Can You Pressure Cook a Turkey Breast? Absolutely! Here’s How

Pressure cooking a turkey breast is a great way to save time cooking while still ending up with a moist, flavorful turkey dinner. With the right technique, your pressure cooked turkey breast can come out just as juicy and delicious as a traditionally oven roasted bird.

Why Pressure Cook a Turkey Breast?

There are a few key advantages to pressure cooking a turkey breast rather than roasting in the oven

• It’s Fast – Pressure cooking can reduce cook times by up to 70% compared to roasting A 6 lb bone-in turkey breast may take only 30 minutes in the pressure cooker

• Saves Energy – Pressure cooking uses less energy than running your oven for hours. This can help lower your electricity bill

• Moist Meat – The moist heat environment of pressure cooking locks in juices. Your turkey will be tender and flavorful.

• Make-Ahead – You can pressure cook the turkey breast 1-2 days ahead. Then reheat and crisp the skin before serving.

• More Oven Space – Free up your oven to roast side dishes by cooking the turkey in the pressure cooker.

So if you’re looking to streamline your holiday cooking with a foolproof method, pressure cooked turkey breast is a great option.

Choosing the Right Size Turkey Breast

When selecting a turkey breast to cook in your pressure cooker, be sure to choose one that will fit in your pot. Most 6-7 quart pressure cookers can accommodate a bone-in breast up to 6-7 lbs or a boneless breast up to 3 lbs.

It’s better to cook a whole breast rather than halves, as the irregular shape of halves may lead to uneven cooking. Go for a smaller 3-4 lb breast if cooking for just 2-4 people.

Key Steps for Pressure Cooking Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for foolproof pressure cooked turkey breast:

• Season – Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage. You can also inject a flavorful broth.

• Add liquid – Place 1 cup broth or water in pot. This will create steam and help make gravy later.

• Use a rack – Set turkey on a steamer rack or trivet, breast side up. This prevents burning.

• Lock lid – Secure the pressure cooker lid and set valve to sealing position.

• Set time – Cook for 25-35 minutes depending on size, with a 10 minute natural pressure release.

• Check temp – Turkey should reach an internal temp of 165°F.

• Rest and crisp – Let turkey rest before slicing. Crisp the skin in the broiler if desired.

It’s really that easy! Now let’s look at timing and gravy.

Determining Correct Pressure Cook Times

Cooking time can vary based on the size, shape, and whether your turkey breast is bone-in or boneless.

Here are general pressure cook times for turkey breast:

• Bone-in breast (3-4 lbs): 25 min
• Bone-in breast (4-5 lbs): 27 min
• Bone-in breast (6-7 lbs): 30 min
• Boneless breast (2-3 lbs): 25 min

The thickness of boneless breasts can vary, so you may need to adjust time. After pressure cooking, always check temperature before serving.

Making Turkey Gravy in the Pressure Cooker

One benefit of pressure cooking your turkey is you can use the cooking liquids to make an easy, flavorful gravy.

After removing the turkey breast, skim off excess fat from the pot. Add 2 Tbsp cornstarch whisked with 1/4 cup water to the cooking liquid. Bring to a simmer using the “Saute” setting to thicken into gravy.

Flavor with any pan drippings, broth, herbs, salt and pepper. Strain if you prefer a silky smooth gravy.

Getting Crispy Skin on Pressure Cooked Turkey

While pressure cooking keeps meat ridiculously moist, you won’t get that perfect crispy brown skin like a roasted bird.

Here are a couple ways to get crispy skin after pressure cooking:

• Broil – Place turkey skin-side up under the broiler for 2-5 minutes until skin browns and crisps. Watch closely to avoid burning.

• Air Fry – Cut turkey breast into slices. Air fry skin-side down 5-7 minutes at 370°F until skin is browned and crispy.

If you prefer, simply remove and discard the skin after pressure cooking. The turkey meat will still be delicious and moist.

Side Dishes for Pressure Cooked Turkey

Here are some classic holiday side dishes that pair perfectly with your pressure cooked turkey breast:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Rich turkey gravy
• Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Cranberry sauce
• Savory bread stuffing or dressing
• Green bean casserole
• Glazed carrots or butternut squash
• Dinner rolls

Having side dishes that can bake unattended gives you more time to pressure cook the turkey. Get ahead by preparing casseroles and cold sides the day before.

Tips for Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey meat is perfect for easy sandwiches, soups, salads, and casseroles. Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Some delicious ways to use up leftovers:

• Turkey tetrazzini pasta bake
• Turkey noodle soup
• Turkey salad sandwiches with cranberry sauce
• Turkey tacos with avocado
• Turkey pot pie with puff pastry crust
• Turkey enchiladas with green chiles

With proper handling, storage, and reheating, your pressure cooked turkey can feed you for a whole week of quick meals after the big dinner.

So as you can see, pressure cooking allows you to make a juicy, delicious turkey breast with minimal effort. Give it a try this holiday season for your new favorite way to cook turkey!