Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Looking for an easy way to make turkey breast? Try this Instant Pot Turkey Breast! Learn how to make a tender, juicy turkey breast in your instant pot. This recipe is simple, straightforward, and sure to please your guests this Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday.
Turkey is a poultry dish that is typically served during the holiday season. It is usually roasted in an oven, which can take several hours. This can be difficult for many home cooks, as it is easy to overcook or undercook the turkey. However, cooking a turkey breast in an instant pot is much easier and yields delicious results!
When cooking a turkey breast in an instant pot, there is no need to worry about overcooking or undercooking the meat. The instant pot cooks the turkey breast evenly and quickly, producing a juicy and tender final product. In addition, the instant pot keeps the turkey breast moist during cooking, which prevents it from drying out.
If you are looking for a simple and delicious way to cook turkey breast, look no further than your instant pot! This cooking method is quick, easy, and yields impressive 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 Breast (bone-in and skin-on) – This recipe is best with a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast.
- 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 Breast In The Instant Pot
Prepare the turkey breast: Remove the turkey breast from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle with dried seasonings. We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to start.
Add 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.
Place the turkey breast in the Instant Pot: Carefully lower it into the instant pot, ensuring that it is not touching the sides or bottom of the pot.
Close and seal the instant pot: Close the instant pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
Cook on high pressure: Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Natural 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.
Crisp the skin: Carefully transfer the turkey to a baking dish and pat the skin dry. Broil on high for about two minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
Carve and serve: Once the turkey breast has rested, it is time to carve and serve! Slice the turkey against the grain into thick slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳Helpful Cooking Tips
- For best results, use a frozen or fresh turkey breast that is at least four pounds.
- If you are using a frozen turkey breast, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- To keep the skin from sticking to the pot, line the instant pot with foil before adding the turkey breast.
- Season the turkey breast generously with your favorite seasonings.
- For crispy skin, broil the turkey breast for a few minutes after cooking.
- Let the turkey breast rest for five minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier final product.
🧂Seasoning Ideas
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:
- Herbes de Provence
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Curry powder
- Lemon Pepper
- Poultry Seasoning
🧊Storage & Freezing
Leftover turkey breast 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 breast, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to remove any bones and skin before freezing.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen turkey breast, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
❔FAQ
Can you use frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot. Just be sure to increase the cook time by 50%.
Do I need to add water to the Instant Pot when cooking turkey breast?
Yes, you will need to add water (or another liquid) to the Instant Pot when cooking turkey breast. This helps to create steam, which in turn helps to cook the turkey breast evenly.
🦃More Holiday Recipes
- Spiced Apple Cider Muffins
- Thanksgiving Cocktails
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash
- Gluten-free Stuffing
- Riced Cauliflower Stuffing
- Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
- Keto Cranberry Sauce
- Gluten-free Peanut Butter Pie
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot)
- trivet
Ingredients
- 4 pound Turkey Breast (bone-in and skin-on)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- Remove the turkey breast from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil on all sides, then sprinkle with dried seasonings. We recommend using a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to start.
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the instant pot, then add water. We recommend using about ½ cup of water.
- Carefully lower it into the instant pot, ensuring that it is not touching the sides or bottom of the pot.
- Close the instant pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
- Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the turkey to a baking dish and pat the skin dry. Broil on high for about two minutes, or until the skin is crisp and golden brown.
- Once the turkey breast has rested, it is time to carve and serve! Slice the turkey against the grain into thick slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
