Instant Pot Turkey Breast: Your Guide to Perfectly Juicy Holiday & Weeknight Meals

Cooking a turkey breast can often feel like a daunting task, especially when striving for that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. But what if we told you there’s a method that consistently delivers a succulent, juicy turkey breast with minimal effort? Enter the Instant Pot. This revolutionary pressure cooker transforms turkey breast into a culinary masterpiece, ideal for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and Christmas, or simply a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing the ultimate Instant Pot Turkey Breast. From selecting your turkey to crafting a rich, homemade gravy, and even tips for achieving crispy skin, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a turkey that’s so moist, it practically melts in your mouth, leaving you with delicious leftovers perfect for next-day sandwiches.

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Why Choose Instant Pot for Turkey Breast?

The Instant Pot is a true kitchen hero when it comes to cooking turkey breast. Its pressure cooking function drastically reduces cooking time while locking in moisture, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy meat. Unlike traditional oven roasting, which can sometimes lead to dry turkey, the Instant Pot creates a consistently moist product every time. This method also frees up valuable oven space, which is a huge advantage during busy holiday meal preparations.

Beyond the holidays, an Instant Pot turkey breast is a fantastic option for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner. It’s a lean protein that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, and the hands-off cooking process means you can focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection. Plus, the flavorful drippings left in the pot are the ideal base for a quick homemade gravy, adding another layer of deliciousness to your meal.

Selecting Your Turkey Breast: Bone-in vs. Boneless

When choosing a turkey breast for your Instant Pot, you have the flexibility to use either a bone-in or boneless variety. Both options yield fantastic results, and surprisingly, the cooking times remain quite similar. Each type offers distinct advantages:

• Bone-in Turkey Breast: Many home cooks believe that cooking meat with the bone in enhances flavor and helps retain moisture. The bone acts as a natural insulator, allowing the meat to cook more evenly. If you appreciate a richer flavor profile and don’t mind a bit of extra carving effort, a bone-in breast is an excellent choice.
• Boneless Turkey Breast: Boneless turkey breasts are incredibly convenient, especially when it comes to carving and serving. They are often easier to season thoroughly and are perfect for those who prefer a quicker prep time. Their uniform shape also makes slicing a breeze.

Regardless of your choice, aim for a turkey breast that fits comfortably within your Instant Pot without exceeding the maximum fill line. Smaller breasts (around 3-4 pounds) are generally easier to handle and cook faster, making them perfect for everyday meals. Larger breasts (up to 8 pounds) are better suited for feeding a crowd.

Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

One of the Instant Pot’s most impressive features is its ability to cook food directly from frozen, and turkey breast is no exception. This is a massive time-saver for those days when you forget to thaw your meat in advance. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature.

For a frozen turkey breast, increase the pressure cooking time significantly. A general guideline for a typical 3-pound frozen turkey breast is about 50-60 minutes on high pressure. It’s crucial to allow for a full natural pressure release for 20-25 minutes after the cooking cycle is complete. This extended natural release time ensures the meat continues to cook gently and remains incredibly tender and juicy. Always double-check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving to confirm it has reached 165°F (74°C).

Remember, if your turkey breast comes with a gravy packet inside the cavity, you’ll need to remove it before cooking, even if it’s frozen. You can often do this by running warm water over the packet’s location to loosen it. If it’s too firmly frozen to remove, it’s safer to partially thaw the turkey until the packet can be extracted. Cooking the gravy packet under pressure could cause it to burst and create a mess.

