Poultry
How Long to Cook Turkey Breast
Bone-in turkey breast takes about 20 minutes per pound at 325°F — a 3 lb breast takes about 1.5 hours. Always verify 165°F internal temp.
Reference size: per pound (bone-in or boneless)
Safe Internal Temperature
165°F / 74°C in the thickest part, away from bone
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 325°F / 165°C | 20–25 minutes per pound (bone-in) | 15–20 min/lb boneless |
| Air Fryer | 350°F / 175°C | 30–45 minutes (boneless, 3–4 lb) |
| Slow Cooker | Low | 3–4 hours (low) for boneless | 5–6 hours for bone-in |
| Instant Pot | High pressure | 25 minutes + 15 min natural release (bone-in, 2–3 lb) |
Oven: Cover with foil for first half of cooking, remove for last 30 min to brown skin. Baste every 30 min.
Air Fryer: Most air fryers can't fit bone-in; use boneless or roll. Very juicy results.
Slow Cooker: Add broth. Skin won't crisp but meat stays very moist.
Instant Pot: Add 1 cup broth. Brown on sauté mode first for colour.
Chef Tips
- 1Dry brine 1–2 days before: salt under and over skin, refrigerate uncovered. Best Thanksgiving prep tip.
- 2Use a roasting rack — air circulation under the bird ensures even cooking.
- 3If skin is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
- 4A boneless turkey breast is much easier to manage for Thanksgiving if you're serving 4–6 people vs a whole bird.
- 5Compound butter (softened butter + herbs + garlic) pushed under the skin is the most effective flavour upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook a 3 lb turkey breast?
A 3 lb bone-in turkey breast at 325°F takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Boneless 3 lb breast at 325°F: about 1 hour. Always verify 165°F with a meat thermometer.
Should turkey breast be covered in the oven?
Start covered in foil for the first half of cooking, then uncover for the final 30–45 minutes to allow the skin to brown. This gives you both moist meat and crispy skin.
How do I keep turkey breast from drying out?
Dry brine 24–48 hours ahead. Don't skip resting — rest 20 minutes minimum before carving. Cook to exactly 165°F (not beyond). Compound butter under the skin adds insurance against dryness.
How long to cook a frozen turkey breast?
A frozen turkey breast can be roasted directly from frozen at 325°F — add 50% more time: a 3 lb breast takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Verify 165°F throughout.