Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to make a perfectly juicy, flavorful turkey without the hassle of hours in the oven, then you’re in for a treat with this Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s tender, aromatic, and the skin crisps up just right with a quick broil finish. Trust me, you’ll find that this method saves so much time and keeps you stress-free, especially for big family dinners or holidays.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together beautifully, enhancing the turkey’s natural flavors while keeping things simple. I recommend fresh herbs if you have them on hand, but dried herbs work perfectly too—in fact, they make seasoning even easier!

• Turkey: I prefer fresh or fully thawed; make sure it’s rinsed and patted dry for the best seasoning adherence.
• Coarse sea salt or Kosher salt: Use generously to bring out the turkey’s flavor and help crisp the skin.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a nice mild heat that complements the herbs.
• Dried sage: Classic turkey herb with a warm, slightly peppery taste.
• Dried rosemary: Gives a nice piney aroma that works wonders with poultry.
• Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness to the flavor profile.
• Onion: Half goes inside the cavity and the rest add moisture and flavor at the pot’s bottom.
• Garlic cloves: Halved — garlic gives a fragrant punch without overpowering.
• Celery stalks: Helps build a savory flavor base in the Instant Pot.
• Carrots: Adds a little sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Dried bay leaf: A subtle aromatic that infuses the cooking liquid beautifully.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist and infuses flavor during pressure cooking.

Variations

I love tweaking this Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe depending on what herbs I have or the flavors my family is craving. Feel free to personalize it—it’s your kitchen so go wild!

• Herb Variations: I’ve swapped the sage and rosemary for a Cajun spice blend once, and my family went crazy for the spicy kick it added.
• Smoky Twist: Adding smoked paprika and a little chipotle powder delivers a smoky charm if you want something bolder.
• Fresh Herb Upgrade: If you have fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, tie them in a bundle and toss inside the pot for a fresher aroma.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Seasoning the Turkey – The Flavor Foundation

Start by seasoning the turkey inside and out with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I like to be generous here—it really draws out the flavor. Then, rub the dried sage, rosemary, and thyme all over the skin; this herb combo is a classic that never disappoints. Pro tip: If you ever feel overwhelmed by seasoning, mix the herbs and salt together first—that way, you’re sure every bite is evenly spiced.

Step 2: Aromatics Inside and Out

Pop half an onion and a garlic clove inside the turkey cavity. This little trick infuses the meat from the inside out, giving it that subtle sweet and savory aroma I love. The rest of the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and bay leaf go straight into the bottom of the Instant Pot—this acts like a flavorful vegetable bed and adds natural moisture.

Step 3: Set Up the Instant Pot

Place the trivet on top of the veggies in the pot, then tuck the turkey wings under (this keeps it compact and even when cooking). Set the turkey on the trivet and pour in the chicken broth at the bottom—it prevents burning and steams the turkey to juicy perfection. Close the lid and seal the steam valve.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking Magic

Hit the High Pressure or Manual button and set it for 46 minutes (about 6 minutes per pound). Timing is everything here—too little, and it’s raw; too long, and it’s dry. When the cooking is done, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This gentle release keeps the meat tender. Then go ahead and vent the rest of the pressure carefully.

Step 5: Crispy Browned Skin Finish

Carefully lift the turkey out onto a large baking sheet (trust me, use oven mitts!). Baste the skin with oil or the flavorful drippings from the Instant Pot, then sprinkle a little extra dried herbs for color and zing. Broil for about 5 minutes, watching like a hawk—it crisps the skin to golden perfection without burning. This final step makes all the difference.

How to Serve Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

I personally like to garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while the lemon gives a nice citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the turkey beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe are roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and a tangy cranberry sauce. The creaminess and freshness balance out the tender turkey perfectly. You can’t go wrong with classic holiday fixings here—comfort on every plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the sliced turkey on a large platter lined with fresh herb sprigs and scatter some roasted baby potatoes or colorful root vegetables around the edges. It looks festive and inviting, and it’s a conversation starter when guests see that perfectly cooked bird front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, allow the turkey to cool completely before storing. I slice it into portions and pack in airtight containers or heavy-duty Ziploc bags. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days, which is enough time to enjoy several tasty turkey sandwiches or reheated meals.

Freezing

I freeze extra turkey slices wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in freezer bags. This freezes well for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep it moist.

Reheating

The secret to juicy reheated turkey is low and slow. I pop slices into a covered baking dish with a splash of broth and gently warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. Microwaving works too, but watch it closely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Whole Turkey Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite ways to enjoy turkey without fuss or downtime. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this approach guarantees juicy meat, classic flavors, and super convenience. Next time you want a show-stopping turkey on the table but don’t want to slave over the oven, give this method a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to get such incredible results!

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