Cooking a Turkey In A Roaster Oven creates a tender and juicy centerpiece of your holiday meal while saving space in the oven.
We like to use an herb butter along with fresh carrots, celery, onions, garlic and lemon to create a simple recipe that can be made any where you have an electric outlet.
Cooking a delicious juicy turkey for the holidays can seem like an intimidating task. Many home cooks wonder if using a Nesco roaster can help make turkey cooking easier and more foolproof. The good news is that a Nesco roaster is an excellent appliance for roasting turkey! In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a perfect turkey in a Nesco including tips for choosing the right turkey, prep work, seasoning, roasting, determining doneness, carving, gravy, and storing leftovers.
Choosing the Right Turkey for Your Nesco Roaster
When selecting a turkey to cook in your Nesco, you’ll want to make sure to pick one that will fit nicely in your particular model. The 18 Quart Nesco roaster can accommodate turkeys up to 22 lbs. The 12 Quart model can fit up to a 14 lb turkey. It’s best to leave some room around the bird for proper air circulation while cooking. Allow about 1 lb of turkey per person when estimating how big of a bird you need.
Opt for a turkey that is evenly shaped and plump, with smooth, blemish-free skin The breast should feel firm and the legs flexible when raw Both fresh and frozen turkeys work well, but be sure to thaw frozen turkeys completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Preparing the Turkey for Roasting
Before seasoning and cooking your turkey, you’ll need to remove the giblets and neck. Feel inside the neck cavity to locate a small bag that contains the liver, heart, gizzard and other organs. Discard these. Cut the neck off where it meets the turkey body. Rinse out the cavity thoroughly and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
If you wish, set aside the neck and giblets to make gravy or broth later on. You can also stuff the neck cavity with aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs or citrus to impart more flavor.
Seasoning Your Turkey
For the best flavored roast turkey, take the time to season the bird thoroughly before cooking. Try coating the skin liberally with a compound butter or oil blended with herbs and spices. Get seasoning into every nook and cranny.
Some classic turkey seasoning combos include:
- Rosemary, thyme, sage + lemon
- Poultry seasoning + brown sugar
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt + pepper
- Orange juice, brown sugar, chili powder
Don’t be afraid to rub the seasonings directly onto the skin as well as inside the cavity. The Nesco’s moist environment will keep the skin from drying out.
Roasting the Turkey in a Nesco
Now for the fun part—cooking the turkey! Here are some tips for roasting in a Nesco:
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place turkey breast-side up on roasting rack.
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Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the roaster.
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Baste periodically with pan juices or melted butter.
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Allow 15-20 minutes per pound, until 165°F internal temp.
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Tent with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
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Let rest 20+ minutes before carving.
The Nesco’s covered environment traps in moisture and heat to help ensure a tender, juicy bird. Basting and the water in the bottom also add moisture.
Checking Doneness
The best way to confirm your turkey is fully cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. It should register 165°F. The pop-up timer devices that come with some turkeys are not always reliable.
Checking temperature in a few places is wise to account for uneven cooking. If the breast or thigh reads below 165°F, keep roasting until the proper temperature is reached.
Carving the Turkey
Once your turkey has rested, it’s ready to carve. Here are some tips:
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Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly.
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Remove legs and thighs first.
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Cut along either side of the breastbone to remove breast meat.
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Slice against the grain for tender meat.
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Arrange pieces nicely on a platter.
Making Turkey Gravy
A roasted turkey isn’t complete without rich, savory gravy! Here is one easy way to make gravy with your Nesco turkey drippings:
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Pour drippings into a saucepan and skim off excess fat.
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Add 2-3 Tbsp flour to the drippings and whisk vigorously.
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Cook over medium heat until bubbling and thickened.
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Whisk in chicken or turkey broth until desired consistency is reached.
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Finish with salt, pepper and any other seasonings of choice.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover roasted turkey will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat slices, pieces or shredded meat in the microwave, oven or on the stovetop. Soup, salad, sandwiches, casseroles and other creative dishes are all delicious ways to use up leftovers!
For longer term storage, cut meat from the bones and freeze in airtight containers or bags. Turkey can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Nesco Turkey
Follow these tips for the best results when roasting turkey in a Nesco:
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Choose the right size bird for your roaster.
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Thaw completely if using frozen turkey.
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Season generously under and on the skin.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
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Baste frequently while roasting.
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Let rest before carving.
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Make gravy from the drippings.
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Store leftovers properly.
With minimal effort, your Nesco roaster will reward you with a picture-perfect turkey the entire family will love. Give it a try this holiday season!
Step By Step Instructions
Get your electric roaster set in the cooking location and pre-heat to the highest setting. Our roasters go up to 450℉. Allow about 20 minutes to preheat. Spray the bottom with non-stick cooking spray just before setting the turkey in.
Starting with defrosted turkey in a clean pan that is NOT the roaster insert pan. Remove the gizzard from the center of the turkey. There is often a plastic insert that makes rotating and moving the turkey easier. Remove this just before cooking.
Use thick paper towels to pat the skin dry. Butter will stick better to a dry surface.
Using clean hands or a spatula rub the herb butter all over the turkey.
This will take some time and patience to apply all of the butter.
Add the quartered or sliced lemon, peeled cloves of garlic and quarters or slices of white onion to the center of the turkey. These fresh ingredients add a gentle flavor to the turkey more than cooking as a stuffing.
Season turkey with salt and pepper at this point if desired.
Set at least two sticks of carrots and two sticks of celery on the roaster rack to help hold the turkey up out of it’s natural juices and allow it to brown a bit more on all sides.
