How Long to Cook Bone-In Turkey Breast in Instant Pot – A Comprehensive Guide
Thanksgiving is incomplete without turkey. But let’s face it; sometimes a whole turkey is simply too large for your family or friends. Roasting a turkey breast is a much more reasonable option if you’re expecting a small number of guests over the holidays. Plus, it’s much easier to handle and cook. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a bone-in turkey breast, the Instant Pot is your best bet.
The Instant Pot is a countertop appliance that can cook food quickly and easily under high pressure. This makes it perfect for cooking large cuts of meat, like a turkey breast. Not only is the Instant Pot convenient, but it also locks in all the natural juices of the turkey, resulting in a moist and flavorful meal. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to cook a bone-in turkey breast in an Instant Pot.
Seasoning the Turkey Breast
Before you start cooking the turkey breast, you’ll need to season it. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat. There are many different ways to season a turkey breast. You can use herbs and spices, a dry rub, or a marinade. If you’re using a marinade, you’ll need to let the turkey breast soak in the marinade for at least several hours, or even overnight.
Seasoning the turkey breast is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the meat to become more flavorful and moist. There are many different ways to season the meat. One popular method is to use a dry rub. A dry rub is a mixture of herbs and spices that is applied to the outside of the meat. Another popular method is to use a marinade. A marinade is a liquid solution that the meat is soaked in for several hours or overnight. Both methods will help the meat to become more flavorful and moist.
Cooking the Turkey Breast in the Instant Pot
Once you have seasoned the turkey breast, you’re ready to cook it in the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Then, place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and place the turkey breast on top of the trivet. Close the lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position.
Set the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes per pound. For example, if your turkey breast is 3 pounds, you would cook it for 90-105 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
Preparing the Turkey Breast
Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey breast.
Carving the turkey breast can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can do it like a pro. First, make sure your knife is sharp. A dull knife will tear the meat and make it difficult to get clean slices. Second, cut against the grain of the meat. This will help to prevent the meat from becoming tough. Finally, be patient and take your time. With a little practice, you’ll be able to carve a turkey breast like a pro.
Tips and Expert Advice for Cooking Bone-In Turkey Breast in Instant Pot
Here are a few tips and expert advice for cooking the perfect bone-in turkey breast in an Instant Pot:
- Use a good quality turkey breast. The quality of the turkey breast will have a big impact on the final product. Look for a turkey breast that is fresh, not frozen, and has no visible signs of damage.
- Season the turkey breast liberally. Seasoning the turkey breast will help to enhance the flavor of the meat. You can use your favorite herbs and spices, or a pre-made dry rub or marinade.
- Don’t overcook the turkey breast. Overcooked turkey breast will be dry and tough. Cook the turkey breast for the minimum amount of time recommended, and then check it for doneness.
- Let the turkey breast rest before carving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey breast.
Here is a more in-depth explanation of the tips and expert advice above:
Use a good quality turkey breast: The quality of the turkey breast will have a significant impact on the final product. If you use a poor-quality turkey breast, it will be tough and dry, regardless of how well you cook it. Look for a turkey breast that is fresh, not frozen, and has no visible signs of damage.
Season the turkey breast liberally: Seasoning the turkey breast will help to enhance the flavor of the meat. You can use various herbs and spices, or a pre-made dry rub or marinade. If you are using a dry rub, be sure to rub it into the turkey breast evenly. If you are using a marinade, be sure to let the turkey breast soak in the marinade for at least several hours, or overnight.
Don’t overcook the turkey breast: Overcooked turkey breast will be dry and tough. Cook the turkey breast for the minimum amount of time recommended, and then check it for doneness. The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer.
Let the turkey breast rest before carving: This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey breast. Let the turkey breast rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving.
FAQs on Cooking Bone-In Turkey Breast in Instant Pot
Q: How long do I cook a 4-pound bone-in turkey breast in an Instant Pot?
A: You would cook a 4-pound bone-in turkey breast in an Instant Pot for 120-140 minutes on high pressure.
Q: Can I use frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot. You will need to increase the cooking time by about 25%. So, for a 4-pound frozen turkey breast, you would cook it for 150-175 minutes on high pressure.
Q: What is the best way to season a turkey breast?
A: There are many different ways to season a turkey breast. You can use your favorite herbs and spices, or a pre-made dry rub or marinade. If you are using a dry rub, be sure to rub it into the turkey breast evenly. If you are using a marinade, be sure to let the turkey breast soak in the marinade for at least several hours, or overnight.
Q: How do I know when the turkey breast is done cooking?
A: The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
Cooking a bone-in turkey breast in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to get a delicious and flavorful meal on the table. With the help of these tips and expert advice, you can cook a perfect turkey breast every time. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. And, if you’re looking for more Instant Pot recipes, be sure to check out my other articles.
