Marianne Martinez
Cooking a frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal without the hassle of thawing the meat beforehand. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast and the model of your Instant Pot, but generally, it should take between 55 minutes to 1 hour and 48 minutes. For example, a 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast will take approximately 65 minutes, while a larger 7-pound bone-in turkey breast will require a longer cooking time of 84-96 minutes in an 8-quart Instant Pot. Before cooking, you can season the turkey breast with herbs and spices, and cook it with vegetables and broth to create a flavorful dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thawing required | No |
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Sauté vegetables time | 5-6 minutes |
| Time to come to pressure | 8-12 minutes |
| Cook time | 50-65 minutes |
| Natural pressure release time | 12-15 minutes |
| Rest time | 10 minutes |
| Total time | 1 hour 35 minutes-1 hour 48 minutes |
| Maximum turkey breast weight | 7 pounds |
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What You'll Learn
No need to thaw
The first step is to place the frozen turkey breast under running warm water for 3 to 4 minutes to loosen the gravy packet. You can then place the gravy packet in a bowl of hot water to thaw while you season the turkey and prepare the rest of the ingredients. For seasoning, you can use a mixture of sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey breast and rub it in, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey breast.
Next, turn your Instant Pot to the saute function and add onions and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent. Then, add chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the gravy mix and the gravy packet that came with the turkey, stirring to combine. You can also add a bay leaf at this point.
Finally, place the seasoned turkey breast into the Instant Pot and securely lock the lid into place. Set the timer for 55 minutes for a 3-pound boneless turkey breast or 6 minutes per pound for a bone-in turkey breast. If you are using a standard 6-quart Instant Pot, your turkey breast should weigh closer to 5 pounds. For an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can cook a 7-pound turkey breast. Keep in mind that the pot will need time to come to pressure, which can take around 15 minutes, and you will also need to account for natural pressure release time and rest time. In total, the process can take around 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Always check the internal temperature of the turkey breast with a kitchen thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
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Cooking time varies
The cooking time for a frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot will vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the size of the turkey breast will impact the cooking time. For example, a larger 7-pound turkey breast may not be suitable for an Instant Pot at all, with one source recommending an oven cook instead. Smaller turkey breasts, around 2 to 3 pounds, are more manageable in an Instant Pot and will have shorter cooking times.
Secondly, the type of turkey breast, whether boneless or bone-in, will affect cooking time. Boneless turkey breasts are recommended to be cooked for around 55 minutes, with an additional 15 to 20 minutes to come to pressure and release it. Bone-in turkey breasts require slightly longer cooking times, with a general rule of 6 minutes per pound.
Additionally, the desired level of doneness may influence cooking time. For a well-done turkey breast, it is essential to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This may require a longer cooking time, depending on the size and type of turkey breast.
The specific model and settings of the Instant Pot can also impact cooking times. Different pots may have varying pressure settings, affecting how long it takes to cook the turkey breast. Moreover, individual preferences for cooking temperatures and styles can contribute to variations in cooking time.
It is worth noting that some sources provide more precise cooking times for specific scenarios. For instance, one source suggests a total time of 1 hour and 48 minutes for a frozen turkey breast, including prep time, sautéing, pressure build-up, cooking, and resting. Another source recommends 65 minutes for a 2 to 3-pound boneless turkey breast, plus an additional 15 to 20 minutes for pressure-related tasks.
In summary, the cooking time for a frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot is variable, depending on the weight and type of turkey, desired doneness, and the specific Instant Pot model and settings. Following recipe instructions and adjusting cooking times based on individual circumstances will help ensure a perfectly cooked turkey breast.
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Prep and seasoning
The first step in preparing your frozen turkey breast for the Insta Pot is to run warm water over it for 3 to 4 minutes. This will help to loosen any gravy packets that may be attached. If your turkey comes with a gravy packet, you can place it in a bowl of hot water to thaw while you season and cook the turkey.
Next, you'll want to season the turkey breast. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor. Some popular options include garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. You can also use a pre-made spice rub or an onion soup mix. For a 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast, use about two tablespoons of butter or olive oil and coat the turkey breast completely. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the turkey breast, ensuring it is evenly coated.
