How to Cook Boneless Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot for Juicy, Tender Meat

Cooking boneless turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare moist delicious turkey meat for meals any time of year. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have tender juicy turkey breast ready in under an hour with the press of a button.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a game changer when it comes to cooking turkey breast. Here are some of the benefits of using this electric pressure cooker:

• Quick cooking time – The Instant Pot can cook turkey breast in a fraction of the time compared to roasting it in the oven. You can have fully cooked turkey breast ready in as little as 15-30 minutes!

• Tender, juicy meat – The pressurized environment steams the turkey breast as it cooks, resulting in very moist, tender meat

• Infuses flavor – Cooking the turkey breast in liquid allows it to absorb all that delicious flavor.

• Easy to operate – With preset buttons and cooking programs, using the Instant Pot couldn’t be simpler. Just add your ingredients, set the time, and let it do all the work.

• Versatile – The cooked turkey can be used in all kinds of recipes from sandwiches and wraps to salads, soups and more.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

When selecting a turkey breast to cook in the Instant Pot, opt for:

• Boneless turkey breast – Makes for easier cooking and cutting. The boneless breast is often rolled and tied to maintain its shape.

• 2-3 pounds – This size will fit nicely in a 6 quart Instant Pot. Scale up or down depending on your cooker size.

• Skinless – The skin can prevent the turkey breast from cooking evenly. Skinless is ideal for Instant Pot cooking.

Once you’ve got the right turkey breast, it’s time to get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps for foolproof Instant Pot turkey breast every time:

1. Season the Turkey Breast

Before cooking, rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with:

• Salt and pepper
• Herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, sage, etc.

Rub the seasonings into the meat so they infuse maximum flavor.

2. Preheat the Instant Pot

Preheat the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting for 2-3 minutes. Once hot, add 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil and swirl to coat the insert.

3. Brown the Turkey

Carefully add the seasoned turkey breast to the preheated pot. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs to evenly sear.

This step gives you that delicious, caramelized flavor.

4. Add Liquid

Pour in 1 cup chicken or turkey broth, stock or even water around the turkey breast. The liquid will create steam to cook the turkey.

5. Pressure Cook

Lock the lid and ensure the pressure release valve is sealed. Pressure cook on High for:

• 1.5 lbs turkey breast – 15 minutes
• 2-3 lbs turkey breast – 25 minutes
• 3-4 lbs turkey breast – 30-35 minutes

Allow 10 minutes for the pot to fully pressurize before cooking begins.

6. Natural Release, then Remove Turkey

When cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10-15 minutes. After that time, manually release any remaining pressure.

Carefully remove the cooked turkey breast and transfer to a cutting board.

7. Check Internal Temperature

Always check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F at the thickest part. If under, slice and return to Instant Pot for further cooking.

8. Slice and Serve!

Once fully cooked, slice the Instant Pot turkey breast and serve! It will be hot, moist, and deliciously tender.

The cooked turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Flavorful Variations

There are lots of ways to customize your Instant Pot turkey breast:

• Swaps for the cooking liquid – Use chicken or turkey stock, wine, lemon juice, apple juice/cider, etc.

• Use a rub – For bolder flavor, apply a spice rub before cooking. Try BBQ, jerk, cajun, herbs de provence, tandoori, etc.

• Marinate – Soak the breast in a marinade up to 8 hours before cooking.

• Stuff it – Cut a pocket to stuff with cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, etc.

• Top it – After cooking, top with chutney, salsa, gravy, cranberries, etc.

So break out your Instant Pot and give turkey breast a try! It’s a fast, healthy and delicious meal option that’s great any day of the year.