Marianne Martinez
Cooking an 8-pound turkey breast in an Instapot is a great way to save time and still enjoy a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal. The general rule of thumb for cooking poultry in the Instant Pot is 6 minutes per pound, so an 8-pound turkey breast would take around 48 minutes. However, some recipes recommend cooking for 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the turkey breast and the desired level of doneness. It's important to note that the pressure-building process can take up to 20 minutes, and a natural release of pressure after cooking is recommended, which can take an additional 10 to 20 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 30-48 minutes |
| Natural Pressure Release time | 10 minutes |
| Natural release cycle time | 10-15 minutes |
| Preheat broiler time | 3-5 minutes |
| Broiler time | 3-5 minutes |
| Total time | 56-80 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- Cooking time: 48 minutes plus 10 minutes of natural pressure release
- Seasoning: Olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry herbs
- Broiling: For crispy skin, broil for 3-5 minutes after cooking
- Gravy: Use the juices from the cooked turkey to make gravy
- Defrosting: If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator for three days
Cooking time: 48 minutes plus 10 minutes of natural pressure release
Cooking an 8lb turkey breast in an Insta Pot requires a cooking time of 48 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 10 minutes. This is based on the general rule of thumb for cooking poultry in the Instant Pot, which is 6 minutes per pound with a 10-minute natural pressure release.
To begin the cooking process, first, set the Insta Pot to SEAR. Then, rub the turkey breast with olive oil, ensuring that you drizzle a little extra into the bottom of the pot. In a separate bowl, mix together the seasonings, such as herbs, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle the seasonings over the turkey and gently rub them in with your fingertips.
Next, transfer the seasoned turkey breast to the pot and sear for 4-5 minutes, rotating as needed to brown all sides. Add 2 cups of water to the pot, carefully pouring it into the side to avoid rinsing off the seasonings. Place the lid on the pot and lock it into position. Set the Insta Pot to HIGH PRESSURE and adjust the timer to 48 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. When the float valve drops, carefully open the lid away from your face. Use two large metal spatulas or spoons to remove the turkey, as forks can cause the juices to escape. Place the turkey on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil it 3 to 5 inches from the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown.
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Seasoning: Olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry herbs
Cooking an 8-pound turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a great way to save time and create a juicy, tender, and flavorful dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to season the turkey breast with olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry herbs:
Preparing the Turkey Breast:
Before seasoning, it is important to prepare the turkey breast. If the turkey breast is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 3 days, keeping it in its original wrapping. Once thawed, remove any gravy mix or giblets from the cavity. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin on top of the breast with your fingers or a knife, being careful not to cut it off.
Making the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and poultry herbs. Poultry herbs typically include thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can also add butter to this mixture for a richer flavor. Mix the ingredients well to create a flavorful paste.
Applying the Seasoning:
Using your fingertips or a brush, generously apply the seasoning mixture to the turkey breast. Start by spreading about 2 tablespoons of the mixture under the skin, gently lifting and loosening the skin to distribute the seasoning evenly. Then, massage the remaining mixture on top of the skin, ensuring the entire surface of the turkey breast is coated.
Cooking the Turkey Breast:
After seasoning, it is time to cook the turkey breast in the Instant Pot. Place the trivet that came with your Instant Pot into the pot, and add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom. Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet, ensuring it is secure. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
The cooking time for an 8-pound turkey breast in an Instant Pot is approximately 48 minutes at high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release of about 10 minutes. You can refer to the user manual for specific instructions on operating your Instant Pot model.
Finishing Touches:
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid away from your face. Check the temperature of the turkey breast in its thickest part, ensuring it reaches a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turkey breast from the Instant Pot and place it on a baking sheet or roasting dish. If you prefer crispy skin, you can broil the turkey breast for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
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Broiling: For crispy skin, broil for 3-5 minutes after cooking
Broiling is a great way to get crispy skin on your turkey breast. After cooking your turkey breast in the Insta Pot, remove it from the pot and place it on a baking pan or dish. Set your broiler to a temperature of 440 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until the skin turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on the turkey to ensure it doesn't burn.
