How Long to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave

Cooking an entire turkey in the microwave may sound impossible, but it can actually be done! With some preparation and technique you can microwave a turkey in far less time than roasting it in the oven. Follow these tips for microwaving success and you’ll have delicious moist meat ready for your holiday feast.

Is it Safe to Microwave a Whole Turkey?

First, let’s address any safety concerns. Whole turkeys are very large, so people wonder if microwaving can thoroughly and evenly cook the meat.

The answer is yes – microwaving does heat food safely as long as you take the proper precautions. Be sure to keep the wattage high and rotate the turkey a few times during cooking. This prevents cold spots where bacteria could survive.

It’s also critical to let the turkey rest before carving it. The resting time allows the temperature to evenly distribute for safe and complete cooking. As long as you monitor cooking and follow standard food safety guidelines microwaved turkey can be perfectly safe to eat.

Prep Steps Before Cooking

To successfully microwave a turkey, there are a few preparation steps to take:

• Defrost – Turkeys need to be fully thawed before cooking. Give yourself at least 24 hours for a 12 lb bird to defrost in the fridge.

• Remove giblets – Check both front and rear cavities for the bag of giblets and neck. Discard or use for gravy.

• Truss legs – Tuck the drumsticks underneath the band of skin at the tail to keep them contained.

• Place breast-side down – Dark meat takes longer to cook than white meat. Facing the breast down helps even out cooking times.

• Cover with lid or vented wrap – Prevent splatter and circulate steam by using a lid or venting plastic wrap with slits.

How Long Does it Take to Microwave a Turkey?

Cooking time depends on two key factors:

1. Turkey weight – The heavier the turkey, the longer the cook time. Estimate 10 minutes per pound as a base.

2. Microwave wattage – Higher wattages will cook faster. Count more time for lower wattage units.

For example, microwaving a 12 lb turkey in a 1000 watt microwave will take about 2 hours at full power. Here are some more estimated cook times:

• 8 lb turkey in 1000W microwave: 1 hr 20 min
• 10 lb turkey in 850W microwave: 1 hr 40 min
• 20 lb turkey in 1200W microwave: 3 hrs 20 min

These times are general guidelines. Always check for doneness rather than going by time alone. The USDA recommends cooking turkeys to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Microwaving Process and Technique

Here are some step-by-step microwaving tips:

• Place the turkey breast-side down directly on the microwave turntable. Don’t use a dish.

• Cover with a lid or vented plastic wrap. This prevents splatters.

• Select 50% power. Cooking at full power can overcook the outer areas.

• Microwave in bursts of 5-8 minutes per pound, flipping halfway. Allow standing time between bursts.

• Check temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Cook until 165°F.

• Rotate the turkey a few times during cooking to prevent cold spots.

• Let the turkey stand for 20-30 minutes before carving to finish cooking.

Be prepared for some steam and splatter even with plastic wrap. Wear an oven mitt when removing the turkey and scrub any cooked-on messes after cooling.

Tips for Microwaved Turkey Success

Here are some extra pointers to ensure your microwaved turkey turns out juicy and delicious:

• Brine the turkey before cooking for extra moisture and flavor.

• Don’t stuff the turkey – cook stuffing separately to prevent bacterial growth.

• Layer foil over any bony protrusions to prevent overcooking.

• Arrange microwave-safe vegetables like potatoes around the turkey to cook simultaneously.

• Base seasonings on a 5 minute per pound cook time. Microwaves cook faster than ovens.

• Cover with broth-moistened paper towels if the meat seems dry during standing time.

With the right precautions and some practice, you can absolutely microwave an entire turkey in time for dinner! It’s a fast, convenient cooking method that frees up your oven for sides and desserts. Surprise your guests with moist, tasty meat and reveal your microwave turkey secret after they’ve enjoyed their holiday meal.