How to Make Juicy, Fall-Off-the-Bone Turkey Legs in a Pressure Cooker

Turkey Legs in the Pressure Cooker

There’s nothing quite like a juicy, flavorful turkey leg on Thanksgiving Day. But if you’re short on time, or if you just don’t feel like dealing with the mess of roasting a whole turkey, pressure cooking is a great alternative.

Pressure cooking turkey legs is a quick and easy way to cook them to perfection. In just a few minutes, you can have perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs that are sure to impress your guests.

In this article, we’ll show you how to pressure cook turkey legs so that they come out perfectly cooked every time. We’ll also share some tips and tricks for making the most of your pressure cooker.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey legs, be sure to check out our guide.

Ingredients Instructions Time
– 1 large turkey leg (about 5 pounds)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1. Preheat the pressure cooker to high.
2. Season the turkey leg with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the turkey leg on all sides.
5. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the wine and chicken broth.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
8. Lock the lid in place and cook for 30 minutes at high pressure.
9. Release the pressure and carefully remove the lid.
10. Transfer the turkey leg to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
1 hour 10 minutes

What is a turkey leg pressure cooker?

A turkey leg pressure cooker is a type of pressure cooker that is specifically designed for cooking turkey legs. It has a large capacity, typically between 6 and 8 quarts, and a sturdy lid that locks in heat and pressure. This allows you to cook turkey legs quickly and evenly, without having to worry about them drying out.

Definition of a pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food quickly and evenly. The steam is created by boiling water inside the pressure cooker, which raises the pressure inside the pot and causes the boiling point of water to increase. This allows food to cook at a higher temperature than it would in a traditional pot or pan, which means that it cooks faster.

Benefits of using a pressure cooker for cooking turkey legs

There are several benefits to using a pressure cooker for cooking turkey legs. These include:

* Speed: Pressure cookers can cook turkey legs in a fraction of the time it would take to cook them in a traditional oven. This is because the high pressure inside the pressure cooker speeds up the cooking process.
* Evenness: Pressure cookers cook food evenly, from the inside out. This is because the steam circulates evenly throughout the pot, ensuring that all of the food is cooked evenly.
* Convenience: Pressure cookers are very convenient to use. They require little prep work and can be set and forgotten.
* Affordability: Pressure cookers are relatively affordable, making them a great option for budget-minded cooks.

Types of pressure cookers

There are two main types of pressure cookers: stovetop pressure cookers and electric pressure cookers. Stovetop pressure cookers are the traditional type of pressure cooker and are typically made of stainless steel. They are heated on the stovetop and have a manual pressure release valve. Electric pressure cookers are newer to the market and are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum. They are heated by an electric element and have an automatic pressure release valve.

How to cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker

Cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the steps involved:

1. Prepare the turkey legs. Rinse the turkey legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or skin.
2. Season the turkey legs. Season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Add the turkey legs to the pressure cooker. Add the turkey legs to the pressure cooker along with any other desired ingredients, such as vegetables or broth.
4. Close the pressure cooker and lock the lid. Close the pressure cooker and lock the lid.
5. Set the pressure cooker to cook. Set the pressure cooker to cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Release the pressure. When the cooking time is complete, release the pressure from the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Serve the turkey legs. Serve the turkey legs immediately or shred them and use them in another dish.

Tips for cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker:

* Use a trivet or steamer basket to keep the turkey legs off the bottom of the pressure cooker. This will help to prevent the turkey legs from burning.
* Add liquid to the pressure cooker. The pressure cooker needs to have some liquid in it in order to create steam. The amount of liquid you add will depend on the recipe you are using.
* Don’t overcrowd the pressure cooker. Overcrowding the pressure cooker will prevent the steam from circulating properly and will result in uneven cooking.
* Be careful when releasing the pressure from the pressure cooker. The steam inside the pressure cooker can be very hot, so it is important to release the pressure slowly and carefully.

Conclusion

Cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and flavorful meal. With just a few simple steps, you can have perfectly cooked turkey legs on the table in no time.

3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

When cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker, it is important to avoid a few common mistakes in order to ensure that you end up with perfectly cooked, juicy turkey legs.

Avoiding overcooking turkey legs

The most common mistake people make when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is overcooking them. This can result in dry, tough meat that is not very enjoyable to eat. To avoid overcooking your turkey legs, it is important to use a cooking time that is appropriate for the size of your legs.

For smaller turkey legs, cook them for 15 minutes per pound at high pressure. For larger turkey legs, cook them for 20 minutes per pound at high pressure.

Avoiding undercooking turkey legs

Another common mistake people make when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is undercooking them. This can result in turkey legs that are still pink inside, which is not safe to eat. To avoid undercooking your turkey legs, it is important to cook them for long enough to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can check the internal temperature of your turkey legs by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. The turkey legs are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Avoiding burning turkey legs

The third common mistake people make when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is burning them. This can happen if you cook the turkey legs for too long at too high of a temperature. To avoid burning your turkey legs, it is important to use a cooking time that is appropriate for the size of your legs and to not overcrowd the pressure cooker.

You can also prevent burning by using a cooking spray or oil to coat the bottom of the pressure cooker before adding the turkey legs. This will help to prevent the turkey legs from sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker and burning.

4. FAQs about cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker

Can you cook frozen turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs in a pressure cooker. However, it is important to note that frozen turkey legs will take longer to cook than thawed turkey legs. For smaller turkey legs, cook them for 20 minutes per pound at high pressure. For larger turkey legs, cook them for 25 minutes per pound at high pressure.

How long does it take to cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

The cooking time for turkey legs in a pressure cooker will vary depending on the size of the legs. For smaller turkey legs, cook them for 15 minutes per pound at high pressure. For larger turkey legs, cook them for 20 minutes per pound at high pressure.

What temperature should you cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

The ideal cooking temperature for turkey legs in a pressure cooker is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of your turkey legs by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. The turkey legs are done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What is the best way to cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

A: To cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker, you will need:

* 1-2 turkey legs (thawed)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup water

1. Rinse the turkey legs and pat them dry.
2. Season the turkey legs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat.
4. Add the turkey legs and brown them on all sides.
5. Add the water to the pressure cooker.
6. Lock the lid in place and bring the pressure cooker to high pressure.
7. Cook the turkey legs for 20 minutes per pound.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually.
9. Remove the turkey legs from the pressure cooker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Q: How long does it take to cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

A: It takes about 20 minutes per pound to cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker.

Q: What temperature should I cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

A: You should cook turkey legs in a pressure cooker at 15psi for 20 minutes per pound.

Q: What pressure should I use when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

A: You should use 15psi when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker.

Q: Can I cook frozen turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

A: Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs in a pressure cooker. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by 50%.

Q: What are some tips for cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

Here are some tips for cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker:

* Use bone-in, skin-on turkey legs. The bones and skin will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices. This will add flavor to the meat.
* Brown the turkey legs before cooking them. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the meat.
* Don’t overcook the turkey legs. Overcooked turkey legs will be dry and tough.
* Let the turkey legs rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker:

* Not using enough liquid. The turkey legs will need to be submerged in liquid in order to cook properly.
* Not cooking the turkey legs long enough. The turkey legs will need to be cooked for at least 20 minutes per pound.
* Overcooking the turkey legs. Overcooked turkey legs will be dry and tough.
* Not letting the turkey legs rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

cooking turkey legs in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to produce a delicious and juicy meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that your turkey legs will be perfectly cooked every time. So what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!