An apparatus and method for performing cryptographic operations. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for performing cryptographic operations. The apparatus includes fetch logic, keygen logic, and execution logic. The fetch logic is disposed within a microprocessor and receives cryptographic instruction single atomic cryptographic instruction as part of an instruction flow executing on the microprocessor. The cryptographic instruction single atomic cryptographic instruction prescribes one of the cryptographic operations, and also prescribes that a provided cryptographic key be expanded into a corresponding key schedule for employment during execution of the one of the cryptographic operations. The keygen logic is disposed within the microprocessor and is operatively coupled to the single atomic cryptographic instruction. The keygen logic directs the microprocessor to expand the provided cryptographic key into the corresponding key schedule. The execution logic is coupled to the keygen logic. The execution logic is disposed within the microprocessor and expands the provided cryptographic key into the corresponding key schedule.