you now have the knowledge and confidence to cook drumsticks in your Instant Pot with consistent success. Whether you’re making a simple weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities make it a valuable tool for creating mouthwatering drumstick recipes.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Drumsticks

The Instant Pot has become a must-have kitchen gadget for many home cooks, thanks to its versatility and time-saving capabilities. One dish that can easily be prepared in an Instant Pot is drumsticks. Whether you have fresh drumsticks or frozen ones, the Instant Pot can help you achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time.

Drumsticks are not only affordable but also packed with flavor. They are great for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.

One of the advantages of using an Instant Pot is that it allows you to cook frozen drumsticks without the need to defrost them beforehand. This time-saving feature is particularly useful when you’re in a hurry or forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer in advance.

When cooking frozen drumsticks in an Instant Pot, you will need to adjust the cooking time slightly compared to fresh drumsticks. The general rule of thumb is to increase the cooking time by roughly 50%. For example, if a recipe calls for fresh drumsticks to be cooked for 10 minutes, you would cook frozen drumsticks for approximately 15 minutes.

However, it’s important to note that the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the drumsticks. To ensure they are fully cooked, it’s recommended to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the drumsticks should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat.

Achieving Perfect Texture

To achieve the perfect texture when cooking drumsticks in the Instant Pot, it’s crucial to follow a few key steps. These steps will ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and remains moist and tender.

1. Season the drumsticks: Start by seasoning the drumsticks with your favorite spices or marinade. This step will help enhance the flavor of the chicken.

2. Sear the drumsticks (optional): Searing the drumsticks before pressure cooking can help add an extra layer of flavor and give the chicken a golden brown color. To do this, set your Instant Pot to the Saute function, add a small amount of oil, and brown the drumsticks on all sides for a few minutes.

3. Add liquid: Add a liquid such as chicken broth, water, or a combination of both to the Instant Pot. This will create the necessary steam to pressure cook the drumsticks.

4. Set the pressure cooking time: Close the Instant Pot lid and select the pressure cooking function. Set the cooking time according to whether you are using fresh or frozen drumsticks. As mentioned earlier, you should increase the cooking time for frozen drumsticks compared to fresh ones.

5. Natural release vs. quick release: Once the drumsticks have finished cooking, you have two options for releasing the pressure. A natural release allows the pressure to release naturally on its own, which can take around 10-15 minutes. A quick release involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve to its venting position. The quick release method is faster but can result in some loss of moisture.

Flavor Infusion

One of the advantages of cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot is that it allows you to easily infuse them with flavors. There are various methods you can use to achieve this, depending on your preferences and the recipe you’re following. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Marinade: Marinating the drumsticks in your favorite marinade can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. You can use a pre-made marinade or create your own using ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, or lemon juice. Simply place the drumsticks and marinade in a bowl or zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight before cooking.

2. Dry rub: A dry rub is a mixture of herbs, spices, and seasonings that you massage onto the drumsticks before cooking. Some popular dry rub options for drumsticks include a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Apply the dry rub generously to both sides of the drumsticks, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Sauce glaze: For a sticky and flavorful drumstick, you can apply a sauce glaze after pressure cooking. Mix together your desired sauce, such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki sauce, or honey mustard, and brush it onto the drumsticks. Place the drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes until the glaze caramelizes and turns slightly crispy.

4. Flavorful liquids: Instead of using plain water or chicken broth as the cooking liquid, you can experiment with different flavorful liquids. For example, you can use coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist, or tomato sauce for an Italian-inspired flavor.

Remember, the Instant Pot allows you to experiment with flavors, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try different combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Drumsticks

While pressure cooking is the most common method for cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot, there are a few other cooking methods you can try for different results. These methods can help you achieve different textures and flavors:

1. Saute and slow cook: If you prefer crispy drumsticks with a caramelized exterior, you can start by sauteing the drumsticks on the Saute function for a few minutes on each side until they are browned. Then switch to the slow cook function and cook the drumsticks for 4-6 hours on low heat. This method will result in tender meat with a crispy skin.

