This is my favorite way to enjoy a turkey breast roast.
Cooking a turkey breast in the Instant Pot is really easy to prep. It is quick to cook and comes out so tender and juicy!
Use the broth left in the bottom to make a perfect gravy! Thanksgiving dinner has never been easier.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
If you’re short on time or a smaller holiday celebration is on the menu, skip the whole turkey and opt for a turkey breast.
- It’s easy to cook and less expensive than a whole turkey.
- This is perfect for a weeknight meal or to feed a smaller group.
- This turkey cooks in a fraction of the time in the pressure cooker.
- There are still drippings to make gravy (and you need only one pot).
Ingredients and Variations
Turkey Breast: This easy Instant Pot turkey recipe can be made with bone-in or boneless turkey breast, or use our adjustments below based on the size!
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds to the flavor and provides the liquid needed to make pressure in the Instant Pot.
Seasoning: Seasoning on the skin paired with onions and herbs in the broth add great flavor to the finished dish! Feel free to add in some carrots, celery, and a couple of cloves of garlic if you’d like.
How to Cook Instant Pot Turkey Breast
The Instant Pot makes cooking a full holiday meal as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Sear: Heat oil in the Instant Pot on saute (per the recipe below). Place the turkey breast, skin side down, and cook without moving for about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth: Remove the turkey breast, add the broth and scrape the bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Cook: Add onion and herbs to the bottom of the Instant Pot and the trivet. Place the turkey breast, skin-side up. Pressure cook on manual on high pressure according to the times below.
- Rest (& Make Gravy): Natural release pressure for 10 minutes and then open the valve and release the remaining pressure.
How Long to Cook Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Instant Pot recommends 7-9 minutes per pound for boneless breasts. Be sure to include a natural release of 10 minutes. Once you open the lid, take the temperature of the turkey breast and it should read 165°F in the thickest part. If it’s a few degrees lower (within about 10°), you can place the lid back on and let it come up to temperature.
Fresh boneless turkey breast: For a 3-pound turkey breast, cover and set the Instant Pot to high for 21-24 minutes, allow it to naturally release for about 10 minutes.
Test the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat (away from the bone if using a bone-in breast). The internal temperature should read 165°F. Remove turkey from the instant pot.
Holly’s Tips
COOKING TIME: Cook times can vary slightly based on the shape of the turkey breast, a thicker shorter breast will take longer while a thinner flatter turkey breast will cook a bit quicker. If it is very cold from the fridge, it may need an extra minute or two.
INTERNAL TEMPERATURE: Once the cooking time is up, allow the turkey breast to rest for 10 minutes before releasing pressure and checking the temperature. If the turkey breast is 5-10 degrees below 165°F, place the lid back on and leave it for up to 10 minutes. The heat in the Instant Pot will keep it cooking.
If the turkey breast is more than 10 degrees below 165°F, place the lid back on the Instant Pot and add 2-3 minutes on high pressure. Since everything is already hot, it only takes about 4-5 minutes to get back up to pressure. Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure and check the temperature. Leave the lid on and let rest in the Instant Pot if it needs to rise only a few more degrees.
To Make Gravy
In the recipe below, I have included instructions for gravy with either flour or cornstarch depending on preference.
For both of those options, strain the broth and cook it with either cornstarch or flour & butter. Season with salt & pepper and add extra herbs if desired.
For extra gravy, I sometimes add a packet of gravy mix along with cold water to the drippings and allow it all to cook together.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey Breast
We suggest a classic meal with all the trimmings for a holiday gathering. It’s easy since the Instant Pot leaves the oven and stovetop free! Try our easy stuffing recipe, alongside everyone’s favorite classic green bean casserole. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without some cranberry relish. Add a side of mac & cheese and our 30-minute dinner rolls to sop up all that delicious gravy! And for dessert, we recommend a pumpkin pie, of course!
More Ways to Cook a Turkey Breast
Did you make this Instant Pot Turkey Breast? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast 3 pounds, boneless with skin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ onion sliced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- few sprigs of fresh herbs parsley, rosemary, sage, and/or thyme
For Gravy (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour or 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning optional
Instructions
- Season the turkey breast with salt & pepper. Turn the Instant Pot on to Saute and add oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the turkey breast, skin side down. Allow to cook for 5-6 minutes or until browned.
- Remove the turkey from the Instant Pot and add broth. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom.
- Place the onion slices and herbs in the bottom of the Instant Pot with the broth. Add the trivet.
- Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on the trivet.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 22 minutes. Once the cycle is completed, allow the turkey to naturally release for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the turkey breast has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. For a crispy skin, place the turkey under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.
To Make Gravy with Flour (cornstarch directions in the notes)
- Remove broth and strain. Set aside.
- Turn the Instant Pot on to saute and combine 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and poultry seasoning if using. Cook in the Instant Pot for 1 minute while stirring.
- Add the strained broth a little bit at a time, whisking after each addition, to reach desired thickness. It will be thick at first but will thin out.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste (and stir in additional fresh herbs if desired).
Notes
7-8 minutes per pound. 4 lb turkey breast – 28-32 minutes
5 lb turkey breast – 35-40 minutes
6 lb turkey breast – 42-48 minutes Cook times can vary slightly based on the shape of the turkey breast, a thicker shorter breast will take longer while a thinner flatter turkey breast will cook a bit quicker. If your turkey breast is thicker, use the longer cook time. If your turkey breast is very cold from the fridge, it may need an extra minute or two. TROUBLESHOOTING Once the cook time is up, allow the turkey breast to rest 10 minutes before releasing pressure and checking the temperature. If the turkey breast is 5-10 degrees below 165°F, place the lid back on and leave it for up to 10 minutes. The heat in the Instant Pot will keep it cooking. If the turkey breast is more than 10 degrees below 165°F, place the lid back on the Instant Pot and add 2-3 minutes on high pressure. Since everything is already hot, it only takes about 4-5 minutes to get back up to pressure. Once the 2 minutes are up, release the pressure and check the temperature. Leave the lid on and let rest in the Instant Pot if needed. To Make Gravy with Cornstarch
- Remove the broth from the Instant Pot and strain. Add strained broth back to the Instant Pot and turn the Instant Pot to Saute.
- Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
- Bring broth (and poultry seasoning if using) to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry a little bit at a time while whisking until thickened.
- Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste (and stir in additional fresh herbs if desired).
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Turkey
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I did an herb rub prior to browning (using only sage, celery salt, black pepper & onion powder). The 4.5 lb. turkey breast just BARELY fit into my 3 qt. Instant Pot & because the turkey still had some ice crystals inside it, I gave the roast 30 min. Oh my goodness. Came out SO tender & tasty!! And the gravy!! I have been cooking for over 50 years. Never in my life have I made turkey gravy that yummy. Wonderful recipe. I will definitely be doing this again!! Thanks!!
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