Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking a turkey, or maybe just dread the idea of a long roast in the oven, I’ve got something that will totally change your Thanksgiving game. I absolutely love this Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe because it’s foolproof, fast, and yields tender, juicy bird every single time. When I first tried this method, I was amazed at how the Instant Pot locks in flavor and moisture, making your turkey the star of the show without that tiring wait. Stick with me here – I’ll guide you through every step so that you can enjoy a perfectly cooked turkey with way less hassle.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe are simple but thoughtfully selected to complement each other and develop that classic herbaceous roast turkey flavor. I always recommend using fresh or fully thawed turkey for best results, and keep seasonings handy so the flavors really penetrate the meat.

• Turkey: Choose a 7-8 lb fresh or fully thawed bird; smaller than your typical roast – perfect for pressure cooking.
• Coarse sea salt or Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning inside and out; it boosts flavor and helps the skin crisp when broiled.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bright, subtle heat that balances the herbs.
• Dried sage, rosemary, thyme: Classic herb trio that creates that comforting roast turkey aroma we all adore.
• Onion: Adds savoury sweetness both inside the cavity and as a flavor base in the pot.
• Garlic: Brings depth and pungency—cut in halves so it infuses cooking liquid nicely.
• Celery and carrots: These aromatics create a flavorful steam bath to keep your turkey juicy and tender.
• Dried bay leaf: A simple fragrant addition that rounds out the bouquet of flavors.
• Chicken broth: Provides moisture and enrichment to the cooking environment, keeping everything flavorful and succulent.

Variations

One of the things I love most about the Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or swap veggies based on what you have on hand – it all works beautifully.

• Herb variations: I often swap in smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a smoky twist that my family absolutely enjoys.
• Vegetable swaps: Instead of carrots and celery, try parsnips and leeks to change the flavor profile with a sweeter base.
• Low sodium broth: Perfect if you’re watching salt intake—just adjust salt accordingly when seasoning the turkey.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten free – just ensure your broth doesn’t contain additives.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Season the Turkey Inside and Out

Start by patting your turkey completely dry with paper towels – moisture on the skin can prevent browning later. I like to season generously with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, both inside the cavity and all over the skin. Then, gently rub your dried sage, rosemary, and thyme right into the skin so the flavors penetrate as it cooks. This simple step spells the difference between bland and bursting-with-flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics and Set Up the Instant Pot

Pop half of your quartered onion and one clove of garlic inside the turkey cavity to infuse flavor from the inside out. Next, add the remaining onions, garlic halves, chopped celery, carrots, and the bay leaf into the bottom of the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Place the trivet on top of the vegetables – the turkey will sit above this, keeping it out of the broth and allowing steam circulation.

Step 3: Place and Cook the Turkey

Tuck those turkey wings under the bird to keep things compact and neat. Set the turkey onto the trivet carefully and pour in one cup of chicken broth. Lock the lid, set the steam valve to sealing, then program the Instant Pot on High Pressure for 46 minutes – that’s about 6 minutes per pound for a 7-8 lb turkey. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes to keep the meat tender, then carefully vent the remaining pressure.

Step 4: Broil for Crispy Skin

Open the lid carefully and let the turkey cool for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a large baking sheet. This is your chance to baste the skin with oil or those delicious drippings from the pot – trust me, this elevates the crispiness. Sprinkle more dried herbs on top if you like, then pop it under the broiler for about 5 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown. Keep a close eye here to avoid burning – it happens fast!

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my turkey with some fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for that pop of green and fresh aroma right before serving. A few wedges of lemon on the platter also brighten up the presentation and offer a hint of citrus for those who want an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Since the turkey cooks quickly and easily, I pair it with traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a homemade cranberry sauce. If you want to keep things lighter, a fresh green bean almondine or warm quinoa salad rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to carve the turkey at the table on a wooden board with some whole roasted garlic bulbs and sprigs of herbs scattered around. It adds a rustic, cozy feel. Another fun idea is serving individual carved slices laid over a bed of stuffing or wild rice for a plated presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always like to carve any leftover turkey and store it in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the meat moist and ready to reheat within 3-4 days. Labeling with the date helps me keep track so nothing goes to waste.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the turkey, slice it first and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freezer bags. I’ve found turkey freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming leftover turkey in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth at 325°F until heated through. This helps keep it moist and delicious without drying out. Microwaving works too in a pinch, but watch the time carefully!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe has truly changed the way I approach big meals — it’s efficient, straightforward, and yields a juicy turkey with a crispy skin every time, making family dinners or holidays feel less stressful and more enjoyable. If you want to impress everyone without the oven babysitting, give this method a try. I promise you’ll be surprised at just how delicious and easy it is. So grab your Instant Pot, and let’s get cooking!

Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 120 reviews

• Author: Lauren
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Instant Pot Whole Turkey recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, flavorful turkey using your pressure cooker. Perfect for busy families or anyone short on time, this method infuses traditional herb seasonings and vegetables into the bird while significantly reducing cooking time compared to conventional roasting. The turkey is finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy skin, delivering all the taste of a classic Thanksgiving turkey with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Turkey and Seasonings

• 7-8 lb turkey (fresh or fully thawed, rinsed & patted dry with insides removed)
• Coarse sea salt or Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp dried sage (or substitute your favorite seasoning mix)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or substitute your favorite seasoning mix)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or substitute your favorite seasoning mix)

Vegetables and Broth

• 1 medium onion (sliced into quarters)
• 3 cloves garlic (cut into halves)
• 2 stalks celery (cut into thirds)
• 2 medium carrots (cut into large chunks)
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Season the Turkey: Season the outside and inside of the turkey generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the dried sage, rosemary, and thyme evenly onto the skin of the turkey to infuse it with classic herb flavors.
2. Stuff the Cavity: Place half of the sliced onion and one clove of garlic inside the turkey’s cavity to add aromatic depth during cooking.
3. Prepare Instant Pot: Arrange the remaining onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and the dried bay leaf at the bottom of an 8-quart Instant Pot’s inner pot. Place the trivet over the vegetables, then pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to create a flavorful steaming environment.
4. Position the Turkey: Tuck the turkey’s wings underneath to secure them and set the turkey on top of the trivet, ensuring it is elevated above the broth and vegetables.
5. Pressure Cook: Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Press the High Pressure or Manual setting and cook for 46 minutes, calculating approximately 6 minutes per pound of turkey.
6. Release Pressure: Allow the turkey to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after cooking. Then carefully turn the steam valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
7. Rest and Broil: Carefully open the lid and let the turkey cool for 5 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a large baking sheet. Baste the skin with oil or drippings from the Instant Pot, and sprinkle additional dried herbs if desired. Broil the turkey in the oven for about 5 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp, watching closely to prevent burning.

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Notes

• You can cook a juicy and delicious Thanksgiving turkey in your pressure cooker, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
• This method is excellent for families or anyone short on time who wants a traditional turkey.
• Be sure to monitor the broiling step closely, as the skin can burn quickly.
• Allow the turkey to rest slightly before carving to retain juices.
• Adjust the seasoning herbs to your preference for personalized flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 276 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg