How to Cook Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

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This Turkey Breast Recipe to make in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot is a tasty idea when you’re having a smaller crowd for Thanksgiving! And this post also has tips for turkey gravy that’s flavorful and lower in carbs.

It’s time to think about Thanksgiving recipes, and this Turkey Breast Recipe that you can make in the Slow Cooker or the Instant Pot is such a great option if you’re making Thanksgiving dinner for just a few people. I’ve been cooking turkey breasts in the crockpot for years, and when I finally made turkey breast in the Instant Pot, it was also such a winner.

The Instant Pot Turkey Breast was so juicy and delicious; I hope you’ll try that version if you’re an Instant Pot fan! And even though this recipe is filed with the Holiday Recipes, both Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Instant Pot Turkey Breast are easy enough to make any time you’re craving turkey dinner! Or use one of these recipe to cook a turkey breast to get sliced turkey to make turkey sandwiches!

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast is easier than you think with the Instant Pot. This versatile multi-cooker steams the turkey to tender perfection in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven.

An Instant Pot turkey breast is a great option for serving a smaller crowd or when you don’t want to deal with a whole turkey. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious, fall-off-the-bone turkey on the table in about an hour.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot

There are several advantages to using an Instant Pot for turkey breast:

  • It’s fast – The high-pressure cooking environment reduces cook time significantly compared to roasting. A 6 lb breast takes only 40 minutes!

  • Meat comes out moist – The steam created within the Instant Pot keeps the turkey breast very moist and tender. No more dry turkey!

  • Adds flavor – Cooking in broth adds delicious flavor right into the meat.

  • Frees up oven space – You can use your oven for sides, desserts etc. while the Instant Pot does the turkey.

  • Easy clean up – Not much splatter or mess since it’s contained in the Instant Pot inner pot.

Tips for Choosing a Turkey Breast

  • Look for a bone-in, skin-on breast for the best flavor and texture. The bone helps the meat cook evenly.

  • Allow 1 pound per person for appetizer-sized portions or go up to 1.5 pounds per person for heartier servings.

  • Choose a breast that will fit in your Instant Pot. Most 6-8 quart models can accommodate a 6-7 lb breast.

  • For the best results, make sure breast is fully thawed if frozen. Thaw in the fridge 1 day per 5 lbs.

Simple Step-by-Step Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

This easy recipe results in a tender, juicy turkey breast in under an hour.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (6-7 lbs)
  • 1⁄2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
  • 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Brush turkey breast with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme. Rub spices over entire surface.

  2. Place lemon slices and broth/water in Instant Pot inner pot. Place trivet or steamer basket in pot.

  3. Place turkey breast on trivet, skin-side up. Pour any remaining butter over the breast.

  4. Secure lid and set valve to sealing. Select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 40 minutes.

  5. Allow pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes after cooking completes. Quick release any remaining pressure.

  6. Carefully remove turkey breast and transfer to a baking sheet, skin-side up.

  7. Broil 3-5 minutes until skin is crispy and browned.

  8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

  • For deeper flavor, use chicken or turkey broth instead of water.

  • Add herbs and spices like rosemary, sage or paprika to the butter mixture.

  • Substitute olive oil or vegetable oil for the butter.

  • Cook at high pressure for 30-40 mins per 1 lb of turkey. A 7 lb breast takes about 35 mins.

  • Turn broiler on high if skin isn’t crisping. Watch closely to avoid burning.

  • If breast has a large cavity, stuff with onions, celery, carrots and garlic for extra flavor.

  • Make gravy from the tasty turkey juices left in pot after cooking.

  • Shred leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles or turkey salad.

Top Turkey Breast Side Dishes

A turkey breast deserves some delicious sides to complement it perfectly. Here are some top picks:

Classic Thanksgiving Favorites

  • Fluffy mashed potatoes
  • Rich turkey gravy
  • Savory bread stuffing
  • Sweet cranberry sauce
  • Green bean casserole

Easy Instant Pot Sides

  • Pressure cooker mixed vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce
  • Creamed corn
  • Maple glazed carrots
  • Instant Pot sweet potatoes

Fun Creative Options

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Quinoa pilaf with pecans
  • Honey balsamic roasted parsnips and carrots
  • Hasselback potatoes with herbs
  • Wild rice with mushrooms

With flavorful turkey and the perfect sides, you have an amazing Instant Pot meal ready in no time. Use the extra time you saved to relax and enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season.

how to cook turkey breast in insta pot

Should you use a trivet for Instant Pot Turkey Breast?

