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Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

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Turkey breast in instant pot is ready in less than an hour! Instant pot turkey breast is the easiest way to brown and cook turkey breast quickly. Tender, flavorful and the best way to cook a whole turkey breast and the easiest way to make a special turkey dinner meal.

I’m so excited to partner with the National Turkey Federation over the next few months to bring you this instant pot turkey breast recipe. (sponsored) Turkey is a staple for our weeknight dinners and for so many reasons. It’s packed with lean protein, it’s satisfying, it’s easy to cook with, and everyone loves it! Turkey breast is a great option to make for a classic turkey dinner, but on a smaller scale and it’s ideal for gatherings. Visit ServeTurkey.org for more turkey recipes.

plate of turkey breast dinner meal

Can You Cook a Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook turkey breast in instant pot, and it’s a great way to do so! Using the instant pot instead of a slow cooker is very convenient because you can brown it and cook it in the slow cooker all in the same.

How to Cook Turkey Breast in Instant Pot

This instant pot turkey breast recipe is easy EASY! Just a few minutes of prep and then let the pressure cooker do the work. Here’s how we make it:

  • Brown turkey breast. Turn on the instant pot to saute function and heat the oil in bottom of pot. Sear the turkey breast for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown on each side. Carefully remove turkey breast and set on a plate.
turkey breast browning instant pot
  • Season turkey. Add wire rack back into pressure cooker and pour 1 cup of water into the bottom. Place the turkey back onto rack and brush the mustard sauce over the breast and inside the cavity.
sauce for instant pot turkey breast
  • Cook turkey breast in instant pot. Close and seal the lid. Set pressure cooker to manual high pressure and cook for 25 minutes. Let natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release and carefully open up.
turkey breast instant pot after cooking
  • Let instant pot turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
turkey breast resting after cooking in instant pot

How Much Turkey Breast per Person?

A good rule of thumb is to make one pound of turkey per person. If you want to be sure to have leftovers, plan on 1 1/4-1 1/2 pounds per person.

The smaller size of the breast makes it ideal for a special family dinner or small gatherings.

# of servingsturkey breast size
55 pounds
66 pounds
77 pounds
88 pounds
turkey breast in instant pot dinner

Turkey Breast Instant Pot Cooking Time

Ok, one of my pet peeves with instant pot/pressure cooker recipes is that they only list how long it takes once pressure has ALREADY been reached. Which isn’t super helpful in knowing how long something is actually going to take.

A common instant pot turkey breast cooking time is about 5-6 minutes per pound with a 10-minute natural release. I found that 6 minutes per pound with a 10-minute release resulted in turkey that was overcooked so I recommend 5-minutes per pound and a 5-minute natural release.

You want the turkey breast temperature to reach 165 degrees F, but no higher or it will dry out the turkey. I highly recommend using a digital thermometer when cooking meats and seafood.

NOTE: The whole cooking process (browning, pressure cooking, and natural release) took about 50 minutes from start to finish for a 5-pound turkey breast. (Not including resting time!)

Turkey Breast Instant Pot Cooking Time

Turkey Breast Size – PoundsInstant Pot Cooking Time – High Pressure
5 pounds25 minutes + 5 minute natural release
6 pounds30 minutes + 5 minute natural release
7 pounds35 minutes + 5 minute natural release
8 pounds40 minutes + 5 minute natural release
9 pounds45 minutes + 5 minute natural release

How to Store Instant Pot Turkey Breast

This turkey breast recipe should be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 375 degree F oven until heated through.

What to Serve with Bone In Turkey Breast

Now that you know how to cook a turkey breast in the instant pot, it’s time to pick your side dishes. Here are a few recipes to get you started, otherwise I’d recommend a green veggie (cooked or a simple green salad) and starchy vegetables like potatoes or squash for a classic meal.

  • French Green Beans – My favorite veggie side! This post shares three ways you can make them – sauteed, air fryer, or roasted.
  • Broiled Asparagus – Another simple green side option, asparagus is best in the spring time, perfect for Easter dinner!
  • Cheesy Potato Casserole – Also known as funeral potatoes, this classic casserole is a must for Easter meals. I’m adding in some extra flavor to the classic recipe.
  • Quinoa Arugula Salad – For a lighter, brighter side with Southern California vibes, try this easy and delicious salad.


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tturkey breast in instant pot with sides

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe

  • Author: Emily Dingmann
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Diabetic
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Description

INSTANT POT turkey breast! Just 5 min to prep turkey breast in instant pot. The best way to make a turkey dinner any time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 56 lb. bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • sea salt 
  • black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. whole grain dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp. honey
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced


Instructions

  1. Thaw turkey.
  2. Season with salt and pepper 
     
  3. Turn pressure cooker to high saute function. Add oil to pot and when it reaches the proper temperature, place turkey skin side down (breast side) into pot. Sear for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip over and sear another 4-5 minutes. 
  4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the mustard, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. 
  5. Remove breast from pressure cooker and place on a plate. 
  6. Add the wire rack into the pressure cooker. Pour 1 cup of water in the bottom of pressure cooker. Place the turkey on top of the rack and brush mustard sauce onto turkey breast and into cavity. 
  7. Close and seal the lid. Set pressure cooker to manual high pressure setting and cook for 25 minutes**. Let natural release for 5 minutes. 
  8. Let turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. 


Notes

  • **Cook time will depend on turkey weight. See table above for cooking times based on weight. 
  • Check your stores freezer section or ask at the meat counter if you don’t see turkey breast. 

Keywords: instant pot turkey breast, turkey breast instant pot, turkey breast in instant pot

turkey breast instant pot recipe - pinterest


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