Time for IP to come to pressure, also natural pressure release, and the to sit after cooking: 50 minutesmins
Total Time: 1 hourhr22 minutesmins
Servings: 6
Do you love turkey, but don't want to cook a whole turkey? Cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot! So easy, so moist and flavorful!
Ingredients
4-5lbpound boneless turkey breast, thawed* , I usually cook a 4.75 lb breast
2tablespoonsolive oil
3teaspoonspaprika
1tablespoonpoultry seasoning
1teaspoonsalt
1teaspoonpepper
2teaspoonsgarlic powder
2teaspoonsonion powder
2tablespoonsolive oil (for browning)
For Gravy
3tablespoonbutter
3tablespoonsall-purpose flour
2 1/2cupsdrippings from turkey plus water to equal 2 1/2 cups total
1 tablespoonBetter Than Boullion concentrate or Knorr Homestyle Concentrated Stock container
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For Turkey Breast:
Drizzle olive oil on the turkey breast, sprinkle evenly with spices and rub in on both sides.
Turn Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting and let it heat up for a few minutes. Add 2 additional tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Brown the turkey breast on one side, then turn over using a large fork or tongs. Transfer the browned breast to a wire rack (sold with the Instant Pot) See photo.
Carefully lower the rack holding the turkey breast into the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup water to the Instant Pot.
Close the lid, lock and place the valve on SEAL position. Set the Instant Pot to the MANUAL setting and set the timer to 27 minutes on high pressure.*
Once the Instant Pot cycle is finished, allow the pressure to release naturally, (about 10-15 minutes). Release any remaining pressure after 15 minutes. Carefully unlock and remove the lid from the Instant Pot.
Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. The temperature should read 160-165 degrees. The breast will continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes after removing from the pot.
Remove the rack from the pot carefully to a large plate or a cutting board. Cut off the butchers twine from the meat. Let cooked breast rest for 10 minutes, slice and serve. If not serving right away, cover with foil to retain heat and wait to cut until ready to serve.
For Gravy:
Remove the drippings from the pot, do not wash out the Instant Pot. Strain the fat from the top of the drippings, discard fat. Set aside the strained drippings in a measuring cup. Add water or chicken broth to the drippings to equal 2 1/2 cups total after draining the fat.
Turn the Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting . Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot and cook until the butter is melted. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook flour and butter for about 1 minute, continue to whisk.
Pour the liquid (equaling 2 1/2 cups) back into the Instant Pot a little at a time. Whisk until smooth. Add salt and pepper. If the gravy needs more flavor, add 1 tablespoon of “Better Than Boullion” or Knorr chicken flavor. Cook until bubbly. Whisk until smooth. Serve immediately.
Notes
Boneless turkey breast will cook differently from bone in turkey breast. Boneless are usually sold wrapped in butchers twine. Bone in turkey breasts are not usually wrapped in twine, and it is not necessary to use twine.
Use the high pressure or Manual setting instead of the Poultry Setting on the Instant Pot.
There is usually a layer of fat covering the turkey breast to keep it moist if it is a boneless breast, I remove this before eating, but leave it on while cooking.
Allowing the Instant Pot to pressure release naturally, instead of manually releasing the pressure, (especially when cooking meat) will result in more tender and juicy meat.
Butterball boneless turkey breasts are usually 4.75 -5 lbs. I've found that 27 minutes is perfect cook time for this weight. Most online sources say to cook turkey breast for 6-7 minutes per pound in the Instant Pot.
It is important to note that boneless and bone in turkey breasts cook differently. For a bone in breast, I follow the directions to brown first on both sides. Place the breast on a rack. I recommend cooking a 6 lb breast for 25 mins on high pressure, with a 10 minute natural release. Remove from the pot, set on a plate. Cover with foil and let sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing.