Emilie Meyer
Turkey legs are a versatile dish that can be served as a quick weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving feast. Cooking them in an Instapot is a game-changer as it keeps the meat moist and tender. The pressure cooker ensures the meat falls right off the bone and can be used in various recipes like tacos, salads, soups, and beans. The cooking time for turkey legs in an Instapot is around 25 to 30 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural release of steam for 10 minutes. This convenient method yields tasty results and is perfect for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 25-30 minutes on high pressure |
| Natural release time | 10 minutes |
| Quick release | Remaining steam/pressure |
| Broiling time | 2-5 minutes per side |
| Storage | 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer |
| Reheating time | 3 minutes on medium power in the microwave |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Seasoning | Poultry seasoning, salt, paprika, brown sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey leg prep and seasoning
Turkey legs are a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey. They are cost-effective, easy to cook, and perfect for a small holiday gathering.
Prep:
First, pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. Then, brush them with melted butter and rub them with a seasoning mix of your choice. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or a more complex blend of herbs and spices, such as poultry seasoning, paprika, brown sugar, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne, and ground pepper. You can also try a herby compound butter with dry-rubbed sage, chilli flakes, and parsley. If you want extra crispy skin, set the turkey legs on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.
Cooking:
After seasoning, place the turkey legs in the Insta Pot with one cup of water. Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Press the pressure cook button and set the time to 30 minutes on HIGH pressure. After the Insta Pot is done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick-release the remaining steam.
If you want to crisp up the skin, you can take the turkey legs from the Insta Pot and broil them until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Storage:
Insta Pot turkey legs can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave for about 3 minutes on medium power. If frozen, thaw completely before reheating.
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Cooking time and pressure
Turkey legs cooked in an Instapot are a great option for a quick and easy dinner any time of the year. The pressure cooker keeps the meat moist, tender, and flavourful.
To cook turkey legs in an Instapot, first add one cup of water to the pot. You can also add other seasonings and spices of your choice to the water. Then, place the turkey legs into the pot. Close the lid and seal the valve. Set the Instapot to cook at high pressure for 25 to 30 minutes. After the Instapot is done cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick-release any remaining steam.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size and weight of the turkey legs and the desired level of doneness. For example, larger and heavier turkey legs may require a longer cooking time, while smaller and lighter legs may be cooked in less time. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165° Fahrenheit to ensure food safety.
Additionally, if you prefer your turkey legs with a crispy skin, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown. However, keep in mind that broiling times may vary depending on the strength of your oven and the distance from the heat source, so it is important to keep a close eye on the turkey legs to prevent burning.
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Natural release and quick release
When cooking turkey legs in an Instant Pot, it's important to understand the difference between natural release and quick release. Natural release refers to gradually releasing the pressure inside the Instant Pot by letting the pot depressurize on its own. On the other hand, quick release involves manually releasing the steam through the pressure valve, rapidly reducing the pressure inside the pot.
For cooking turkey legs, a combination of natural release and quick release is often used. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Start by adding one cup of water to your Instant Pot. You can also season your turkey legs with your preferred seasonings or a dry rub.
- Pressure Cooking: Place the turkey legs into the Instant Pot and close the lid securely. Set the valve to the sealing position. Press the pressure cook button and adjust the time to 25 to 30 minutes on HIGH pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes. This gradual release ensures that the meat continues to cook gently and retains moisture.
- Quick Release: After the natural release, manually release any remaining steam by carefully switching the valve to the venting position. This quick release ensures that the cooking process stops and prevents overcooking.
- Broiling (Optional): If you prefer crispy skin on your turkey legs, you can broil them in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
By following these steps and utilizing both natural release and quick release, you can ensure that your Instant Pot turkey legs turn out juicy, tender, and flavorful. The natural release helps to gently finish cooking the meat, while the quick release prevents overcooking and allows you to serve the turkey legs while they're still moist and delicious.
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Broiling for crisp skin
Cooking turkey legs in an Instapot is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy meat. After pressure cooking, you can broil the legs to get a crispy skin.
First, place the turkey legs in the Instapot with a cup of water. Seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for around 25-30 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then release any remaining steam.
For broiling, preheat your oven broiler. Remove the turkey legs from the Instapot and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. It is recommended to broil for around 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on the turkey legs to ensure they don't burn.
Broiling is a great way to add a crispy texture to the skin of the turkey legs, and it also gives a golden, comforting look to the dish. The timing will depend on your broiler's strength and the distance from the heat source, so adjust accordingly.
You can also thicken the juices from the Instapot with flour to make a delicious gravy to accompany your crispy-skinned turkey legs.
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Storing and reheating
Storing your turkey legs
If you have leftover turkey legs, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure they are completely cooled first. If you like, add some of the juices from the pot to keep the meat moist. You can keep leftover turkey in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating your turkey legs
You can reheat your turkey legs in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to let the turkey legs thaw out first. Here are some more details on each method:
- Microwave: Put the turkey in the microwave for about 3 minutes on medium power.
- Oven: Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot on the stovetop after adding some water, sauce, stock, or reserved juices from the cooked turkey.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook turkey legs in an Instapot for around 25 to 30 minutes on high pressure.
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
Cooked Instapot turkey legs will keep for up to four days in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
Reheat Instapot turkey legs in the microwave for about three minutes on medium power.
Yes, you can broil Instapot turkey legs for around 2-5 minutes per side to get a golden, crispy skin.
