The Easiest Way to Cook Juicy, Fall-Off-The-Bone Turkey Legs in Your Instant Pot

As soon as the crisp autumn air arrives, visions of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie start dancing in our heads. There’s just something about the fall season that brings out our cravings for comforting, hearty meals. And is there anything more iconic than a giant, succulent turkey leg? With the help of your instant pot, you can enjoy this classic feast any time without slaving away in the kitchen all day. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make the most tender, flavorful turkey legs in your multi-cooker. Trust me, after you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to roasting them in the oven again!

Why Cook Turkey Legs in the Instant Pot?

An instant pot is the perfect vessel for cooking turkey legs. The pressurized environment allows the meat to become extremely moist and tender in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven. And unlike your slow cooker, the instant pot actually develops a nice browned exterior on the legs as well

Here are some of the benefits of using an instant pot for turkey legs:

• Super Fast – The pressurized environment means dinner can be ready in about an hour, versus the 3+ hours it may take in the oven.

• Tender and Juicy – The moist heat ensures the turkey legs turn out incredibly succulent. No more dry, overcooked meat!

• Browned Exterior – The sauté function gives the legs a nice sear before cooking for better flavor.

• Infuses Flavor – Cooking in the aromatic liquid allows the turkey to absorb all that delicious seasoning.

• Easy Clean-Up – Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less dishes to wash afterward!

• More Nutrients – The quick cook time helps retain more vitamins and minerals compared to traditional methods.

Picking the Right Turkey Legs

Not all turkey legs are created equal. For the best results in your instant pot, you’ll want to look for the following:

• Fresh, not frozen – Make sure the legs are fully thawed if buying frozen. Frozen legs may not cook evenly.

• Skin-on – The skin helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor. Remove after cooking if desired.

• At least 1 pound each – Smaller legs may end up overcooked and dried out. Larger legs hold up better.

• Minimal contours – Irregularly shaped legs are harder to brown evenly. Pick legs that lay flat.

• Not enhanced – Avoid legs injected with broth or saline, which may turn out overly salty.

The day before cooking, pat the turkey legs dry and season generously with salt and pepper or a poultry seasoning blend. This helps intensify the flavor as they cook.

How to Cook Turkey Legs to Perfection in the Instant Pot

Cooking turkey legs in the instant pot couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these easy steps for foolproof results every time:

Step 1 – Sear the Turkey Legs

Select the “Sauté” function and let the instant pot preheat for a few minutes before adding the oil. Swirl to coat the bottom. Carefully place the turkey legs in a single layer and let cook untouched for 5 minutes. The high heat helps develop a nice browned crust. Flip and brown the other side.

Step 2 – Add the Aromatics and Liquid

After searing both sides, remove the turkey legs to a plate. To the pot, add chopped onions, garlic, herbs, and spices. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup chicken or turkey broth, wine, or water. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 3 – Pressure Cook the Turkey Legs

Return the seared legs to the pot along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Lock the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is in the sealing position. Select high pressure and set the cook time for 25 minutes.

Step 4 – Quick Release and Remove Turkey Legs

Once cooking completes, use the quick release method to vent the steam and carefully remove the lid. The turkey legs should be extremely tender and juicy. Transfer them to a platter to rest.

Step 5 – Reduce the Cooking Liquid (Optional)

For extra flavor, simmer the cooking liquid on sauté mode for 5-10 minutes until reduced slightly. Taste and season with salt, pepper, or additional herbs if desired.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Turkey Legs

• Browning the legs properly before pressure cooking is crucial for both appearance and flavor. Be patient and let the legs brown without moving them.

• Flipping the legs halfway during pressure cooking can help ensure even doneness, especially if cooking a large batch. Use tongs to gently flip them.

• Letting the cooked legs rest for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. Don’t skip this step!

• If the turkey legs seem underdone, you can place them back in the pot, add extra liquid, lock the lid, and pressure cook for 5-10 more minutes.

• For extra richness, stir a tablespoon of butter into the reduced cooking liquid just before serving.

Fun Ways to Flavor Your Turkey Legs

The great thing about cooking turkey legs in the instant pot is how easy it is to add different flavors. Just switch up the aromatics and liquids to create a unique taste each time. Some flavor combos we love include:

• Apple Cider & Thyme – Use apple cider instead of broth and add fresh thyme sprigs to the pot.

• Barbecue – Mix barbecue sauce into the cooking liquid and serve extra on the side for dipping.

• Garlic & Herb – Sauté tons of minced garlic with rosemary, sage, and oregano for an herby flavor.

• Jerk Seasoning – Rub the legs with a spicy jerk seasoning blend before browning for a Caribbean twist.

• Lemon & Wine – Deglaze the pot with white wine and add lemon slices or juice for brightness.

• Chipotle Chili – Use chicken broth mixed with adobo sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to instant pot turkey legs. Feel free to get creative with your own signature flavor combinations.

Happy Fall Feasting!

Now that you’re armed with this foolproof method, you can look forward to fall meals bursting with tender, juicy turkey legs anytime the craving strikes. Whip up a batch for football Sunday or a casual weeknight dinner. Impress your guests by serving them alongside all the fixings. However you choose to enjoy them, turkey legs cooked in the instant pot are sure to become your new favorite fall tradition. Just be prepared to have everyone begging you for the recipe!