Juicy Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe (Lemon Herb, 60 Minutes!)

Last Updated on August 31, 2026 by Allison Lancaster

This easy Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is lemon-herb seasoned, juicy, and table-ready in about 60 minutes. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any night of the week!
This Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is my go-to any time I want a showstopping main course without the all-day effort of roasting a whole bird. With a bright lemon-herb seasoning blend and the magic of the pressure cooker, you get tender, juicy turkey breast in about 60 minutes, start to finish. Whether you are hosting a small Thanksgiving, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

I have made this more times than I can count, and my family requests it year-round, not just at Thanksgiving. There is something about that lemon-rosemary-thyme combination that feels like a special occasion, even on a random Tuesday night.

Why You’ll Love This Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast

• Quick: Pressure cooking cuts the time way down compared to oven roasting an entire bird
• Juicy every time: The sealed Instant Pot locks in moisture so your turkey stays tender, not dry
• Built-in gravy: The drippings left in the pot make the most incredible homemade turkey gravy (instructions below!)
• Perfect for small gatherings: A 6-7 pound turkey breast feeds 6-8 people without leftover piles stacking up for two weeks
• Year-round recipe: Works beautifully for meal prep, weeknight dinners, and holiday tables alike

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (6 to 7 pound) turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, thawed if previously frozen)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 lemons, halved (the secret to that bright, fresh flavor!)
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Pro tip: Fresh herbs give the best flavor here, but if all you have are dried herbs, Italian Seasoning works beautifully in a pinch. I keep a jar in my pantry for exactly this reason!

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Breast (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check the Fit

Before you do anything else, test your turkey breast inside the Instant Pot with the trivet in place. You want to confirm it fits before you season it!

Step 2: Set Up the Pot

Place the trivet inside your electric pressure cooker. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water (check your Instant Pot manual for the exact amount your model requires).

Step 3: Prep the Turkey

Remove any giblets or gravy packets from inside the turkey breast cavity. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemons, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. If the lemons do not all fit inside, place the extras in the bottom of the pot with the water. They will add flavor from below!

Step 4: Season Generously

Mix all your dried seasonings together in a small bowl. Rub the turkey breast all over with olive oil, then press the seasoning blend into every surface. Do not be shy here. This is what creates that gorgeous, golden flavor on the outside.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Place the seasoned turkey breast on the trivet. Seal the lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on High Pressure (Manual or Pressure Cook setting) for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Natural Release

When the cook time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Then carefully switch the valve to quick release to let out any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast. You are looking for 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If it needs more time, simply close the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes on High Pressure.

Step 8: Crisp the Skin (Optional but So Worth It!)

If you love crispy skin, transfer the cooked turkey breast to a baking sheet and slide it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes. Watch it closely! Pull it out once it is golden and crispy.

Step 9: Rest Before Slicing

This step matters more than most people realize. Tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Resting allows all those delicious juices to redistribute through the meat so every single slice stays juicy.

How to Make Turkey Gravy from the Drippings

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the built-in gravy. Do NOT throw away those drippings in the bottom of your Instant Pot!

1. Switch your Instant Pot to the Saute setting and bring the drippings to a simmer.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
3. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering drippings, stirring constantly.
4. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a little pat of butter if you want it extra rich.
6. Transfer to a gravy boat and serve!

This gravy is especially perfect poured over my mom’s Southern Cornbread Dressing at Thanksgiving. That combination is a Lancaster family tradition, and I would not skip it for anything.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast Cook Times

One of the most common questions about this boneless turkey breast Instant Pot recipe is about cook times. Here is a quick reference:

Turkey Breast Weight	Cook Time (High Pressure)	Natural Release
3-4 pounds	20 minutes	10 minutes
5-6 pounds	25 minutes	10 minutes
6-7 pounds	30 minutes	10 minutes

For frozen turkey breast: You can cook it from frozen, but I strongly recommend thawing first for the best results. A thawed turkey breast is juicier and absorbs the seasonings so much better. Plan for 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator per every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Turkey Breast

Looking for the perfect side dishes? Here are some of our family favorites that pair beautifully:

The Best Bacon Green Beans – simple, savory, and ready in just minutes

Loaded Smashed Potatoes – creamy, crispy, and absolutely irresistible alongside this turkey

Southern Cornbread Dressing – my mom’s recipe and a Thanksgiving non-negotiable in our house

What to Do with Leftover Instant Pot Turkey

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here are our favorite ways to use them up:

• Turkey sandwiches: Slice thin and pile onto crusty bread with cranberry sauce and a little mayo
• Turkey soup: Use the leftovers in my Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup for the coziest next-day lunch or dinner
• Turkey pot pie: Use the shredded or sliced meat in my Best Turkey Pot Pie recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal

Storage tips: Let the turkey cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into 4-5 oz servings and freeze for up to 4-6 months. This makes weeknight meal prep incredibly convenient!

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

Cooking for a bigger crowd? Pick up two smaller turkey breasts and cook them together if they both fit, or cook in two batches.

Bone-in vs. boneless: Both work wonderfully! Bone-in typically yields a slightly juicier result because the bone helps distribute heat evenly. Boneless is easier to slice and serve. I have made this both ways and been happy every time.

Swap the herb profile: Try a smoky spin with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder, or go classic Thanksgiving with sage, thyme, and a hint of brown sugar rubbed into the skin.

No Instant Pot? Use a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, checking the internal temperature before serving. You will miss the crispy skin option but the meat will still be flavorful and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook turkey breast in an Instant Pot?
For a 6-7 pound turkey breast, cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Total time from cold turkey to table is about 60 minutes. Smaller breasts (3-4 pounds) only need about 20 minutes on High Pressure. It is one of the fastest ways to get a full, juicy turkey breast on the table!

Can you cook frozen turkey breast in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey breast in the Instant Pot! Just know that it will add significant time to the cook cycle. For best results, I always recommend thawing your turkey breast in the fridge first (plan for about 24 hours per 4-5 pounds). A properly thawed turkey has better texture and absorbs the seasonings so much more evenly than a frozen one.

What temperature should Instant Pot turkey breast reach?
Your turkey breast is fully and safely cooked when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part of the breast, making sure you are not touching the bone if you are using bone-in. Keep in mind that going above 165 degrees increases the risk of dry meat, so check early!

Can I make gravy from Instant Pot turkey breast drippings?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! The drippings left in the pot after cooking are packed with lemon-herb flavor. Just switch to the Saute setting, add a simple cornstarch slurry, and you will have homemade turkey gravy in about 5 minutes. It is honestly one of the best parts of this whole recipe.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot turkey breast?
Let your turkey cool completely before storing, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for up to 4-6 months, which makes future weeknight meals so easy. I love pulling out a portion to add to soups, sandwiches, or pot pies.