Mastering Smoked Turkey Legs in the Pressure Cooker: A Complete Guide

Smoked turkey legs are a favorite appetizer or main dish that packs incredible depth of flavor When properly cooked, the meat becomes incredibly moist, tender and infused with delicious smoky essence But determining the right cook time can be tricky, especially when using a pressure cooker. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery meat. Cook them too long and you risk drying them out. So how long should you pressure cook smoked turkey legs for perfect results every time?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to nail that ideal tenderness and smokiness each time you make smoked turkey legs in the pressure cooker.

Factors that Impact Cook Time

There are several elements that affect total cooking time for smoked turkey legs in the pressure cooker

• Size of legs – Larger, meatier legs naturally require longer cook times than smaller, skinnier ones A general rule of thumb is 10-15 minutes per pound

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in legs cook more evenly because the bones conduct heat well. Boneless legs often cook faster.

• Frozen or thawed – Thawed legs cook faster, while frozen legs require extended pressure cook times.

• High or low pressure – High pressure reduces overall cook time, while low pressure settings take longer.

• Amount of liquid – More braising liquid leads to longer cook times. Keep it to 1-1 1/2 cups liquid.

• Release method – Quick release can cause meat to toughen. Natural release is gentler.

Recommended Cook Times

Here are general pressure cook time guidelines based on the size of your smoked turkey legs:

• Small legs (1-1.5 lbs): 13-15 minutes
• Medium legs (1.5-2 lbs): 15-18 minutes
• Large legs (2-3 lbs): 18-22 minutes
• Extra large legs (3-4 lbs): 22-28 minutes

For frozen legs, increase cook time by 5-10 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness before serving. The minimum safe temperature is 165°F. If undercooked, simmer on the stovetop after pressure cooking to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked smoked turkey legs in the pressure cooker every time:

• Season – Rub the legs with your favorite spices, herbs and seasonings. Popular choices are salt, pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder.

• Add liquid – Pour 1-1 1/2 cups broth, cider, wine or water into the cooker pot. This will create steam.

• Insert steamer rack – Place a metal steamer rack or trivet in the bottom of the pot. This elevates the legs from direct heat.

• Load turkey legs – Arrange legs on top of the rack or trivet. Work in batches if needed.

• Pressure cook – Lock the lid, select high pressure and set the cook time based on size. See time chart above.

• Natural release – Allow the pressure to come down naturally for 10-15 minutes before quick releasing the rest.

• Check doneness – Meat should be very tender and reach 165°F minimum internal temperature.

• Rest and serve – Let rest 5 minutes before digging in for maximum juiciness. Enjoy!

Handy Tips for Best Results

• Browning or blackening the legs first adds deeper flavor.

• Try braising-style cooking by adding veggies and more liquid.

• Use broth, cider, wine, Dr. Pepper or other flavorful liquids.

• Finish under the broiler or torch for crispy skin (if desired).

• Make gravy from the delicious pressure cooker juices.

• Add smoked paprika, chipotle pepper, cumin or other spices.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, scallions or crumbled bacon.

• Let turkey legs rest before carving for juicier meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell when they’re done without a thermometer? Look for the meat separating from the bone. It should be very tender when poked with a fork.

Can I cook from frozen? Yes, just increase cook time and use more liquid to create steam.

Should I quick or natural release pressure? For best results, use natural release to keep the meat tender.

What temperature should smoked turkey legs reach? Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I reheat leftovers in the pressure cooker? Absolutely, just add a little liquid and use high pressure for 2-5 minutes.

Is it necessary to use a trivet or steamer rack? Yes, this is recommended to elevate them away from direct heat.

Takeaways

• cook time varies based on size, bone-in vs boneless, frozen or thawed

• High pressure speeds up cooking

• Allow natural release for tender meat

• 10-15 minutes per pound is a good general rule

• always check internal temperature before eating

With these handy tips, you can look forward to deliciously moist and tender smoked turkey legs with incredible flavor every time you pressure cook them. Have fun experimenting with cook times, seasonings and release methods until you find your ideal doneness. Enjoy this versatile and impressive appetizer or entree.