Step-by-Step: Mastering Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Preparing a turkey breast in the Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Turkey: First, ensure you remove any gravy packets or giblets from the turkey breast cavity. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
2. Season Generously: Drizzle the entire turkey breast with olive oil, then rub it in to coat evenly. This not only adds flavor but also helps the seasonings stick. Next, generously apply your chosen seasonings – a blend of poultry seasoning, dried sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper works wonderfully to create a classic, savory flavor profile. Don’t be shy; a well-seasoned turkey is a flavorful turkey!
3. Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot liner. This liquid is essential for creating the steam needed for pressure cooking and forms the base for your delicious gravy. Add minced garlic and chopped onion (or even a whole onion, quartered) to the broth. These aromatics infuse the turkey with incredible flavor as it cooks. For an extra boost of savory depth, consider adding a tablespoon of “Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor” to the broth.
4. Place the Trivet: Insert the metal trivet (the rack that comes with your Instant Pot) into the pot. This elevates the turkey breast above the liquid, allowing it to steam evenly and preventing it from sitting directly in the broth, which can make the skin soggy.
5. Add the Turkey: Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the trivet. Ensure it fits snugly without touching the lid or exceeding the max fill line.
6. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set it to high pressure. For a 3-pound turkey breast, 30 minutes is typically sufficient. (Refer to the “Cook Times” section below for varying sizes).
7. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to perform a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. This crucial step helps the turkey breast finish cooking gently and reabsorbs juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and preventing it from drying out. After 15 minutes, you can carefully turn the vent to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Check Temperature & Rest: Carefully remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should register at least 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, you can return it to the Instant Pot for a few more minutes of pressure cooking, or let it rest longer. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period is vital for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful turkey.

To Sear or Not to Sear: Enhancing Flavor and Color

The question of whether to sear your turkey breast before pressure cooking often arises. Searing involves browning the exterior of the meat in hot oil before cooking it through. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a deeply flavorful crust and a more appealing golden-brown color.

While searing is entirely optional for Instant Pot turkey breast, it is highly recommended if you desire a richer flavor and a more visually appealing finish. The Instant Pot’s sauté function allows you to sear the turkey directly in the pot before adding liquids and pressure cooking. Simply add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, select the “Sauté” function, and brown the turkey breast on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This extra step takes only a few minutes but significantly contributes to the overall deliciousness of your turkey.

If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can skip the searing step. The turkey will still be incredibly tender and flavorful from the pressure cooking, just without the deep brown exterior. The choice is yours, depending on your preferences and time constraints.

Understanding Cook Times for Different Turkey Sizes

One of the most common questions about cooking turkey in an Instant Pot revolves around cook times. The general rule of thumb for fresh or thawed turkey breast is approximately 5-6 minutes per pound on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release. Here are some common examples:

• 3-pound turkey breast: Pressure cook for 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.
• 5-pound turkey breast: Pressure cook for 40 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.
• 8-pound turkey breast: Pressure cook for 45-50 minutes, followed by a 15-minute natural release.

Always remember that these are guidelines. The exact time can vary slightly depending on the thickness and shape of your particular turkey breast. The most crucial part is always checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked to 165°F (74°C). If you’re cooking a frozen turkey breast, significantly increase these pressure cooking times as detailed in the “Cooking Frozen Turkey Breast” section.

The natural pressure release is non-negotiable for meat in the Instant Pot. It allows the temperature inside the pot to gradually decrease, preventing the meat from seizing up and ensuring all those delicious juices are reabsorbed back into the turkey, resulting in a supremely moist and tender outcome.

Achieving Perfect Doneness: The Importance of a Meat Thermometer

Ensuring your turkey breast is cooked to the correct internal temperature is paramount for both food safety and optimal taste. The only reliable way to know your turkey is perfectly done is by using a reliable meat thermometer.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone. The target internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165°F (74°C). It’s a good practice to test the temperature in a couple of different spots to confirm even cooking.

If your turkey breast hasn’t reached 165°F after the recommended cooking time and natural release, simply return it to the Instant Pot. You can pressure cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes (depending on how far it is from the target temperature), followed by another 5-10 minutes of natural release. It’s much better to cook it a little longer than to serve undercooked poultry.

After reaching the correct temperature, always allow the turkey breast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period is critical; it allows the juices, which have been pushed to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute throughout the entire breast. Carving too soon will result in those precious juices running out onto your cutting board, leaving you with drier meat. Patience truly pays off here!