2. Steaming: Steaming drumsticks in the Instant Pot is a healthy cooking method that retains the natural flavors and nutrients of the chicken. Simply add a small amount of water or broth to the Instant Pot, place a trivet or steamer basket inside, and arrange the drumsticks on top. Set the Instant Pot to the Steam function and cook for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the drumsticks.

3. Broiling: After pressure cooking the drumsticks, you can finish them off under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a crispy skin. Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet, brush them with a glaze or sauce, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

Don’t shy away from trying these alternative cooking methods to discover new flavors and textures.

Instant Pot Tips For Drumsticks

To ensure success when cooking drumsticks in the Instant Pot, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Trim excess fat: It’s a good idea to trim any excess fat from the drumsticks before cooking. This will help prevent excessive greasiness and ensure a cleaner cooking process.

2. Do not overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot when cooking drumsticks. Leave some space between the pieces to allow for proper circulation of heat and steam. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent the drumsticks from sticking together.

3. Use a trivet: Placing a trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot before adding the drumsticks will prevent them from sitting directly in the cooking liquid. This helps maintain the texture of the skin and prevents it from becoming soggy.

4. Adjust seasoning: Keep in mind that the flavors can become diluted as the drumsticks cook in the Instant Pot. Consider adding slightly more seasoning than you would when cooking drumsticks using other methods.

5. Use a food thermometer: To ensure that the drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfectly cooked drumsticks in your Instant Pot.

Creative Instant Pot Drumsticks Recipes And Variations

Now that you have the basics down, let’s explore some creative and flavorful recipes you can try with drumsticks in your Instant Pot:

1. Honey-Soy Glazed Drumsticks: After pressure cooking the drumsticks, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Brush the glaze onto the drumsticks and broil for a few minutes until caramelized.

2. BBQ Drumsticks: Season the drumsticks with a dry rub of paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pressure cook the drumsticks and then brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Broil until the sauce turns slightly crispy.

3. Teriyaki Drumsticks: Marinate the drumsticks in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Cook in the Instant Pot, and then broil with some additional teriyaki glaze until sticky and caramelized.

4. Buffalo Drumsticks: Pressure cook the drumsticks and then toss them in your favorite buffalo sauce. Broil for a few minutes until the skin is crispy. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Feel free to experiment with different sauces, spices, and flavor combinations to create your own unique drumstick recipes.

Conclusion

Cooking drumsticks in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to prepare tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken. Whether you’re starting with fresh or frozen drumsticks, the Instant Pot allows you to achieve consistent results every time. By following the recommended cooking times, flavor infusion techniques, and experimenting with different cooking methods, you can create a variety of delicious drumstick recipes that will please your family and friends. So fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy chicken drumsticks like never before!

FAQS

What Is The Recommended Cooking Time For Drumsticks In An Instant Pot?

The recommended cooking time for drumsticks in an instant pot is approximately 10-12 minutes on high pressure. This may vary slightly depending on the size of the drumsticks and personal preference for level of tenderness.

Can I Cook Frozen Drumsticks In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen drumsticks in an instant pot. The cooking time will need to be adjusted to approximately 12-14 minutes on high pressure. It is important to note that the texture and flavor may be slightly different when cooking frozen drumsticks.

Do I Need To Add Liquid When Cooking Drumsticks In An Instant Pot?

Yes, it is important to add at least 1 cup of liquid, such as broth or water, to the instant pot when cooking drumsticks. The liquid will create steam and help the pressure to build, resulting in tender and moist drumsticks.

Can I Use A Quick Release When Cooking Drumsticks In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use a quick release when cooking drumsticks in an instant pot. However, it is recommended to let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before using the quick release. This helps to prevent overcooking and keeps the drumsticks from becoming too dry.

How Can I Add Flavor To My Drumsticks In An Instant Pot?

There are many ways to add flavor to drumsticks when cooking them in an instant pot. You can season them with your favorite herbs and spices, marinate them before cooking, or add a flavorful liquid like BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce to the instant pot. It is also recommended to sear the drumsticks on the saute setting before pressure cooking, for extra flavor and a crispy exterior.