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 tender, juicy turkey breast crowned with golden, crunchy skin—and that’s exactly what you get with this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe. Imagine dinner ready in under an hour, with all the flavors and none of the fuss!

A white plate holds six slices of roasted meat arranged side by side in a fan shape, each slice golden brown with visible seasoning and a slightly crispy texture on the edges, topped with a light, shiny sauce. Around the meat, there are sprigs of fresh green thyme and bright red berries scattered for decoration. In the background, a white bowl filled with a smooth, light brown gravy and a modern cooker with a digital panel sit on a white marbled surface. 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 Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe has been a game-changer for me. It’s quick, easy, and almost foolproof—plus that crispy skin at the end? Seriously delicious! If you’ve ever shied away from cooking turkey breast because it seemed complicated or time-consuming, this method will win you over for sure.

Speed and Ease: Cooking in the Instant Pot slashes the usual roasting time but still gives you juicy, tender turkey.
Crispy Skin Finish: The final broil step creates that irresistible golden skin everyone loves.
Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs, garlic, and onion build layers of flavor that soak into the meat.
Versatile and Reliable: Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, and the broth leftover makes great soups later!

A close-up of a large roasted chicken piece with golden brown crispy skin, showing a mix of light and dark orange shades with small blackened herb bits scattered on top. The chicken has a textured surface with some shiny, moist spots, and is resting on a white plate with a silver fork touch visible on the left side. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a part—fresh herbs for aroma, paprika for color and subtle warmth, and broth to infuse moisture. When you gather these basics, you’re halfway to a comforting meal that feels special.

Flat lay of a large bone-in skin-on turkey breast with golden skin, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl containing paprika powder, a small white bowl with a fresh chopped herb mix of rosemary, sage, and thyme, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with clear chicken broth, a whole medium onion sliced into large rings, four whole garlic cloves, two fresh celery stalks arranged neatly, all 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: Keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor during pressure cooking; the skin crisps beautifully under the broiler.
Olive oil: Creates a base for the herb rub and helps crisp the skin.
Paprika: Gives a gorgeous color and mild smoky note.
Fresh herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic poultry herbs that enhance the turkey’s natural flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential to season meat properly for depth of flavor.
Chicken broth: Provides moisture and a flavorful cooking liquid, which doubles as broth for gravy or soup.
Onion, garlic, celery: Aromatic veggies that add savory complexity to the broth.

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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

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. The base is so good you really can’t go wrong, but adding your own twist makes it feel even more special and personalized.

Variation: I sometimes swap fresh herbs with dried ones when I’m in a pinch; just cut the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the turkey.
Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of cayenne or chili powder to the rub gives this turkey breast a subtle heat that’s great if you like a little zing.
Garlic Lovers: Roasting extra garlic cloves along with onion and celery infuses the broth with extra depth and sweetness.
Herb Butter Finish: Melting herb-infused butter over the turkey right after broiling is my secret trick for even richer flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep the Flavorful Base

First, pour 2 cups of chicken broth into your Instant Pot insert, then add a trivet. Arrange the large sliced onion, garlic cloves, and celery stalks on the trivet. This aromatic veggie bed adds flavor while keeping your turkey elevated out of the liquid—important for that juicy, not soggy result.

Step 2: Mix and Rub Your Turkey

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, fresh herb mix, salt, and pepper. This fragrant rub is what will bring your turkey’s skin to life later. Pat your turkey breast dry—removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up—and brush this mixture all over. Then place your turkey breast skin side up on the trivet.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Use the manual or pressure cook setting and program 35 minutes on high pressure. When the timer goes off, resist the urge to open the lid—I promise it’s worth it to let the pressure release naturally for juicy meat.

Step 4: Crisp That Skin

Carefully remove the turkey and place it skin side up on a baking pan or serving platter. Pop it under your broiler set to 440°F and keep a close eye as the skin crisps—this usually takes just a few minutes. Don’t forget to rotate the pan so you get even golden crispiness without burning.

Step 5: Make the Delicious Gravy

Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve to catch the onion and garlic, pressing lightly to extract maximum flavor. Measure out 2 cups and return it to the pot. Whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then sauté on the Instant Pot’s sauté setting until the gravy thickens beautifully.

Top Tip

Through many tries, I’ve learned a few simple tricks that make the Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe foolproof and flavorful every time.

Pat Dry: Ensuring the turkey skin is completely dry before applying the oil and herbs helps it brown nicely under the broiler.
Natural Pressure Release: Letting the Instant Pot release pressure on its own keeps the meat tender rather than toughening it up.
Broil With Attention: The skin can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in minutes, so staying close and rotating your pan is key.
Use a Thermometer: Double-check your turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part to guarantee safety and juiciness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Instant Pot turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here—a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of that rich homemade gravy right over the sliced turkey before serving, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts are my go-to sides because they soak up the gravy and balance the richness perfectly. Cranberry sauce on the side adds a perfect tart contrast too. For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with vinaigrette works beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes slice the turkey breast and fan it out on a platter layered with fresh herbs, citrus slices, and roasted vegetables for a stunning centerpiece. It’s an easy way to impress guests without adding extra fuss. Plus, those crispy skin pieces? I sometimes pile them on top for the ultimate textural delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let my leftover turkey cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. This way, you can easily grab it for quick sandwiches or salads throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I slice the turkey breast before freezing so I can thaw only what I need. I also save the broth in labeled freezer bags—perfect for making soups or risottos later on chilly days.

Reheating

Reheat turkey gently in the oven at low heat (around 300°F) covered with foil to preserve moisture. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zapped with a splash of broth or gravy helps keep it juicy without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in?

Yes, you can use boneless turkey breast but reduce the cook time by about 5-7 minutes as boneless meat cooks faster. Always check with a thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F.

How do I make sure the turkey skin crisps up well?

Pat the skin dry really well before rubbing with oil and herbs. After pressure cooking, broil the turkey skin side up and watch it closely, rotating the pan as needed, until it turns golden and crispy.

Can I double this recipe for a larger turkey?

Doubling the recipe is tricky in a single Instant Pot due to space. If you have a larger pot, you might fit it, but cooking times will vary—use a meat thermometer to check doneness and consider cooking in batches if needed.

Is the broth left in the Instant Pot usable?

Absolutely! The broth is packed with flavor from the turkey and veggies. You can strain and refrigerate or freeze it for soups, gravies, or stews. It’s a great way to reduce waste and add richness to other meals.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it combines convenience, flavor, and that satisfying crispy skin texture we all crave. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want a special treat on a busy night, this recipe won’t let you down. Give it a try—I bet it’ll become your go-to turkey method too!