Ah, the joyous whirlwind of the holidays—a time filled with laughter, warmth, and the irresistible aroma of a perfectly cooked Christmas turkey. Don your apron, gather ’round the ingredients and say hello to your culinary superhero, the Instant Pot Duo 8L Crisp + Air Fryer, ready to make your festive feast a breeze!
With its 11-in-1 Smart Cooker capabilities, this kitchen wonder isn’t just a time-saver; it’s the secret ingredient to crafting a succulent turkey that’ll have your guests singing carols of delight.
Instant Pot Christmas Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (5-7kgs)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3-4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Thaw the turkey completely if frozen.
- Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
- Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and outside.
- Sauté Function:
- Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil or a knob of butter to the pot.
- Brown the turkey on all sides for a few minutes to seal in the juices.
- Remove the turkey and set it aside.
- Aromatics:
- Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, chopped carrots, celery, lemon halves, and fresh herbs into the pot.
- Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Pressure Cook:
- Place the metal trivet into the pot.
- Pour in the chicken or turkey broth.
- Return the turkey to the pot, breast side up, on the trivet.
- Cooking:
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high.
- Cook for around 6-8 minutes per pound of the turkey.
- Natural Release:
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes.
- Then carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Checking Doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the turkey (usually the thigh) reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, you may need to cook it for a bit longer.
- Optional Crisping (Air Fryer Function):
- Once the turkey is cooked through, transfer it to a baking tray or use the air fryer lid.
- Brush the turkey skin with oil or butter for a crispy finish.
- Set the Instant Pot to the “Air Fryer” function at a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) and air fry for 5-10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your Christmas feast!
Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the turkey
Trust us, once you try this Instant Pot Christmas Turkey recipe, you might just start a new holiday tradition—one filled with ease, flavor, and merriment.