61 Shares

Looking for slow cooker turkey recipes? Below you will find a collection of turkey recipes for the gadget cook. Whole turkey, turkey breast, turkey legs, turkey tenderloin…this post covers it all. I also discuss how to pick the right turkey for your slow cooker. Free up your oven this holiday & cook your turkey in the slow cooker! Instructions on how to cook all of these turkey recipes in the Instant Pot are also included.

PIN FOR LATER

If you’re looking for a fuss-free holiday season, consider using your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) to cook your turkey! Whether you’re feeding a large family gathering or a paired down intimate dinner, sit back and let your crockpot do the work.

PICKING A TURKEY

When it comes to picking the size of the turkey for your holiday dinner, the general rule of thumb is that you will need approximately one pound of turkey per adult. Having said that, if you’re using a slow cooker or Instant Pot to cook your turkey, the rules kind of go out the window. Find a turkey that fits in your appliance. When I cook a 10-pound whole turkey, I need my extra-large 8-quart slow cooker. When I’m cooking a smaller, 6-8 pound turkey breast, I used my 6-quart. Not to leave out my air fryer, my 5.8-quart is perfect for cooking a turkey tenderloin that feeds a party of 2-4.

FRESH VS. FROZEN

For the slow cooker, you will need to completely thaw the turkey it before cooking. To thaw your turkey, place it in a large roasting pan in the refrigerator (in its original packaging) for 24 hours per every five pounds of turkey. If you are cooking your turkey in the Instant Pot (or an air fryer), you can cook it directly from frozen, you’ll just need to add a few more minutes to the cook time.

AFTER IT’S DONE COOKING

To broil or not broil? That is the question. If you want your turkey to have crispy skin, then you will need remove it from the slow cooker or Instant Pot and place it in your oven under the broiler for a few minutes. This is an optional step. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. If you’re not worried about the skin, skip it. But if you are, carefully remove the turkey from the appliance when it’s done cooking. Use tongs, it will be very hot and very tender. So tender that you shouldn’t be surprised if the turkey falls apart on you as you lift it up. Place the turkey on a large baking sheet and BROIL it in your oven for 3-5 minutes or until the skin is crisp to your liking.

Turkey Recipes For The Gadget Cook

Turkey Recipes

Free up your oven this holiday & cook your turkey in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Air Fryer. Here's a collection of turkey recipes for the gadget cook.