Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy (Gluten-Free)
Make a whole turkey in just a fraction of the time as convention turkey in the oven with this Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy. It takes less than an hour from start to finish. I’ve included an option to brown the turkey in the oven for a few minutes, while you make a homemade gluten-free turkey gravy too.
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Craving homemade turkey and gravy but don’t have all day to spend making it? You’ve got to try this Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe. You can get a whole 5 lb turkey or turkey breast on the table in less than an hour. That’s right an hour! Not all day, watching the stove and basting it. Find out how to do it and why it’s so juicy and delicious.
Why Make Turkey in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is the easy button for this recipe. Not only does it cook the turkey in less than an hour, but the pressure cooking naturally bastes the turkey so it’s moist and tender. It will literally fall off the bone once it’s done.
You can eat the turkey right from the Instant Pot, but if you like it to have a golden brown you can just pop it into the oven for 20-30 minutes at 375 degrees. It will have a golden brown on top, while still staying tender and juicy on the inside. You can even make a homemade turkey gravy while it’s browning in the oven.
Side Dishes to Serve with this Instant Pot Turkey
This Instant Pot Turkey is not only versatile but can also pair up with a whole host of delicious side dishes! You could serve up my creamy bacon mashed potatoes or even opt for my awesome gluten free instant pot mac and cheese, you will not be disappointed!
If you’d like to throw in a cranberry dish that’s delicious and good for you, then you could give something like this sauteed brussels sprouts with cranberries and lemon recipe.
How to Make this Instant Pot Turkey – Step by Step
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Place a trivet in the inner pot of the Instant Pot, and pour chicken broth in the inner pot.
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Mix all dry seasoning together in a small bowl and set aside.
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Place the turkey on the trivet, and sprinkle the seasoning mix on the turkey.
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Place the lid on the Instant Pot turn until it locks into place. Make sure the pressure valve is set to Sealing, and press the Manual button, and set the time to 30 minutes (6 minutes per lb of turkey).
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When the Instant Pot beeps, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. This will help to infuse the flavors into the turkey.
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When the pressure has been released, the pressure float valve will go all the way down. You can then turn the lid and gently lift out the turkey.
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OPTIONAL: Place the turkey on an oven-safe dish and put in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes to brown the turkey. This gives the turkey a nice golden brown color and will be delicious. While the turkey is in the oven, you can make the gravy.
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
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In a medium-sized cast iron pan, add 1/2 cup diced onions and 1 tbsp avocado oil. Cook for a few minutes or until lightly brown.
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Pour the juices from the bottom from the inner pot of the Instant Pot into the cast iron pan. Be sure to remove any pieces of the turkey that may have fallen into the juice while cooking. Place the cast iron pan on the stove.
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Add 1 cup of broth or stock to the pan and bring to a boil, and then turn heat on low. Use a metal spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to mix the turkey drippings with the broth.
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Add 1 tbsp of arrowroot powder to a small bowl. Then, add 1-2 tbsp of water, and stir until smooth. Add the mixture to the pan, and turn heat to medium. Continue to stir until thickened.
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Add 2 tbsp of butter to the pan, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic salt, and 1/2 tsp of freshly ground pepper. Stir the gravy until it is the consistency you want. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, and if it’s not thick enough, add 1 tsp of arrowroot powder mixed with water to the gravy to thicken.
Is Fresh or Frozen Turkey Better?
These days, turkeys come fresh, frozen and somewhere in between. Fresh turkeys have to be stored at 26 degrees Fahrenheit or above; frozen turkeys have to be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. But what happens to the turkeys stored between one and 25 degrees Fahrenheit? There’s no name for them; some producers call them “refrigerated,” while others call them “hard-chilled or “not previously frozen.”
Essentially, there’s not much of a difference between fresh and frozen turkey. Though a frozen turkey may be drier when it’s cooked. That’s why so many frozen turkeys are soaked in a solution of water and salt, also known as a brine. It helps to keep the turkey moist and locks in the flavors. Many frozen turkeys are already brined, but if you get on that isn’t brined then you may need to do that.
It’s pretty simple to brine a turkey. Start with a thawed turkey. Add about 1 cup of kosher salt to 1 gallon of water – double if needed depending on the size of your turkey. Stir well to dissolve. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey and soak in the brine for 8-24 hours. When done, just pour out the brine and then start with this Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy recipe.
