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

Turkey legs are a delicious and hearty option for a meal, and using an Instant Pot can make the cooking process quick and convenient. In this guide, we will walk you through the selection, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting tips for cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot. Whether you are a novice or experienced cook, this comprehensive guide will ensure that your turkey legs turn out perfectly every time.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Turkey Legs In Instant Pot

The cooking time for turkey legs in an Instant Pot is approximately 20-25 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. However, the exact cooking time can vary based on the size of the turkey legs and personal preferences for tenderness.

Selection

When selecting turkey legs for cooking in the Instant Pot, it’s important to choose fresh, high-quality meat. Look for turkey legs that are plump and free from any unpleasant odors. Additionally, ensure that the packaging is intact and the meat is within its expiration date.

Preparation

Before cooking the turkey legs in the Instant Pot, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Start by patting the turkey legs dry with paper towels. Remove any excess moisture to ensure a better sear and flavor during cooking. Season the turkey legs with your choice of herbs, spices, and a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Turkey Legs

The cooking times for turkey legs in an Instant Pot can vary depending on their size and whether they are fresh or frozen. Here are general guidelines for cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot:

• Fresh Turkey Legs: Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Frozen Turkey Legs: If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

It’s important to note that these times are estimates and may need to be adjusted based on the specific size and thickness of the turkey legs.

How To Cook Turkey Legs In Instant Pot

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot:

Step 1: Searing The Turkey Legs

• Start by setting the Instant Pot to the "Saute" mode. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned turkey legs to the pot. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Searing the turkey legs helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor of the meat.

Step 2: Adding Liquid

• After searing the turkey legs, remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside on a plate.
• Add a cup of chicken or turkey broth to the Instant Pot to deglaze the bottom and prevent the "Burn" error during cooking. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent them from affecting the cooking process.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking

• Return the seared turkey legs to the Instant Pot, placing them on top of the trivet to elevate them above the liquid. This helps to prevent them from becoming waterlogged during cooking.
• Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the sealing ring is in place and the venting knob is set to the sealing position.
• Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time based on whether the turkey legs are fresh or frozen, as mentioned in the earlier section.
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully turning the venting knob to release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Checking For Doneness

• Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. The turkey legs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 5: Serving

• Once the turkey legs are cooked to the desired doneness, carefully remove them from the Instant Pot and transfer them to a serving platter. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Issue: Turkey Legs Are Tough

If the turkey legs turn out tough, they may need additional cooking time. Return them to the Instant Pot, add a splash of broth, and pressure cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to help tenderize the meat.

Issue: Burn Error

If the Instant Pot displays a "Burn" error message, it may be due to food stuck on the bottom of the pot. Carefully release the pressure, open the lid, and scrape off any stuck bits with a wooden spoon. Add a bit of liquid, ensure the sealing ring is properly in place, and resume cooking.

Issue: Dry Turkey Legs

If the turkey legs turn out dry, consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on the cooking time. Additionally, basting the turkey legs with the cooking liquid or a bit of melted butter before serving can help to add moisture and flavor.

Cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient way to achieve tender and flavorful results. By following the selection, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy delicious turkey legs with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the Instant Pot can help you create a satisfying and impressive meal. Happy cooking!

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are a popular and delicious protein option for many meals. They are known for their tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone when cooked properly. If you want to enjoy juicy and succulent turkey legs, look no further than your trusty Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance can help you achieve amazing results in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them using traditional methods.

The Instant Pot is a multi-functional pressure cooker that combines the benefits of a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and more. It makes it incredibly easy to cook a variety of dishes, including turkey legs. Whether you have fresh or frozen turkey legs, the Instant Pot can handle them with ease.

If you have frozen turkey legs and need to cook them quickly, the Instant Pot is the perfect solution. The pressure cooking function ensures that the meat cooks evenly and thoroughly, even from a frozen state.

Here is a general guideline for cooking frozen turkey legs in the Instant Pot:

1. Place the frozen turkey legs in the Instant Pot.
2. Add 1 cup of chicken broth, turkey broth, or water to the pot. The liquid helps create steam, which is essential for pressure cooking.
3. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position.
4. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time for 30 minutes.
5. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
6. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. They should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and safe to eat.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey legs. If you have larger turkey legs, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature.

Achieving Perfect Texture

One of the key benefits of using an Instant Pot to cook turkey legs is the ability to achieve a perfectly tender and juicy texture. The pressure cooking function helps break down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful turkey legs.

To achieve the perfect texture, follow these steps:

1. Season the turkey legs with your preferred spices and herbs. You can use a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, or get creative with your own mix.
2. Preheat the Instant Pot by selecting the "Sauté" function. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
3. Once the oil is hot, sear the turkey legs on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust. This step helps enhance the flavor and texture of the meat.
4. After searing, remove the turkey legs from the Instant Pot and set them aside.
5. Add liquid to the pot, such as broth or water, along with any aromatics you desire, such as onions, garlic, or herbs. This will create a flavorful cooking liquid for the turkey legs.
6. Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot to elevate the turkey legs above the liquid. This helps prevent them from becoming too immersed in the liquid and getting soggy.
7. Return the turkey legs to the Instant Pot, arranging them on the trivet.
8. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position.
9. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function on your Instant Pot and set the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the turkey legs. As a general guideline, you can cook fresh turkey legs for 25-30 minutes, and frozen ones for 30-35 minutes.
10. After the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10-15 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
11. Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. They should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. If the turkey legs have not reached the desired temperature, you can put them back in the Instant Pot for a quick additional cooking time, or finish them off in the oven for a crispy skin.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your turkey legs turn out tender and succulent every time.

