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 truly satisfying about a juicy turkey breast with skin so crispy it crackles when you cut into it. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe is a game changer — it’s fast, flavorful, and brings out that perfect contrast between tender meat and golden skin without all the fuss.

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

Whenever I make this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe, I’m reminded how quick and fuss-free it is to get tender, juicy turkey with perfectly crispy skin. It’s a joy to cook and even better to eat, especially when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Speed: Using the Instant Pot means your turkey cooks in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting.
Juiciness: Pressure cooking locks in moisture, keeping the breast deliciously tender.
Flavors: Fresh herbs combined with paprika and garlic create a beautiful savory depth that really makes this turkey pop.
Crispy Skin Finish: A quick broil after pressure cooking gives you that irresistible crackle everyone loves.

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

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor without overwhelming the turkey. Plus, the chicken broth and aromatics in the Instant Pot add moisture and subtle complexity during cooking.

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: The bone adds richness, and the skin is key for that crispy finish when broiled.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes golden, crispy skin.
Paprika: Adds a warm smoky color and subtle flavor boost.
Chopped fresh poultry herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): These classic herbs brighten the turkey with earthy, aromatic notes.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the turkey's natural flavor.
Chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist as it cooks and makes a flavorful base for the gravy.
Onion, garlic, celery: Flavorful aromatics that infuse the cooking liquid with savory goodness.

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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 switching up the herb mix depending on what’s in my garden or fridge. You can easily swap rosemary and sage for tarragon and marjoram for a lighter twist. Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning too—more paprika if you like a bit more smoky warmth or extra garlic for punch.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of lemon juice and zest to the herb-oil mixture; it gave the turkey a bright, fresh finish that was unexpected but delightful.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot with Broth & Aromatics

Start by pouring chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert. Then place the trivet inside, and arrange large onion slices, garlic cloves, and celery stalks on top. This base adds flavor right around the turkey and keeps it elevated above the liquid for even cooking. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning and Prep the Turkey Breast

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, paprika, your fresh herb mix, salt, and pepper. Give your turkey breast a good rinse and pat it dry thoroughly—dry skin crisps up better, trust me. Then brush the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Your Turkey Breast

Place the turkey breast carefully on the trivet, skin side up. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and choose “manual” or “pressure cook” on high for 35 minutes. After cooking, I always let the pressure release naturally — this step keeps the meat super juicy and tender, which is the whole point!

Step 4: Broil for Crispy Skin

Carefully remove the turkey onto a baking sheet or platter. Pop it under a preheated broiler set to 440 ℉ and watch it like a hawk—the skin will start to crisp up and turn a gorgeous golden brown in just a few minutes. You might need to rotate the pan for even crisping. This is the magic crispy-skin moment that’s so worth the watch.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Don’t toss those pan drippings! Strain them through a sieve to collect all the flavorful onions and garlic. Press them gently to release as much flavor as possible. Pour enough of the liquid back into the Instant Pot to make about two cups. Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the liquid. Use the sauté function until the gravy thickens—easy and delicious.

Top Tip

From my experience, the trickiest part is getting the skin perfectly crispy without drying out the meat. These tips have saved me every time.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Before seasoning, make sure the turkey skin is completely dry so it crisps up beautifully under the broiler.
Natural Pressure Release: Don’t rush this step—it keeps the meat juicy, so resist the urge to quick-release immediately.
Watch the Broiler: Skin can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye and rotate for even color.
Use a Meat Thermometer: A digital probe ensures your turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part — safe and perfectly cooked every time.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Instant Pot turkey breast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding freshly chopped herbs like parsley or extra thyme on top for a burst of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens each bite beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, or a warm cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness. Roasted root vegetables also make an easy and hearty side.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I arrange thick slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, with small bowls of gravy and mustard on the side. It makes for an inviting, beautiful centerpiece everyone loves to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey breast tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge. Usually, it stays tender and juicy up to 3 days when kept well sealed.

Freezing

Leftover turkey freezes beautifully. Slice it, place in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I find reheating turkey gently in the oven at 325°F wrapped in foil keeps it moist. Adding a splash of chicken broth inside the foil creates steam to revive juiciness. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. For a frozen turkey breast of similar size (about 7 pounds), add approximately 10 more minutes of pressure cooking. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.

How do I know when the turkey is cooked through?

The best way is to use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is fully cooked once it reaches 165°F. This practice avoids guesswork and keeps the meat juicy and safe.

Can I skip broiling and still get crispy skin?

Broiling is essential for crisping the skin after pressure cooking, which doesn’t brown or crisp the skin by itself. If you skip broiling, the skin will remain soft. However, if you don’t want to broil, you can try pan-searing the skin before pressure cooking for some crispness, but results will vary.

What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?

The leftover broth is packed with flavor from the turkey and aromatics. I love freezing it in portions for making soups, gravies, or risotto later. Just cool it completely, pour into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I want comfort food that doesn't take forever to make. It’s reliably juicy, flavorful, and that broiled crisp skin is just the kind of little indulgence that makes dinner feel special. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do — it’s a recipe that makes turkey dinners a joyous, effortless event.