The Insta Pot is a great way to cook a juicy and tender turkey breast, but it won't give you the classic golden-brown skin that you get from oven-roasting. By using the broiler after cooking, you can get the best of both worlds—a moist and tender turkey with a crispy, golden skin.
It's important to note that the broiling step is completely optional and depends on your preference for crispy skin. If you prefer moister skin, you can skip the broiling step and serve the turkey as is.
Additionally, when broiling, be careful not to leave the turkey unattended, as it can burn easily under the high heat of the broiler. Adjust the broiling time as needed, depending on the intensity of your broiler and the desired crispness of the skin.
Finally, for food safety, ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch the bone.
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Gravy: Use the juices from the cooked turkey to make gravy
Cooking an 8lb Turkey Breast in an Instant Pot
First, set your Instant Pot to "Sear". Then, rub the turkey breast with oil and drizzle some extra oil into the bottom of the pot. In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings and rub them all over the turkey breast. Transfer the seasoned turkey breast to the pot and sear for 4-5 minutes, turning as needed to brown all sides.
Next, add 2 cups of water to the pot, being careful to pour it in alongside the turkey breast so as not to rinse off the seasonings. Place the lid on the pot and lock it into position. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the timer for 48 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow the pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 to 15 minutes. You will know it is done when you hear the pin drop.
Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid and transfer the turkey breast to a small baking sheet or roasting dish. Don't throw away the liquid in the pot, as you can use it to make gravy.
To make gravy using the juices from the cooked turkey, start by setting your Instant Pot to "Saute". Combine 2 cups of the juices with 1 tablespoon of water and cornstarch in the pot and stir to create a slurry. You can also add melted butter and stock for extra flavour. Whisk the mixture constantly until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. For additional flavour, add kitchen bouquet, soy sauce, and salt to taste.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply continue whisking until the desired consistency is achieved. On the other hand, if your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding some additional turkey stock. Once you've achieved your desired consistency, turn off the Instant Pot and cover it with a lid. The gravy will stay hot for up to 3 hours in the pot, or you can use the "Slow Cooker" function to keep it warm.
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Defrosting: If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator for three days
If your 8-pound turkey breast is frozen, it's important to properly defrost it before cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide for defrosting and preparing your frozen turkey breast for the Instant Pot:
Defrosting:
If your turkey breast is frozen, it's crucial to allow sufficient time for it to defrost safely in the refrigerator. Plan ahead and place the frozen turkey breast in the refrigerator, keeping it in the wrapping it came in. It will take approximately three days for an 8-pound turkey breast to fully defrost. This slow thawing process ensures that your turkey defrosts evenly and safely.
Removing Giblets and Gravy Mix:
Once the turkey is completely defrosted, take it out of the refrigerator and remove the wrapping. Check the cavity of the turkey breast and remove any giblets (the neck, heart, or liver) and gravy mix that may be inside. These are often included with frozen turkeys and should be taken out before cooking.
Rinsing and Drying:
After removing the giblets and gravy mix, it's important to rinse the turkey breast under cold running water. This helps to remove any remaining ice crystals and ensure that the meat is clean. Once rinsed, place the turkey breast in a colander to drain any excess water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step helps ensure that the skin gets nice and crispy during cooking.
Preparing the Skin:
Loosen the skin on top of the breast gently with your fingers and a knife, being careful not to cut or detach it. This step will create a pocket that allows you to add flavourful butter and seasonings directly to the meat.
Seasoning:
Combine butter, herb seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. Using your fingertips, carefully spread about 2 tablespoons of this mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat. Smooth the skin back into place, covering the seasoned area. Then, spread the remaining mixture on top of the skin, ensuring an even coating.
By following these steps, your frozen 8-pound turkey breast will be properly defrosted and prepared for cooking in your Instant Pot. Remember to plan ahead, as the defrosting process in the refrigerator takes approximately three days for an 8-pound turkey breast.
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Frequently asked questions
The general rule of thumb for cooking poultry in the Instant Pot is 6 minutes per pound with a 10-minute NPR (Natural Pressure Release). Therefore, an 8lb turkey breast should take 48 minutes to cook plus a 10-minute NPR.
The Insta Pot should be set to high pressure.
To get crispy skin on your turkey breast, place the cooked turkey breast on a baking pan or dish and set it under the broiler for a few minutes.
