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 deeply satisfying about a juicy turkey breast with skin so crisp it crackles when you slice into it. This Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe delivers exactly that—a perfectly cooked turkey breast that's tender inside, with a golden, irresistible skin on the outside, all done in under an hour.

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

I absolutely love this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe because it combines speed, flavor, and that coveted crisp skin we all want. No more waiting hours or worrying about drying out the meat—this method hits the sweet spot every single time.

Speed and Convenience: Using the Instant Pot drastically cuts cooking time while delivering tender, juicy turkey.
Crispy Skin Finish: Finishing under the broiler gives you that crackling, golden skin without deep frying or roasting all day.
Flavor Packed: Fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of paprika infuse the turkey with mouthwatering aromas.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe fits right in.

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

Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe plays a role in making the turkey juicy, flavorful, and topped with irresistible skin. Here’s why I pick each one—and my tips for choosing them.

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: Bone and skin lock in moisture and deepen flavor, giving you both juicy meat and crispy skin. Look for about 7 pounds to fit comfortably in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes browning when broiling for that golden crust.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and rich color to the skin.
Fresh poultry herb mix (rosemary, sage, thyme): Classic herbs that complement turkey beautifully, adding layers of aroma and earthiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the turkey.
Chicken broth: Creates steam inside the Instant Pot which gently cooks the turkey while infusing it with savory notes.
Onion, garlic, and celery: Aromatics placed under the turkey to lift the flavor of the broth and meat without overpowering.

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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

While I stick to this aromatic herb and paprika combo, you can easily tweak it to suit your flavor preferences or what you have on hand. Instant Pot cooking is so forgiving, so don’t hesitate to play around!

Variation: Once, I swapped the poultry herbs with a Cajun seasoning blend, and the result was a spicy, smoky turkey that my family devoured—definitely worth trying for a different twist.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you're thickening the gravy, make sure to use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the olive oil mixture brightens the flavor wonderfully during winter holidays.

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

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Base

Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Scatter the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, and celery stalks over the broth—this creates a flavorful steam that gently cooks the turkey and keeps it moist. I find that using fresh aromatics here makes a big difference in the taste of the final dish.

Step 2: Season and Oil the Turkey Breast

While the broth simmers, mix olive oil, paprika, fresh herb mix, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Give your turkey breast a rinse, pat it good and dry, and remove any gravy pocket if it has one. Then brush this lovely seasoning blend all over the skin and meat. This step seals in flavor and ensures your skin crisps up beautifully later.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Turkey

Place the turkey breast, breast side up, on the trivet above the aromatics. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Press "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" on high for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time finishes, I highly recommend letting the pressure release naturally—it locks in all those juices, so don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Crisp Up the Skin

Carefully remove the lid away from you to avoid steam burns, then transfer the turkey to a baking sheet or serving platter. Pop it under your oven’s broiler set to 440 ℉ for just a few minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it and rotate if needed; in my experience, broilers can be unpredictable, but this step makes all the difference.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Don’t discard the cooking liquid! Strain it through a sieve to separate the cooked aromatics. Press the solids to extract extra flavor, then pour at least two cups back into the Instant Pot. Whisk in a slurry of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water. Use the sauté function to thicken until glossy and delicious—perfect poured over your turkey.

Top Tip

From experience, these little insights have saved me from dry meat and missing that coveted crispy skin every time I make this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe.

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moisture on the skin is the enemy of crispiness, so really pat that turkey dry before adding the oil and seasonings.
Natural Pressure Release: Don’t skip the natural release; it lets the juices redistribute for ultimate moistness.
Broil Vigilantly: The broiler works fast—watch your turkey skin closely so it crisps perfectly without burning.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The thickest part should hit 165°F to ensure safety without overcooking.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple—fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary add a lovely touch and aroma right on the plate. A few bright lemon wedges also work great, especially if you added more earthy herbs or spices to the turkey.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, and classic green bean almondine. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday occasions, I sometimes arrange sliced turkey breast over a bed of wilted baby spinach, garnish with pomegranate seeds, and drizzle with warmed cranberry sauce. It looks festive and tastes incredible, making guests ask for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey wrapped tightly in foil or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keeping it sealed prevents it from drying out or absorbing other fridge flavors.

Freezing

Frozen turkey breast works beautifully in soups and casseroles, so I slice leftovers and freeze them in portions inside freezer bags. Label them with the date—best used within 3 months for peak flavor.

Reheating

The key to moist reheated turkey is low and slow. I cover slices with foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. You can add a splash of broth or gravy to keep things juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

While you can use boneless turkey breast, bone-in yields juicier, more flavorful results and helps keep the skin intact for crisping.

How do I ensure the turkey skin is crispy?

Pat the turkey skin very dry before adding the oil and seasonings. After pressure cooking, broil it briefly while watching closely to prevent burning.

Is the cooking time the same for different Instant Pot sizes?

Generally, yes, but larger Instant Pots can come to pressure faster, so total cook time may vary slightly. Always confirm doneness with a thermometer.

Can I make gravy from the Instant Pot drippings?

Absolutely! Straining the drippings and thickening with cornstarch or flour makes a flavorful gravy that's perfect poured over the turkey and sides.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Crispy Skin Recipe feels like sharing a little kitchen secret I’ve come to treasure. It’s quick, trusty, and comfy—a recipe that frees up your day while bringing everyone to the table with happy, full bellies. Give it a try; I promise this one will become a go-to whenever you want tender turkey with a wow-worthy crunch on top.