Name: Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 lb bone-in skin-on turkey breast; 3 Tablespoons olive oil; ¾ teaspoon paprika; 2 teaspoon chopped poultry fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, and thyme); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion chopped into large slices; 4 garlic cloves; 2 celery stalks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup cold water

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a juicy turkey breast with skin so crispy it crackles when you slice into it. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe—it combines fast, foolproof cooking with that crave-worthy texture we all love.

A white plate holds six slices of golden brown cooked meat arranged in a neat row, each slice showing a slightly crispy, textured edge and juicy inside with light glaze on top. The plate is decorated with sprigs of fresh green herbs and small bright red berries placed around the meat. Nearby to the left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sauce. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game changer when you want that perfect turkey breast—moist and tender on the inside, with crispy skin on the outside—without spending hours watching the oven. I adore how quickly the Instant Pot locks in flavor and moisture, and then a quick broil finishes it off with a golden crisp that’ll impress everyone at your table.

Speed meets flavor: You get a richly flavored turkey breast much faster than traditional roasting methods.
Juicy every time: The pressure cooking keeps the meat incredibly moist, so no dry bites here.
Crispy skin magic: The broiler step crisps the skin perfectly without overcooking the meat.
Versatile and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible for any home cook.

A close-up view of a roasted golden brown chicken lying on a white plate, showing a textured, crispy skin with visible seasoning and small black pepper flakes scattered on top. The chicken is positioned on the plate with its side facing up, and a silver fork is placed next to it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully paired to bring out classic, comforting flavors. The fresh herbs add fragrant notes that sing, while paprika brings subtle warmth and color. Using bone-in, skin-on turkey breast really helps keep the meat juicy and enhances the texture when crisping the skin.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl containing bright red paprika powder, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme mixed together, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a medium onion sliced into large rings, four whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, and two fresh celery stalks with crisp green leaves placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in skin-on turkey breast: This cut locks in moisture and gives you that beautiful crispy skin after broiling.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes that golden, crispy skin texture.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a pretty reddish hue.
Fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic poultry herbs that infuse earthy, aromatic flavors.
Salt and ground black pepper: Season perfectly to enhance natural turkey taste.
Chicken broth: Provides moisture for the Instant Pot and great base flavor.
Onion, garlic, celery: Aromatics that infuse the cooking broth for extra depth and a rich base if you want to make gravy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to play with the flavors. Sometimes, I swap the herb mix for a Cajun seasoning blend to give it a spicy kick, especially when serving with southern sides.

Herb variations: Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary are my go-to, but feel free to use dried herbs or add parsley for freshness.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra depth and warmth.
Broth options: If you want richer flavor, swap chicken broth for turkey or vegetable broth, or even a splash of white wine.
Cooking times: Adjust based on your turkey breast size; a meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot and aromatics

First, pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Toss in the chopped onion slices, garlic cloves, and celery stalks—these create a flavorful steam bath that keeps the turkey moist and infuses the broth if you want to make gravy later.

Step 2: Season the turkey breast

While the aromatics settle, mix olive oil, paprika, fresh herb mix, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Give your turkey breast a good rinse—don’t forget to remove the gravy pocket if your bird has one—and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Then, brush the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure you cover that skin well.

Step 3: Pressure cook to juicy perfection

Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and set the seasoned turkey breast on top, breast side up. Seal the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 35 minutes at high pressure. Once the cooking cycle ends, I always let the pressure release naturally since it keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Step 4: Crisp the skin under the broiler

When it’s safe, carefully open the lid away from your face and lift the turkey breast out with a large fork. Place it on a baking sheet. Now the magic: broil the turkey at 440 ℉ until the skin turns gorgeously golden and crispy. Keep a close eye and rotate the pan as needed—this usually takes just a few minutes. This quick broil finishes the turkey with that irresistible texture!

Step 5: Make the gravy (optional, but so good!)

Use a sieve to drain the pan drippings, catching those onions and garlic. Press through them to squeeze out every bit of flavor. Measure 2 cups of this flavorful liquid and pour back into the Instant Pot. Whisk in a slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water and sauté until thickened. This homemade gravy is a real treat!

Top Tip

Having cooked this recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and great turkey:

Pat Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crisp skin, so drying the skin completely before coating it with oil helps get that perfect crunch.
Natural Pressure Release: Waiting for the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure locks in juiciness—rushing this step can dry out the meat.
Broiler Watchfulness: Broiling skin can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so stand close and rotate the pan every minute to evenly crisp.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking times vary by bird size; always check for 165℉ in the thickest part to ensure safe, juicy results.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Garnishes

I love brightening up the plate with fresh herbs—sprigs of rosemary and thyme look beautiful and add to the aroma. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the slices before serving adds a nice, subtle zing that complements the savory turkey really well.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this turkey are creamy mashed potatoes, roasted autumn vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, and a tangy cranberry sauce. They balance the hearty turkey flavors and make the meal feel extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the turkey breast into thick slices and fan them out on a wooden board surrounded by roasted garlic cloves, halved grapes, and little bowls of savory gravy and cranberry sauce. It looks stunning and encourages everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I let any leftover turkey cool completely, then slice and store it air-tight in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days and stays juicy thanks to the pressure cooking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags, and it reheats well without drying out. It’s perfect for quick sandwiches or adding to soups later on.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming turkey slices gently in a covered skillet on low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep moisture. Avoid overheating to maintain tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless turkey breast, but the cooking time will be shorter—usually about 25 minutes at high pressure. Keep a close eye on internal temperature to avoid overcooking, and the skin crisping step works just the same.

How do I ensure the skin gets crispy if it is wet after pressure cooking?

Patting the skin dry before applying the olive oil and herbs is key to crispy skin. After pressure cooking, you can also carefully blot the skin with paper towels before broiling to remove any excess moisture that could hinder crisping.

Can I skip the broiling step?

Technically yes, but broiling is the secret to that irresistible crispy skin everyone loves. Without it, the skin will be soft and pale. If you want crispy skin, a quick broil after pressure cooking is a must.

Is this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe suitable for a family of six?

Absolutely! A 7 lb turkey breast typically servings 6 people comfortably. If serving more or fewer people, adjust turkey size and cooking times accordingly, keeping the minimum internal temperature of 165°F in mind.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe enough for those times when you want a comforting, delicious turkey dinner without the fuss and waiting. Once you try the juicy pressure-cooked meat with that beautifully crisped skin, you’ll have a new favorite way to serve turkey all year round. Give it a try—you might just toss out your oven timer!