Crafting Velvety Smooth Gravy from Pan Drippings

One of the hidden benefits of cooking turkey in the Instant Pot is the incredible, flavorful drippings left behind, which form the perfect base for a rich, homemade gravy. This process is incredibly easy and adds an essential element to your turkey meal.

Once you’ve removed the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot and placed it on a carving board to rest, leave all the turkey drippings and broth in the pot. These liquids are packed with savory flavor!

1. Activate Sauté Mode: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function, setting it to “High” if your model offers that option.
2. Add Fat: Stir in one tablespoon of butter to the hot drippings. This will melt quickly and add a lovely richness to the gravy.
3. Whisk in Flour: Once the butter has melted, gradually whisk in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Continuously whisk for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out a bit and form a roux with the butter and drippings. This step is crucial to prevent a raw flour taste.
4. Thicken to Perfection: Continue whisking gently as the gravy heats up and begins to thicken. It will transform into a velvety smooth sauce. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add an additional tablespoon of flour, whisking it in thoroughly and allowing it to cook for another minute. If it becomes too thick, simply whisk in a splash more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of poultry seasoning for extra depth. This homemade gravy, made directly in the Instant Pot, will elevate your turkey breast to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Crispy Skin in an Instant Pot? (And How to Get It)

While the Instant Pot excels at producing incredibly tender and juicy turkey, one thing it cannot achieve on its own is crispy skin. The moist, steamy environment of pressure cooking is fantastic for tenderness but is the enemy of crispiness. Even searing the turkey breast beforehand typically doesn’t result in lasting crispy skin once it’s been pressure cooked.

However, if crispy skin is a non-negotiable part of your turkey experience, there are simple methods to achieve it after the pressure cooking is complete:

• Broiler Method (Oven): After removing the cooked turkey breast from the Instant Pot and letting it rest, preheat your oven broiler. Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet, skin-side up, under the broiler for 3-7 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it, as broilers can cook very quickly, and you want to avoid burning.
• Air Fryer Method: If you have an air fryer, this is another excellent option for achieving crispy skin. Once the turkey has rested, transfer it to your air fryer basket, skin-side up. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently, until the skin is beautifully browned and crisp.

The key to both methods is not to overcook the turkey during this crisping stage. You’ve already achieved the perfect internal temperature and juiciness with the Instant Pot. The goal here is solely to crisp the skin, not to continue cooking the meat, which could lead to dryness. Just a few minutes under high heat is all it takes to transform that soft skin into a delightful, golden crunch.

Expert Tips for Carving a Turkey Breast

Carving a turkey breast can seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can neatly slice your perfectly cooked turkey and present it beautifully. Always ensure your turkey has rested for at least 15-20 minutes before carving; this is crucial for juicy results. You’ll also want a sharp carving knife and a sturdy cutting board.

1. Locate the Breast Bone: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on your cutting board. Identify the prominent breast bone running down the center.
2. Slice Along the Bone: With your sharp knife, make a deep incision along one side of the breast bone, running the knife all the way down to the rib cage. Repeat on the other side.
3. Separate the Breast Halves: Continue to use your knife to carefully cut down along the ribs, following the natural curve of the bone, to separate each side of the breast from the carcass. You should now have two large halves of boneless turkey breast (if you started with bone-in).
4. Slice Against the Grain: Take one half of the turkey breast and place it skin-side up. Begin slicing the turkey into even pieces, approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick. The most important tip here is to slice against the grain of the meat. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each slice incredibly tender and easy to chew, preserving that juicy texture you worked so hard to achieve.
5. Serve: Arrange the slices beautifully on a platter, perhaps garnished with fresh herbs, and serve immediately with your homemade gravy.

If you’re looking for more visual guidance, there are many excellent online resources demonstrating how to carve poultry efficiently, like this helpful guide: How to Carve a Turkey Breast.