Flavor Infusion

The Instant Pot is not only great for cooking turkey legs quickly, but it also excels at infusing flavors into the meat. You can take advantage of this by adding various spices, herbs, and aromatics to enhance the taste of your turkey legs.

Here are a few ideas for flavoring your turkey legs in the Instant Pot:

1. Dry Rub: Create a dry rub using a combination of your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey legs before cooking.
2. Marinade: Prepare a marinade using ingredients like lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Let the turkey legs marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
3. Liquid Seasonings: Instead of plain water or broth, use a flavorful liquid like apple cider, wine, or a combination of both. This will add depth of flavor to the turkey legs as they cook.
4. Aromatics: Add aromatics like sliced onions, garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and even citrus slices to the cooking liquid. These will infuse into the meat, adding a fragrant and tasty touch.
5. Sauce Glaze: After pressure cooking the turkey legs, you can brush them with a BBQ sauce, glaze, or honey mustard mixture, then broil them in the oven for a few minutes to create a caramelized and flavorful crust.

Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite. The Instant Pot’s sealed cooking environment helps intensify flavors and ensures the turkey legs absorb all the delicious seasonings.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Turkey Legs

While pressure cooking is the most common method for cooking turkey legs in the Instant Pot, there are a few other techniques you can try to achieve different results.

1. Slow Cook: If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can use the slow cooking function of your Instant Pot to cook turkey legs. Simply place the seasoned turkey legs, along with any desired liquids or aromatics, into the pot. Set the slow cooker function to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and juicy turkey legs.
2. Sauté and Bake: For a crispy skin, you can use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to sear the turkey legs on all sides, just as you would for pressure cooking. Then transfer them to a baking dish and finish them off in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method gives you the best of both worlds – a tender interior and a crispy skin.

These alternative cooking methods allow you to customize the cooking process to your preferences and desired texture.

Instant Pot Tips For Turkey Legs

To ensure a successful and delicious cooking experience with turkey legs in your Instant Pot, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

1. Thawing: While the Instant Pot can cook frozen turkey legs, if you have the time, it’s always best to thaw them before cooking. Thawing ensures more even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooking the meat.
2. Browning: Searing the turkey legs before pressure cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the appearance of the final dish. Take the time to brown the meat for the best results.
3. Trivet: Using a trivet inside the Instant Pot is crucial to preventing the turkey legs from sitting directly in the cooking liquid. This helps maintain the texture and prevent them from becoming too soggy.
4. Natural Release: When pressure cooking the turkey legs, allow for a natural release for a few minutes before performing a manual quick release. This helps the meat retain its juices and prevents it from drying out.
5. Resting: After cooking the turkey legs, allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

By following these tips, you can maximize the potential of your Instant Pot and create mouthwatering turkey legs every time.

Creative Instant Pot Turkey Legs Recipes And Variations

If you’re looking to get a bit more creative with your Instant Pot turkey legs, here are a few recipe ideas and variations to try:

1. Sticky Maple-Glazed Turkey Legs: After pressure cooking the turkey legs, carefully remove them from the Instant Pot and brush them with a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Place the glazed legs under the broiler for a few minutes to create a sweet and sticky crust.
2. Cajun-Spiced Turkey Legs: Rub the turkey legs with a mixture of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Sear them in the Instant Pot, then pressure cook with chicken broth. Serve with a side of Creole rice for a spicy and flavorful meal.
3. Citrus-Herb Turkey Legs: Add fresh orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs to the Instant Pot along with the turkey legs and broth. The citrus and herbs infuse into the meat, creating a bright and aromatic flavor profile.
4. BBQ Pulled Turkey Sandwiches: Pressure cook the turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Once cooked, shred the meat and serve it on soft rolls with coleslaw for a tangy and delicious sandwich.
5. Mediterranean-Spiced Turkey Legs: Season the turkey legs with a blend of Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Serve the cooked turkey legs with a Greek salad, roasted potatoes, and tzatziki sauce for a complete and flavorful meal.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and sides to create your own unique twist on Instant Pot turkey legs.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to cooking turkey legs. With its pressure cooking capabilities, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods. Whether you have fresh or frozen turkey legs, the Instant Pot can handle them effortlessly.

Remember to adjust the cooking times based on the size and thickness of the turkey legs, using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

By following the tips and recipe ideas provided in this article, you can elevate your turkey leg cooking game and impress your family and guests with delicious and succulent turkey legs prepared in your trusty Instant Pot. Enjoy!

FAQS

What Are The Advantages Of Cooking Turkey Legs In An Instant Pot Versus Other Methods?

Using an instant pot helps retain moisture and increases tenderness in the turkey legs, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy end product. Plus, it takes less time to cook compared to traditional methods.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Turkey Legs In An Instant Pot?

It typically takes around 20-25 minutes to cook turkey legs in an instant pot, depending on the size and quantity of the legs. Be sure to factor in additional time for the instant pot to come to pressure and release pressure.

Can I Cook Frozen Turkey Legs In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. The instant pot has a "pressure cook" function that allows you to cook frozen meats without defrosting. However, it may take longer to come to pressure and release pressure, resulting in a longer overall cooking time.

What Liquid Should I Use To Cook Turkey Legs In An Instant Pot?

For best results, use chicken or turkey broth to cook your turkey legs. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the meat. You can also add in herbs, spices, or vegetables to the broth for even more flavor.

How Do I Know When The Turkey Legs Are Fully Cooked?

The best way to determine if the turkey legs are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey legs should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Alternatively, you can also check the tenderness of the meat by using a fork to see if it easily falls off the bone. If not, cook for a few more minutes.