Instant Pot Quick and Easy Turkey Breast is a simple pressure-cooker recipe ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, holidays, or weeknight dinners. Use bone-in or boneless turkey, fresh or frozen. Serve with homemade gravy and enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches the next day.
This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.
What Kind of Turkey Can You Use?
You can use boneless or bone-in turkey breasts; I find the cooking time similar for both. Pre-shaped breasts from stores like Trader Joe’s are convenient because they cook evenly and fit well in the Instant Pot.
Can You Cook Frozen Turkey?
Yes. Cook frozen turkey breasts on Manual > High pressure for 50–60 minutes, then allow a natural pressure release of 20–25 minutes. Ensure you check the internal temperature before serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Full measurements and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below. In brief:
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and season well.
- Place the turkey in the Instant Pot with onion, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Pressure cook according to the recipe timing, then rest before slicing.
Do You Have to Sear the Turkey First?
Searing is optional. It adds a deeper brown color to the exterior, but pressure cooking yields moist, tender meat regardless. If you want crispier skin, finish the turkey under the oven broiler or in an air fryer for a few minutes after pressure cooking—watch closely to avoid drying the meat.
Cook Times Based on Size
Typical timings:
- 3 lb breast: 30 minutes high pressure + 15 minutes natural release.
- 8 lb breast: 45 minutes high pressure + 15 minutes natural release.
Estimate roughly 5–6 minutes per pound and always use a natural pressure release for meat cooked in the Instant Pot.
How to Tell if Turkey Has Finished Cooking/How Long to Cook It
Use a meat thermometer and confirm the thickest part of the breast reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Check a couple of spots to be certain the temperature is consistent.
How to Make Gravy
After removing the turkey, leave the drippings and broth in the Instant Pot. Turn on Sauté (High if available), add 1 tablespoon butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons flour. Cook, stirring, until the gravy thickens. Add more flour for a thicker gravy or thin with a bit of broth if needed.
Does the Instant Pot Produce Crispy Skin?
Pressure cooking does not produce crispy skin. It makes the breast juicy and tender but not crunchy. To crisp the skin, briefly place the cooked breast under the broiler or in an air fryer for a few minutes, monitoring closely so the meat stays moist.
How to Carve a Turkey Breast
- Run a knife along the breastbone and press through to separate meat from bone.
- Cut down along the ribs to free the breast; split the breastbone if needed.
- Pull away pieces of meat as needed and then slice.
- Slice the breast into thin pieces, skin side up, cutting against the grain for the juiciest texture.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Pair your turkey with these side dishes and other Instant Pot recipes mentioned in the recipe card.
Instant Pot Quick and Easy Turkey Breast
Instant Pot Quick and Easy Turkey Breast is a pressure cooker recipe perfect for holidays or weeknights. Use bone-in or boneless turkey, fresh or frozen. Drizzle with gravy and enjoy the leftovers in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Turkey
- Bone-in or boneless turkey breast (about 3 pounds works well)
- 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)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chicken base or bouillon (optional)
Gravy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Remove any gravy packet from inside the turkey.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken broth, garlic, and optional chicken base to the Instant Pot.
- Place the trivet inside the pot and set the turkey on the trivet with the onion.
- Seal the pot and cook on High pressure for 30 minutes (adjust time for size).
- Allow a natural release for 15 minutes, then check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F.
- Remove the turkey and let it rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Turkey Gravy
- Leave drippings and broth in the pot.
- Turn on Sauté (High if available), add butter, then whisk in flour.
- Cook and whisk until the gravy thickens; add more flour for a thicker gravy or thin with broth if needed.
Notes
Frozen turkey breasts require 50–60 minutes on high pressure with a 20–25 minute natural release. The chicken base is optional and can be omitted.
How to Carve a Turkey Breast
- Cut along the breastbone and separate the meat from the bone.
- Slice down along the ribs and remove the breast in sections.
- Pull and cut away meat as needed.
- Slice thinly against the grain, skin side up, to keep slices tender and juicy.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 488
Total Fat 20g
Carbohydrates 4 netg
Protein 45g