I personally buy frozen turkey that’s already in the brine to keep it easy. Remember that frozen turkeys do take a long time to thaw — one day for every five pounds.
Is Organic Turkey the Same as Free Range?
Short answer, no. Free-range birds have access to the outside and the ability to move about a yard. This increased mobility helps to develop muscle, contributing to a more fully flavored and complex meat. A common misconception is that free-range turkey is synonymous with organic or naturally processed birds. These distinctions only refer to the animal’s ability to roam and its access to light, not feed or processing.
Organic poultry represent a two-stage process. First, the farmer does not use any chemicals, antibiotics or roughage fillers when raising the birds, as well as giving them access to the outdoors and direct sunlight, as with free range. In addition, the animal’s feed must be raised organically — without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. These birds tend to be more expensive, but are potentially the finest and fullest flavored available.
Can you Freeze Gluten Free Turkey Gravy?
Yes you can! And bonus, because it has no cream or milk, this gravy does not separate when frozen and it keeps it’s rich, delicious flavor. Just make sure to reheat it low and slow for best results.
Top Tips for Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy
- If you can opt for an organic turkey, for fullest flavor.
- If you want to brown your turkey further, you can pop it in the oven after the instant pot, 20 to 30 mins will give it a golden brown sheen.
- You can freeze any leftover gravy.
- A frozen turkey can take up to 24 hours to thaw, so make sure to plan ahead.
More Instant Pot Meals
- 30 Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
- Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
- Creamy Bacon Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Did you try this Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
Instant Pot Turkey and Gravy
Ingredients
- 5 lb whole turkey if frozen see notes
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 1 tbsp celery seed
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tbsp fresh ground pepper
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Place a trivet in the inner pot of the Instant Pot, and pour chicken broth in the inner pot.
- Mix all dry seasoning together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place the Turkey on the trivet, and sprinkle the seasoning mix on the turkey.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot turn until it locks into place. Make sure the pressure valve is set to Sealing, and press the Manual button, and set the time to 30 minutes (6 minutes per lb of turkey).
- When the Instant Pot beeps, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. This will help to infuse the flavors into the turkey.
- When the pressure has been released, the pressure float valve will go all the way down. You can then turn the lid and gently lift out the turkey.
- OPTIONAL: Place the turkey on an oven-safe dish and put in the oven at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes to brown the turkey. This gives the turkey a nice golden brown color and will be delicious. While the turkey is in the oven, you can make the gravy.
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy
- In a medium-sized cast iron pan, add 1/2 cup diced onions and 1 tbsp avocado oil. Cook for a few minutes or until lightly brown.
- Pour the juices from the bottom from the inner pot of the Instant Pot into the cast iron pan. Be sure to remove any pieces of the turkey that may have fallen into the juice while cooking. Place the cast iron pan on the stove.
- Add 1 cup of broth or stock to the pan and bring to a boil, and then turn heat on low. Use a metal spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to mix the turkey drippings with the broth.
- Add 1 tbsp of arrowroot powder to a small bowl. Add 1-2 tbsp of water, and stir until smooth. Add the mixture to the pan, and turn heat to medium. Continue to stir until thickened.
- Add 2 tbsp of butter to the pan, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic salt, and 1/2 tsp of freshly ground pepper. Stir the gravy until it is the consistency you want. If it's too thick, add a little more water, and if it's not thick enough, add 1 tsp of arrowroot powder mixed with water to the gravy to thicken. Â
Notes
Nutrition
Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple
Do you wish you could find one-pot meals that are simple and easy to make… and your family will love?
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With this book, you’ll get:
- Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love – including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
- Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
- Printable shopping lists for ingredients
- Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
- Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners
So easy and delicious! I swapped the arrowroot for a teaspoon of glucomannan powder for an easy low carb no grain substitute. I love using my Instant Pot and this recipe was so easy and tasty. Thanks again.
I can’t wait to try the gf version. I just got my instant pot and I am looking forward to cooking up a storm with it! Yum! thank you for thinking of us GF’ers.
Never thought of making turkey and gravy in an instant pot! But I love the idea! Have to try it out!