Pressure Cooking Turkey: How Long In An Old Pot?

how long to pressure cook turkey in old pressure pot

Cooking turkey in a pressure cooker is a great way to seal in moisture and flavour, and it's faster than cooking it in an oven. The cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey and the size of the pot. For example, a 20-pound turkey will take about 2 hours to cook in an 8-quart pot, while a 4.5-pound turkey will take 25 minutes. It's important to note that the pot should not be filled to capacity, as this can affect the cooking time and quality.

Characteristics Values
Turkey weight 1.5-20 lbs
Cook time 20 minutes-2 hours
Cook time per pound 6-10 minutes
Natural release time 10 minutes
Broil time 10-15 minutes
Rest time 15-20 minutes

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Pressure cooking a whole turkey

Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid cooking a frozen turkey. Always defrost the turkey thoroughly and remove the giblets before cooking. If you wish to crisp the skin after cooking, you will need to add seasonings before you do this so they stick.

Before cooking, pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper, or a dry rub mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also try dry brining the turkey for 24 hours in the fridge, then rinsing and drying it before cooking. Place the turkey on a trivet, breast side up.

When cooking, the general rule is to cook the turkey for about 6 minutes per pound. For example, a 1.5-pound turkey breast will take about 10 minutes, while a 4.5-pound breast will take about 25 minutes. A larger, 8-9 pound turkey will take about 60 minutes. You can also try cooking turkey legs for 20 minutes on high pressure, then letting them naturally release for 10 minutes.

After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally, which should take about 40 minutes. If you have an air fryer lid, you can then broil the turkey for 10 minutes or until the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness. If using a regular pressure cooker, carefully transfer the turkey to the oven and broil on high for 10-15 minutes. Finally, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

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Turkey breast in an old pressure pot

Cooking a turkey breast in an old pressure pot is a great way to seal in moisture and flavour, and it's a quick and easy method for a juicy, tender meal.

Firstly, ensure your turkey breast is defrosted and weighs no more than 8 or 9 pounds for an 8-quart pot. If you're using a 6-quart pot, a 6-pound turkey breast should fit. It's important to defrost the turkey as this will ensure it cooks evenly and the outside doesn't dry out.

Before cooking, season the turkey breast generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs and spices you like. You can also rub it with butter or oil for extra moisture and flavour. Place the turkey breast on a trivet or rack inside the pot, with the breast side up. Some people like to add a couple of cups of chicken or vegetable stock to the pot, or a couple of tablespoons of water, to create steam and add flavour.

Now you're ready to pressure cook! The general rule for cooking turkey breast is around 6 minutes per pound of turkey. So, for a 6-pound turkey breast, you'll want to set the timer for around 35 minutes. For a larger 8 or 9-pound breast, 45-50 minutes should be about right. If your turkey is frozen, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes per pound.

Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally. This should take about 10-40 minutes, depending on the size of your turkey breast. Then, carefully open the lid and check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. It should have reached 165˚F. If it hasn't, you may need to put it back under pressure for a few more minutes.

Finally, let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will ensure the meat is nice and juicy. Enjoy your delicious, home-cooked pressure pot turkey breast!

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Cooking time for turkey in an old pressure pot

Cooking a turkey in an old pressure pot is an excellent way to seal in moisture and flavour, and it frees up your oven on Thanksgiving Day! The cooking time depends on the weight of the turkey and whether it is boneless or bone-in.

As a general rule, you should cook turkey for about 6 minutes per pound in an instant pot. So, for a 20-pound turkey, you would need to cook it for about 2 hours. For a 4.5-pound turkey, you would need to cook it for about 25 minutes. If the turkey is frozen, it should be cooked for 10 minutes per pound in the instant pot. However, it is recommended that you always thaw turkey before cooking it.

