Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving dinner! This quick and easy Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin recipe can be for any week night dinner. Cooking a turkey tenderloin breast in an Instant Pot keeps the meat tender and juicy!
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wHAT MAKES THIS iNSTANT POT TURKEY BREAST RECIPE THE BEST!
Just think in less than 40 minutes you can cook a flavorful turkey breast that your entire family will love! Don't feel like cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving dinner? With this Instant Pot turkey breast recipe you can have your juicy and tender turkey without all the time spent in the kitchen!
My other favorite way to cook turkey tenderloins is with this air fryer tenderloin recipe. It is an easy and quick way to cook a delicious turkey dinner!
key ingredients
turkey tenderloin- tenderloin is a part of the turkey breast. It’s a tender lean white meat cut of turkey that can be cooked in many different methods.
olive oil- keeps the tenderloin from sticking while it sears. Any light flavored oil like avocado oil will work.
sage- is an herb that can be used dried or fresh.
rosemary- is a herb that has a very distinct flavor and smell. It is wonderful in turkey and will fill the entire house with it's aroma. If you do not have fresh herbs use dried rosemary.
chicken broth- vegetable broth or stock is a must when cooking in the Instant pot.
Equipment needed
- Instant Pot pressure cooker
- stainless steel roasting rack- came with Instant Pot
Step-by-step instructions
First start by seasonng the turkey tenderloin by rubbing ½ a tablespoon of olive oil over the the meat. Sprinkle with the rosemary, sage, salt and black pepper. Rub spices to coat evenly.
One step that I add to cooking the turkey tenderloin is to use the sauté feature to sear each side. This gives your turkey a more pleasant browned color than just a white drab piece of poultry. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT SEAR WITH THE LID ON!
Press the saute button on the Instant Pot and allow it to heat for a minute. Then add remaining olive oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place turkey inside the pot allowing the turkey to cook. After searing I remove the tenderloin so I can add the chicken broth or a cup of water to the bottom of the pot. It is important to remember that you always have a cup of liquid in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
Next add the roasting rack to the inner pot. Transfer turkey back inside the pot on top of roasting rack and place the lid on top and turn to the on position. Set the Instant Pot cooking time for 7 minutes. It will take a few minutes for the pressure to build in your pot. You should hear some hissing noises as it’s coming to pressure. This is completely normal. Once it has pressurized the screen will change from On to counting down from 7 minutes.
Once the actual cook time is up you will need to do a natural pressure release NOT a quick release. The screen will show an L and begin a count down.
Let the turkey tenderloin depressurize with the natural release method for 10 minutes before removing it from the Instant Pot. Use a handle of a wooden spoon to check the steam valve for any remaining pressure before removing the lid. Release pressure carefully so that any hot steam doesn't burn your face or hands.
If you have never used an Instant Pot or need a refresher for some of the features check out this Instant Pot Guide!
Serving turkey tenderloin
My favorite thing about tenderloins is that it is no fuss to serve. There are no bones or dark meat so it is very easy to just slice and serve.
After removing the tenderloin from the Instant Pot cover with aluminum foil and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help keep the juicies in the meat from running out so that you have a very juicy turkey.
Use a carving knife to slice turkey in thin slices if serving for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. You can also cube leftovers for soup or salad.
Storing leftovers
Leftover turkey is great for sandwiches and many other meals. If you have leftovers of the Instant Pot turkey breast tenderloin allow it to cool and then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
side dish ideas
Looking for some side dishes to serve along side this Instant Pot turkey tenderloin recipe? Here are a few delicious dishes to serve with a good turkey dinner. And don't forget no Thanksgiving is complete without the pumpkin pie!
Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Mash Recipe
Asparagus Puff Pastry Tarts with Gruyere Cheese
Easy Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
faq
What is turkey tenderloin?
The tenderloin is a part of the turkey breast. It’s a tender lean white meat cut of boneless turkey breast that can be cooked in many different methods. Turkey is a great source of protein and low in fat making it a very healthy meal.
However, because turkey is low in fat it can be dry if overcooked so follow the steps for cooking in an Instant Pot for the juiciest turkey breast!
Can you cook a frozen turkey tenderloin?
Yes! However you will not be able to sear the meat first to get that beautiful browned color. It will still be delicious and tender just remember that it will take longer to cook. I recommend 16 minutes at high pressure and 10 minutes natural release for a frozen turkey tenderloin.
What temperature should turkey tenderloin be cooked to?
I know it's hard to believe this tenderloin can cook fully in 7 minutes! Remember that the turkey is actually cooking during the time that it takes for the electric pressure cooker to come to pressure and while it naturally releases pressure. You should always double check by using a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for poultry according to the FDA is 165 degrees.
Are turkey tenderloins healthy?
Turkey is a great source of protein and low in fat making it a very healthy meal. However, because turkey is low in fat it can be dry if overcooked so follow the steps for cooking in an Instant Pot for the juiciest turkey breast!
Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?
If you try this recipe for Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.
Looking For Other Instant Pot Recipes? Try These!
Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots {An Easy Side Dish Recipe}
My Favorite Kitchen Tools!
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin
Equipment
- Instant Pot and stainless steel roasting rack (comes with Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 package of 2 turkey tenderloins (1.5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Set up Instant Pot, turn to sauté feature and allow to heat for a couple minutes.
- Remove tenderloins from package and pat dry with paper towel. Rub with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Add other ½ tablespoon of olive oil to bottom of pot inside Instant Pot. Add tenderloins to bottom and sear each side for 2 minutes to brown slightly. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT SEAR WITH THE LID ON!
- When finished searing, remove from Instant Pot and set aside. Turkey is not fully cooked at this point. Turn the sear feature off. Add chicken broth and stainless steel roasting rack into bottom of Instant Pot. Place tenderloins back in pot on top of rack.
- Place lid on Instant Pot locking in place. Make sure value is in seal position. Turn Instant Pot to pressure cook.
- Time for 7 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure before it starts the count down.
- When the 7 minutes is up the screen will show an L as it is depressurizing naturally. I depressurized for 10 minutes before releasing the last amount of steam and removing the lid.
- Place tenderloins on a cutting board. Allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
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Cheryl Foster says
Bobbie, I'm going to make this soon. I've seen other recipes that called for cooking the tenderloins as long as 30 minutes - seems like they'd be a hockey puck by then! I'll come back and let you know how they turned out.
Howdy from Texas!
bobbieblue says
Cheryl! Hi from Florida! Wow that would be too long!! That’s the beauty of the instant pot. I’m excited to hear how it turns out!
Cheryl Foster says
Perfect!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
It sounds perfect for an easy and quick dinner. 7 minutes cooking time sound about right for turkey; too long would take all the goodness out of it.
Colette says
I agree, turkey is not for Thanksgiving only! Isn't the Instantpot amazing, it's hard to believe that you can cook a turkey tenderloin in 7 minutes, so awesome! Your recipe is so easy, simple, and delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Aren't instant pots a life saver? I love buying turkey breast throughout the year and this is a quick and delicious way to prepare them!
Jeannie says
time saver for busy nights and when Im exhausted to prepare dinner.