Move the dish with the buttered turkey right next to the roaster and set the turkey in taking care not to touch the hot, preheated roaster with your hands or arms.
If you are more comfortable the turkey can be set on the insert outside of the roaster and lowered in. This is a personal preference.
Insert the temperature probe into the center of thickest part of the turkey which is the thigh. The center of the biggest muscle will take the longest to cook.
Cover the roaster and cook at 450℉ for 30 minutes.
This is what the turkey looks like after 30 minutes of roasting at high heat.
Do not remove the lid and use the times below as a guideline.
If desired you can add chicken or turkey broth to the bottom of the roaster half way through cooking, but I do not baste the actual turkey because the herbs and butter will get washed off in the process.
During testing I did not notice a difference in the juiciness of the turkey when broth was added or when the turkey was roasted in its own juices.
How To Cook A Turkey In A Roaster Oven
A turkey can be cooked in an electric roaster very similarly to making one in a traditional oven. Plan ahead for the big Thanksgiving or other holiday meal using our tips and tricks to be successful.
Turn the roaster to the highest setting possible and preheat while prepping the bird. Use the insert rack to make removal easier. Starting on high heat will create a beautiful golden brown roasted turkey skin.
Prepare the bird to suit your preferences. We like to rub with herb butter and stuff with chunks of onions, cloves of garlic and a quartered lemon.
Roast turkey without any added liquid or water on the highest temperature for 30 minutes and then turn down to 350℉ to finish cooking. Starting at a higher temp will give the bird a crispy brown finish.
Use a meat thermometer on a cord to prevent needing to open the lid often.
Allow the turkey to rest and then carve and enjoy!
Guests will never know whether you used a portable electric roaster or a conventional oven to make this delicious turkey.
- Turkey – Set the turkey in the roaster when you purchase it to make sure it will fit. We prefer that the turkey doesn’t touch the top or edges of the roaster and that there is a little bit of space to prevent burning. Start defrosting about 4 days ahead of time with plenty of space around the turkey in the refrigerator.
- Butter – Be sure to use real butter, not margarine for the best flavor. For extra special occasions we like to splurge on Kerry Gold butter.
- Poultry Herb Blend – A .5 ounce combination of fresh herbs which are rosemary, sage and thyme. This package is found in the refrigerated case. I use one pack for the butter coating and one pack for garnish on the serving tray.
- Carrots – Use whole carrots, can peel ahead of time. Keep in long sticks to rest the bird on while cooking.
- Celery – Whole sticks work best to rest the turkey on while cooking.
- Garlic – A bulb works well, peel the cloves ahead of time if you like.
- Lemon – Wash and quarter a fresh lemon to stuff the turkey with for a fresh, citrus flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – I like to pick up the grinders to get the freshest flavors.
- Poultry Seasoning – Is an optional spice, we used it in a test and didn’t particularly enjoy the flavor. We prefer Cajun Seasoning if a dry seasoning is important. When using herb butter no additional seasoning is needed in our opinion.
Another impressive holiday dish to consider is this Chicken Spatchcocked.
How to Roast a Turkey in a Nesco Electric Roaster – a Holiday to Remember
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Nesco?
Cook 18 lb. turkey on “HIGH” at 165 degrees. Estimated time cook is 6/min per pound.
Is it better to put turkey in the oven or electric roaster?
Roasting it in the oven first might give you the color, but the slow moist cooking of a roaster oven will soften the skin to a less than pleasant texture. Your best bet is to cook the turkey in the roaster oven first, THEN roast it in a high heat in the oven to brown it up and crisp up the skin.
How long to cook a 15 lb turkey in an electric roaster?
- 12- to 13-pound turkey, 1¾ hours.
- 14- to 24-pound turkey, 2 to 3 hours.
- 25- to 28-pound turkey 3½ to 4 hours.
Can you cook a Turkey in a NESCo roaster?
Yes, a Nesco roaster oven is perfect for cooking turkey breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the weight of the turkey breast. 4. Do I need to baste the turkey while it cooks in a Nesco roaster? No, basting is not necessary when using a Nesco roaster. The lid or foil cover helps seal in the moisture, resulting in a juicy turkey. 5.
How many pounds can a NESCo roaster hold?
The Nesco roaster can accommodate turkeys up to 16 pounds. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will increase for larger turkeys. Can I cook a frozen turkey in a Nesco roaster? It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey in a Nesco roaster.
How do you reheat a Turkey in a NESCo roaster?
To reheat the turkey on the stovetop, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Cooking a turkey in a Nesco roaster is a great way to roast a moist and flavorful bird. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious turkey dinner for your family and friends.
Should you use a NESCo roaster instead of a traditional oven?
Here are some of the advantages of using a Nesco roaster instead of a traditional oven when cooking your holiday turkey: Even cooking The Nesco’s enclosed fan circulates heated air uniformly around the turkey preventing hot and cold spots. This ensures evenly cooked juicy meat from all sides.
How do you keep a Turkey moist in a NESCo roaster?
There are a few things you can do to keep your turkey moist while cooking it in a Nesco roaster. First, you can baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or chicken broth. You can also place a disposable aluminum foil pan filled with water underneath the turkey to create steam.
Can you put carrots in a NESCo roaster?
Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, onions, and herbs to the roasting pan can infuse additional flavor into the turkey. However, be mindful that they may cook quicker than the turkey, so adjust accordingly. 9. Do I need to preheat the Nesco roaster oven?