You can also add some vegetables to the pot to enhance the flavor of the dish. Celery and onion are classic choices, but you can also add apple for a touch of sweetness. Simply saute the vegetables in butter or oil for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly translucent.
Before placing the seasoned turkey breast in the Insta Pot, it's important to use a trivet to keep the meat elevated and away from the bottom of the pot. This will help ensure even cooking.
If you're using a pre-seasoned turkey breast, like a Butterball turkey roast, you may want to add additional seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Now, you're ready to pressure cook your delicious, juicy, and tender turkey breast!
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$2.76 $2.96
Natural pressure release
- After the initial cooking time (approximately 50-65 minutes for a 2-3 pound frozen boneless turkey breast), let the pressure release naturally for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the turkey to continue cooking gently in the residual heat.
- During the natural pressure release, the pressure inside the pot will slowly return to normal. You will know that the natural release is complete when the floating valve drops, indicating that the pressure has been released, and it is safe to open the lid.
- Once the natural pressure release is complete, it is essential to allow the turkey to rest. Transfer the cooked turkey breast to a cutting board or serving platter and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender turkey breast.
- While the turkey is resting, you can make the gravy using the drippings from the Instant Pot. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it utilizes the flavorful juices released during cooking. To make the gravy, carefully remove the turkey and vegetables from the pot, then strain the pan drippings. Place the drippings back into the Instant Pot, set it to the “Sauté” function, and whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens, then season to your taste.
- Finally, carve the turkey breast and serve it with the delicious homemade gravy. Enjoy the juicy and tender results of your Instant Pot creation!
Remember, the natural pressure release step is an essential part of the cooking process, ensuring that your frozen turkey breast cooks thoroughly and remains moist and tender. By following these steps and allowing the pressure to release naturally, you will achieve delicious results every time.
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Making gravy
Cooking a turkey breast in an instant pot is a quick and convenient way to prepare a juicy and tender turkey without the hassle of thawing. While the cooking time may vary depending on factors such as the size and type of turkey breast, it typically takes around 65 minutes to cook a frozen boneless turkey breast in an instant pot.
Now, let's talk about making gravy to go with your delicious turkey. Making gravy in an instant pot is a convenient way to free up stovetop space and create a delicious, thick, and flavorful gravy with minimal effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to making gravy in your instant pot:
- Start by sautéing onions, shallots, and celery in butter or olive oil for 10-15 minutes until they are soft and lightly browned. You can also add spices and herbs like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Next, deglaze the pot by adding chicken broth or stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These flavorful bits will add depth to your gravy.
- If you have a gravy packet that came with your turkey breast, you can add it to the pot along with some bay leaves. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch or flour to thicken your gravy. Create a slurry by mixing cornstarch or flour with cold water, and then add it to the pot.
- Set your instant pot to the sauté function and let the gravy simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- Once your gravy is thickened, season it to taste. You can add salt, pepper, or any other desired spices to enhance the flavor.
- If you're not serving the gravy immediately, you can keep it warm in the instant pot or transfer it to a gravy boat and serve it alongside your turkey.
- Use pan juices: The juices that accumulate in the instant pot after cooking your turkey or other meats can be used as a base for your gravy. These juices are packed with flavor and can be reduced to create a rich, tasty gravy.
- Make a large batch: Consider making a large batch of gravy a day or two before your holiday meal. That way, you'll have plenty of gravy for your main dish and leftovers.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers: Gravy can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen in ice cube trays for later use, so don't worry about making too much!
- Customize your gravy: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to create a gravy that suits your taste preferences. You can also use beef bone broth instead of chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey breast, whether it is boneless or bone-in, and the size of your Instapot. A 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast will take approximately 65 minutes plus 15-20 minutes to come to pressure. A 7-pound bone-in turkey breast will take 84-96 minutes to cook in an 8-quart Instapot.
No, you do not need to thaw the turkey breast before cooking it in the Instapot. However, you should run warm water over the frozen turkey to loosen the gravy packet before cooking.
You should set your Instapot to the high-pressure setting.