If you are cooking a turkey breast, the cooking time will be longer if the breast is thicker. For example, for a 7-pound turkey breast, you might try cooking it for 35 minutes with at least a 10-minute natural release. For a 2.3-pound turkey breast, you would only need to cook it for 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the size of your pressure pot also matters. For an 8-quart pot, you will only be able to fit an 8-pound bird that is thawed and pliable. That is about the general rule: 1 pound per quart size. So, for a 6-quart pot, you would need to get a smaller turkey.

In terms of preparation, you should pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season both the inside and outside with salt and pepper. Place the turkey on a trivet, breast side up, and lock the lid. Set it to "Pressure Cook" on high for the appropriate amount of time. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, which should take about 40 minutes.

Finally, if you want crispy skin, you can transfer the turkey to the oven and broil on high for 10-15 minutes.

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How to get crispy skin on pressure-cooked turkey

The cooking time for a pressure-cooked turkey depends on the weight and thickness of the bird. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 6 minutes per pound in an Instant Pot if it is fresh, and 10 minutes per pound if frozen. For example, a 6-pound turkey breast will take around 30 minutes to cook, while a 4.5-pound turkey breast will take 25 minutes.

Now, to get that crispy skin, there are a few methods you can try:

Dry Brining

Dry brine the turkey with a mixture of kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Then, let it rest uncovered in the fridge after rubbing with the brine mixture. This method works wonders on the skin, making it crispy and golden brown.

High-Heat Oven

Start the turkey in a high-heat oven and then turn down the temperature. Preheat the oven to 450°F and reduce the heat to 350°F as soon as you put the turkey in. Alternatively, you can follow a similar method by roasting at 425°F for 45 minutes and then reducing to 325°F until the turkey is done.

Broiling

If you want to brown the turkey after pressure cooking, you can use an air fryer attachment or broil it in the oven. First, transfer the gravy to a serving dish and rinse and wipe out the cooking pot. Then, put the turkey back into the pot, set the temperature to 350°F, and cook until the skin is crispy and browned. You can also use a traditional air fryer or the broiler in your oven to achieve the same result.

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How to make gravy from pressure-cooked turkey

The cooking time for a turkey in an old pressure cooker varies depending on the weight of the turkey. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 6 minutes per pound if it is fresh, and 10 minutes per pound if it is frozen. For example, a 20-pound turkey will take about 2 hours to cook.

Now, here is a detailed guide on how to make gravy from pressure-cooked turkey:

Ingredients:

  • Turkey drippings
  • Turkey stock
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Onion
  • Celery
  • Carrot
  • Water
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Vermouth
  • Thyme
  • Bay leaf

Steps:

  • After removing the cooked turkey from the pressure cooker, pour the drippings into a fat separator and set aside.
  • Using the Saute function, add a little oil to the pressure cooker and saute diced onions, celery, and carrots until they start to brown.
  • Deglaze the pot by adding water and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  • Once the liquid has reduced, add the turkey drippings and turkey stock to the pot.
  • In a separate bowl, make a roux by mixing together equal parts flour and butter until smooth.
  • Slowly whisk the roux into the drippings and stock mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  • Continue cooking the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency, adjusting with more stock or water if needed.
  • Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If making ahead, allow the gravy to cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
  • To reheat, thaw the gravy overnight if frozen, then bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

It takes about 6 minutes per pound of boneless turkey breast at high pressure. For example, a 4.5-pound turkey breast should be cooked for 25 minutes, while a 1.5-pound turkey breast should be cooked for about 10 minutes.

An 8-quart pressure cooker is ideal for cooking a whole turkey. A 6-quart pressure cooker may be too small, and a 10-quart size would be suitable for a larger bird.

It takes under 2 hours to cook a whole turkey in an old pressure cooker. For example, a 20-pound turkey was cooked for 2 hours in an 8-quart pressure cooker.

It is recommended to defrost the turkey thoroughly and remove the giblets before cooking. Brining the turkey before cooking can help keep the meat moist. Additionally, adding broth and vegetables to the pot can enhance the flavour.

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