Cody Casey
Cooking turkey breast in an Instapot is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. With a cooking time of under an hour, this method is perfect for a juicy and tender turkey breast, saving time and oven space, especially during Thanksgiving. The Instapot also ensures that the meat is evenly cooked and moist, without drying out. This guide will teach you how to cook a tasty turkey breast in your Instapot, with a variety of seasoning and gravy options to choose from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 25-40 minutes |
| Temperature | 440 degrees F |
| Ingredients | Turkey breast, broth/stock, onion, garlic, celery, oil, paprika, salt, pepper, poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary, sage), butter, flour, cornstarch, water |
| Equipment | Instant Pot, digital thermometer, skillet, baking sheet, pan |
| Techniques | Sear, pressure cook, broil, sauté, whisk, simmer, quick release, natural release |
| Results | Juicy, tender, moist, crispy skin |
| Serving Suggestions | Cranberry sauce, sweet corn casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for turkey breast in an Insta Pot will vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and whether it is boneless or bone-in. A general rule of thumb is to allot 6-7 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. For example, a 5-pound turkey breast will take around 30 minutes to cook, and a 7-pound turkey breast will take around 35 minutes. Each additional pound of turkey after 5 pounds will require an additional 2 minutes of cooking time.
If your turkey breast is frozen, you can cook it in the Insta Pot, but the cooking time will increase to around 45-50 minutes. It is recommended to fully thaw the turkey breast before cooking to ensure even cooking and to prevent the outside from drying out. To thaw the turkey breast, place it in the refrigerator for 3 days, still wrapped.
After the cooking time is complete, it is important to let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before carefully quick-releasing any remaining pressure. Then, remove the turkey from the pot and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
The minimum safe temperature for cooked turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To check the temperature, use a digital thermometer in the thickest part of the breast, making sure not to touch the bone. If the temperature is below 165 degrees F, return the turkey to the Insta Pot and cook for a few more minutes before checking the temperature again.
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Using frozen turkey breast
Cooking a frozen turkey breast in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal without the hassle of thawing the meat beforehand. The instant pot method also yields juicy and tender results.
First, place the frozen turkey breast under running warm water for 3 to 4 minutes to loosen the gravy packet. If you plan to make your own gravy, you can discard the packet. Then, pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together your desired seasonings. Suggested seasonings include butter, olive oil, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture onto the turkey breast, coating all sides.
Next, turn on your instant pot and select the sauté function. Melt butter in the pot, then add and sauté vegetables such as onions, apples, and celery for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly translucent. Add broth and scrape off any bits from the bottom of the pot. If your gravy packet is thawed, you can add it now along with any additional seasonings. Place the turkey breast on the trivet and coat it with butter or olive oil.
Securely lock the instant pot lid and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the weight and type of turkey breast. For a 2-3 pound boneless turkey breast, cook for approximately 65 minutes, plus an additional 15 to 20 minutes for the pot to come to pressure. For a 3-pound bone-in breast, 55 minutes should be sufficient. If your turkey breast weighs 7-8 pounds, set the timer for 84-96 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the turkey, vegetables, and trivet from the pot. To make gravy, strain the pan drippings and place them back into the instant pot. Set the pot to sauté and add a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, stirring until thickened. Season to taste.
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Seasoning and ingredients
Firstly, you will need to season the turkey breast itself. You can use a simple mixture of oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and poultry herb mix (thyme, rosemary, and sage). You can rub the turkey breast with oil and sprinkle with the spices, or use herbed and spiced olive oil. You can also brown the turkey breast with butter before placing it in the Insta Pot to add extra flavour and improve the presentation.
The Insta Pot will also require some liquid to ensure the turkey stays moist. Chicken broth is a popular choice, but you can also use water. You can add vegetables to the liquid, such as garlic, onion, and celery. Carrots and potatoes can also be added, but these should be placed below the trivet to keep the turkey from sitting in the liquid.
Finally, you can make a gravy with the leftover juices. This can be thickened with cornstarch and water, or a roux made from butter and flour. You can also add a splash of cream to the gravy for a rich flavour.
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Making gravy
First, if you want to include pan drippings from your turkey, pour them into a metal bowl, scraping up all the hard bits. Put the bowl in the freezer or set it in a larger bowl of ice water to separate the fat. Then, scrape the fat off before stirring the drippings into the gravy.
Next, heat up the stock to near boiling. Melt butter (with the cooled turkey fat, if you like) in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the slurry 1/4 cup at a time, whisking until the gravy is smooth and bubbling. Keep adding 1/2 cup of stock at a time until all the stock is incorporated, then add more slurry until you reach your desired thickness. Whisk constantly until the juices have thickened, which should take around 5 minutes. Season with kitchen bouquet, soy sauce, and salt.
If your gravy is too thick, thin it out with some extra turkey stock. Season the gravy generously with salt and pepper, and serve over your sliced turkey.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it's important to note that cooked turkey leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 6 days, depending on the source you refer to. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When storing in the fridge, keep your leftover turkey breast in an airtight container. You can also use a large gallon freezer bag, which is ideal for the fridge. The leftovers are great in salads, soups, pasta dishes, and sandwiches the next day.
To freeze leftover turkey, first allow it to cool, then place it into an airtight container before storing it in the freezer.
To reheat, simply put the leftovers in the microwave for a few minutes, or use a pan on medium heat. If you're reheating from frozen, it's best to let the food thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 20 and 40 minutes to cook a turkey breast in an Instapot, depending on the weight of the turkey breast. As a general rule, allow 6-7 minutes per pound of turkey.
The temperature of the turkey breast should be at at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast when it is cooked.
You will need broth or stock, sliced onion, garlic, and celery to add to the bottom of the Instapot. You can also add carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables.