You could certainly use a trivet to cook your turkey breast in the Instant Pot, but we just put all the vegetables in the bottom of the Instant Pot and used those to hold up the turkey without a trivet.

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

(This is only a list of ingredients; please scroll down for complete printable recipe. Or if you use the JUMP TO RECIPE link at the top of the page, it will take you directly to the complete recipe.)

Instant Pot Turkey Breast: The BEST way to make a Turkey Breast!

FAQ

How many minutes per pound in Instant Pot?

Links
  • Pot roast
    Cook for 20 minutes per pound of meat. 

  • Chicken
    Cook whole chickens for 6 minutes per pound. 

  • Turkey breast
    Cook for about 6 minutes per pound. 

  • Chicken breasts
    Cook for 1 minute per ounce plus 3 minutes extra. 

  • Chicken thighs
    Cook fresh for 12 minutes and frozen for 15 minutes. 

  • Bone-in chicken pieces
    Cook fresh for 15 minutes and frozen for 18 minutes. 

  • Ribs
    Cook on high pressure for 17–20 minutes for chewier ribs, or 21–25 minutes for fall-off-the-bone ribs. 

How do you cook the turkey so that the breast doesn t dry out?

Links
  • Brining:
    This is the most crucial step to keep a turkey moist, as the salt solution helps the meat absorb more liquid. 

  • Temperature monitoring:
    Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the breast to avoid overcooking. 

  • Roast breast down:
    Cooking the turkey breast-side down initially can help baste the meat with its own juices. 

  • Cover with foil:
    If necessary, cover the turkey with foil during cooking to prevent the breast from drying out. 

  • Resting the turkey:
    Allow the cooked turkey to rest for a period of time before carving to redistribute juices. 

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a pressure cooker?

Links
  • Check the internal temperature:
    Regardless of cooking time, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. 

  • Consider the cut:
    Cooking time may vary depending on whether you’re cooking a whole turkey or just turkey breast. 

  • Resting is key:
    After pressure cooking, let the turkey rest for a few minutes before carving to retain juices. 

How do you cook wild turkey breast in a pressure cooker?

Wild Turkey Breast – Instant Pot Recipe (+ Gravy)

Place onion, celery, butter and chicken broth in bottom of electric pressure cooker. Place turkey on top and cover with seasonings. Place lid on securely and turn machine on. Select “high pressure” for 35 minutes.

How to cook turkey breast in Instant Pot?

Add Broth: Remove the turkey breast, add the broth, and scrape the bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot to ensure you don’t get a burn notice. Cook: Add onion and herbs to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the turkey breast on a trivet and cook on high pressure according to the times below.

Can you put turkey breast in Instant Pot without a trivet?

For a 6 quart Instant Pot, a bone-in turkey breast that’s under 5 pounds will likely fit in the Pot on a trivet. If it does, use the trivet when cooking. For a bone-in breast over 5 pounds, I place the breast in the Instant Pot without the trivet so it fits. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into your Instant Pot.

How long does it take to cook a Turkey in an Instant Pot?

Plus, turkey made in the Instant Pot is almost guaranteed to be moist. It can be done in four simple steps and cuts down your cooking time by more than half! You can have a plump and juicy Instant Pot turkey breast on your table in around an hour (depending on size). Keep reading to see how it all comes together.

Can a pressure cooker Cook a turkey breast?

Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t need to take hours when you have a pressure cooker and this easy Instant Pot turkey breast recipe! Thanksgiving turkey cooked in the electric pressure cooker / Instant Pot is perfect for a small Thanksgiving gathering or just a delicious Sunday supper.

What size Instant Pot will fit a 7 pound turkey breast?

A 6-quart Instant Pot will typically fit a 5-6.5 pound turkey breast, while an 8-quart Instant Pot fits a turkey breast that is 7-8.5 pounds. Readers have shared with me they like taking their liner with them when shopping for their turkey breast.

How do you cook a thawed Turkey in an Instant Pot?

Add a sprig or two of fresh rosemary around the turkey breast if you any left. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and be sure the vent knob is pointed towards sealed. Hit the manual or pressure cook button and set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes per pound for a thawed turkey and 10 minutes per pound for a frozen turkey.

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