More Thanksgiving & Holiday Recipes

A delicious turkey breast deserves equally amazing side dishes to complete your holiday or weeknight meal. Here are some fantastic recipes that pair perfectly with your Instant Pot Turkey Breast:

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes
• Instant Pot Collard Greens
• Instant Pot Cabbage
• Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
• Southern Soul Food Cornbread
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
• Soul Food Southern Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Stuffed Turkey Legs
• Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
• Slow Cooker Crockpot Boneless Turkey Breast

For a complete list of Instant Pot recipes, you can find them here.

Instant Pot Quick and Easy Turkey Breast

Yield:
6 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Natural Release of Steam:
15 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

This Instant Pot Quick and Easy Turkey Breast recipe offers a perfectly cooked pressure cooker turkey, ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, other holidays, or simply a convenient weeknight dinner. Whether you use bone-in or boneless, fresh or frozen turkey, you’ll achieve incredibly tender results. Don’t forget to drizzle it in homemade gravy and save the delicious turkey leftovers for sandwiches!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (6 reviews)

Ingredients for Turkey

• Bone-in or boneless turkey breast (approx. 3 pounds recommended)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion or ¾ of a large onion, peeled (can be sliced or left whole)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor (optional, for richer flavor)

Ingredients for Gravy

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions for Turkey

1. If applicable, carefully remove the gravy packet or giblets from inside the turkey breast cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Apply the olive oil evenly to the outside of the turkey breast.
3. Season the turkey generously with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, rubbing the spices into the meat.
4. Pour the chicken broth, minced garlic, and (optional) Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor into the Instant Pot liner.
5. Place the metal trivet (steamer rack) inside the Instant Pot.
6. Carefully place the seasoned turkey breast and the peeled onion (sliced or whole) on top of the trivet in the pot.
7. Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing vent is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High Pressure for 30 minutes (for a 3-pound breast).
8. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the steam to release naturally for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by carefully turning the vent to “Venting.”
9. Carefully remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
10. Transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for a juicy turkey.

Instructions for Gravy

1. After removing the turkey, leave the flavorful drippings and broth in the Instant Pot liner.
2. Turn the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” function (use “High” if available on your model).
3. Add the tablespoon of butter to the hot drippings. Once the butter has melted, add the two tablespoons of flour.
4. Whisk continuously until the gravy begins to thicken to your desired consistency. For a thicker gravy, you can whisk in additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, allowing it to cook for a minute after each addition.

Notes & Tips

For Frozen Turkey Breasts: If cooking from frozen, increase the pressure cooking time to 50-60 minutes on High Pressure. Allow a full natural pressure release for 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Better Than Bouillon: The “Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor” is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of savory depth in your broth and gravy. You can omit it if you prefer.

Searing for Color and Flavor: While optional, searing the turkey breast before pressure cooking using the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function can add a beautiful golden-brown color and a richer flavor to the exterior. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side.

Crispy Skin: The Instant Pot does not produce crispy skin. To achieve this, place the cooked and rested turkey breast under a preheated broiler for 3-7 minutes (watching closely to prevent burning) or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes after pressure cooking.

How to Carve a Turkey Breast

1. Run your knife along the breast bone. Press the knife all the way down to the rib cage.
2. Use the knife to cut down the ribs, following the natural curve of the bone to separate the breast halves.
3. Pull and cut away the meat as needed.
4. Slice the turkey into small pieces, skin-side up, cutting against the grain of the meat to preserve its juicy and tender texture.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Better Than Bouillon Organic Chicken Base, Reduced Sodium – 16 oz
• Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
• Steamer Rack Trivet with Handles Compatible for Instant Pot 6 & 8 qt Accessories
• 12-Piece Instant Pot Accessories Set (6, 8 Qt)
• Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, Clear, 10-Piece Set

Nutrition Information

Yield: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 488
Total Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 4 net g
Protein: 45g