Instant Pot Turkey Necks | Delicious Holiday Recipe! (2024)

Looking for an easy way to cook turkey necks? Try these Instant Pot Turkey Necks! Learn how to make tender, juicy turkey necks in your instant pot. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and sure to please your guests who love this unique delicacy!

Turkey necks are a type of poultry that many people enjoy eating. They are typically roasted or smoked and can be served with various sauces. Turkey’s necks are especially popular in the southern United States, where they are often considered a delicacy.

Turkey necks are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a great option for a meal or snack or as part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast!

Turkey necks can be cooked many different ways, but one of the easiest methods is using an Instant Pot. This method of cooking turkey necks is simple, straightforward, and produces tender, juicy results!

🦃Ingredients and Tools

• Pressure Cooker – You’ll need an electric pressure cooker to make this recipe. A popular brand is the Instant Pot, but you can use other brands, including the Ninja Foodi, Crockpot Express, or Power Pressure Cooker XL.
• Trivet – Adding this cooking tool to the bottom of the instant pot will help to prevent the turkey breast from sticking to the pot and burning.
• Turkey Necks – You can find turkey necks in your grocery store’s fresh or frozen section, especially during the holidays!
• Olive Oil – Rub cooking oil on the turkey breast to help ensure even cooking and to help the seasonings stick
• Dried Seasonings – A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder balance and enhance the natural flavors of turkey breast.
• Water – Added to the bottom of the pressure cooker to ensure the turkey stay moist and steams inside the pot.

🍲How To Cook Turkey Necks In The Instant Pot

1️⃣Prepare the turkey necks: Remove the turkey necks from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Cut each neck into four even-sized pieces. Rub them with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle with dried seasonings. We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to start.

2️⃣Add the trivet and water: Place the trivet in the bottom of the instant pot, then add water. We recommend using about ½ cup of water.

3️⃣Place the turkey necks in the Instant Pot: Carefully lower them into the instant pot, ensuring that it is not touching the sides or bottom of the pot.

4️⃣Close and seal the instant pot: Close the instant pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.

5️⃣Cook on high pressure: Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.

6️⃣Natural release: Once the cook time is up, allow the instant pot to do a natural release for 15 minutes. This means that you will not touch the instant pot for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, release any remaining pressure by opening the valve.

7️⃣Crisp the outside (OPTIONAL): Carefully transfer the turkey to a baking dish and pat the turkey necks dry. Broil on high for about two minutes or until the outside is crisp and golden brown.

8️⃣Serve: Once the turkey necks have rested, add to sauces, top with gravy and enjoy with your favorite side dishes!

👩🏻‍🍳Helpful Cooking Tips

• If you are using a frozen turkey necks, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• To keep the turkey necks from sticking to the pot, line the instant pot with foil before adding the turkey necks.
• Season the turkey necks generously with your favorite seasonings.
• For crispy outside, broil the turkey necks for a few minutes after cooking.
• Let the turkey necks rest for five minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier final product.

🧂Serving Suggestions

While a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you really need, feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Brown Gravy Packet
• Herbes de Provence
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Curry powder
• Lemon Pepper
• Poultry Seasoning
• Liquid Smoke

🧊Storage & Freezing

Leftover turkey necks can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months.

If you want to freeze the cooked turkey necks, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen turkey necks, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

❔FAQ

Can you use frozen turkey necks in the Instant Pot?

Let the frozen necks thaw overnight for best results.

Do I need to add water to the Instant Pot when cooking turkey necks?

Yes, you will need to add water (or another liquid) to the Instant Pot when cooking turkey necks. This helps to create steam, which in turn helps to cook the turkey necks evenly.

How long does turkey neck take to pressure cook?

Since turkey necks contain lots of tough connective tissue and collagen, they need to cook for a longer period of time in order to break down and become tender. We recommend cooking turkey necks in the Instant Pot for 60 minutes on high pressure.