UPDATED October 6, 2022: Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner, and the Hamilton Beach® Test Kitchen wants to help you plan a holiday meal that goes off without a hitch. First order of business: the turkey! With all your side dishes and desserts that need space in the oven, you may be wondering how you’ll have time to roast the turkey too. We’ll solve that problem by showing you how to easily cook a deliciously moist and juicy turkey in a roaster oven, freeing up the main oven for the sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Cooking the star of the Thanksgiving meal – the turkey – can seem daunting, especially if you’re using an electric roaster oven While electric roasters provide convenient, moist cooking, achieving that glorious browned exterior on your bird can be tricky But have no fear! With some simple tips and techniques, you can get a beautifully browned turkey from an electric roaster.
Why Use an Electric Roaster for Turkey?
Electric roaster ovens are countertop appliances that can accommodate a whole turkey, usually up to 20 pounds The major perks of using a roaster instead of a regular oven include
- Frees up oven space for all your side dishes
- Self-basting lid keeps meat super moist and tender
- Cooks the turkey faster than a traditional oven
- Gives you more control over achieving the ideal browning
Challenges of Browning in an Electric Roaster
Browning the skin can be challenging in an electric roaster oven since it doesn’t get as hot as a regular oven. Additionally, the self-basting lid traps in steam which can prevent the turkey skin from crisping up. But not to worry – with a few simple tricks, you can get a beautifully burnished bird.
How to Get Your Turkey Golden Brown in the Roaster
Here are my top tips for transforming your pale poultry into a perfectly browned gobbler using an electric roaster oven:
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Pat the skin completely dry – Eliminate any surface moisture that may cause steaming.
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Rub on olive oil and seasonings – The oil helps conduct heat. Seasonings like garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper add flavor.
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Apply baking powder – Just mix with the olive oil. It raises the pH of the skin to help it brown.
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Start breast side down – Take advantage of heat rising from the bottom of the roaster to brown the breast.
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Crank up the heat – Preheat to 450°F for the first 30 minutes to initiate browning.
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Lower heat – Drop temp to 325°F for remainder of roasting time.
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Minimize opening the lid – Avoid heat loss and moisture buildup.
Step-by-Step Method for Perfectly Browned Turkey
Follow these simple steps for golden brown turkey bliss:
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Pat turkey skin completely dry and let sit for 30 minutes uncovered. Moisture is the enemy!
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Coat skin all over with a baking powder-olive oil mixture. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, pepper.
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Fill cavity with quartered oranges, onions, fresh herbs for flavor.
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Place turkey breast side down directly on roaster rack.
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Preheat roaster oven to 450°F. Cook turkey for 30 minutes breast side down.
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Use tongs to carefully flip breast side up. Turkey should already be nicely browned.
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Reduce heat to 325°F and continue roasting until thighs reach 180°F.
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Avoid lifting lid repeatedly. Use a probe thermometer to monitor temp.
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Once done, let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Follow those simple steps for crispy, golden perfection. Now bask in the oohs and ahhs over your beautifully browned bird!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to roast a turkey in an electric roaster?
Figure around 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F after searing at 450°F. So a 15 lb turkey will take 2.5 – 3.5 hours total.
What size turkey can I cook in a roaster oven?
Most electric roasters can accommodate up to a 20 lb turkey. Check your appliance manual for maximum capacity.
Should I add water to the electric roaster?
No. The self-basting lid provides sufficient moisture. Adding water may cause steaming.
Can I stuff the turkey in the electric roaster?
No. For food safety and even cooking, it’s best to cook stuffing separately.
How do I get crispy turkey skin?
Start breast side down, pat skin dry, use baking powder, and avoid opening the lid. Crank heat at end if needed.
Get the Perfect Golden Bird with an Electric Roaster
By following these handy tips for browning a turkey in an electric roaster oven, you’ll get a photo-worthy, juicy bird with glistening golden crispy skin every time. Now go wow your family and guests with your masterfully browned roast turkey!
Roast a tender, juicy turkey
A countertop electric roaster oven is a must for busy holidays when your kitchen range is working overtime. Hamilton Beach has large-capacity roaster ovens that can handle up to a 28-pound turkey with ease. While your pies are in the main oven, the roaster oven can roast the turkey to golden-brown perfection and keep it warm and juicy until you’re ready to carve and serve. There’s even a handy lift-out rack that makes removing the heavy bird a lot less strain on your back.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used a roaster oven before. Follow this tried-and-true recipe from the Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen. And remember, when the turkey is finished roasting, don’t forget to dress it up on a large platter with fruit and herbs.