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 your Thanksgiving meal—the turkey—can feel like a stressful task Many home chefs worry about drying out the bird or undercooking it Using an electric roaster provides a foolproof way to cook a moist, delicious turkey with ease. But how long should you cook a turkey in a roaster? Read on for timing guidelines and expert tips.
Why Cook Turkey in an Electric Roaster?
Electric roasters provide several advantages for cooking turkey
- Frees up oven space for side dishes and pies
- Cooks turkey faster due to smaller size
- Self-basting lid keeps meat moist
- Portable for easy carving and serving
A quality electric roaster evenly cooks the turkey from all sides while retaining juices Let’s look at estimated cook times
Turkey Roasting Times in an Electric Roaster
Cooking duration depends on a few factors:
- Size of the turkey
- Weight of the turkey
- Size of the roaster
Here are general guidelines for whole turkey roasting times in an electric roaster:
- 12 to 15 pound turkey – Cook for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours
- 16 to 18 pound turkey – Cook for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours
- 20 to 24 pound turkey – Cook for approximately 3 to 4 hours
For stuffed turkeys, increase roast time by 30 minutes.
Always verify doneness by checking internal temperature, not just roasting time.
Monitoring Temperature for Done Turkey
Regardless of appliance, a food thermometer is essential for determining when your turkey is safely cooked through.
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For even cooking, rotate the turkey halfway through roasting. Check temperature in a few places to confirm it’s evenly heated.
If the breast or thigh meat reaches 165°F before the minimum roasting time, the turkey can be removed from the roaster.
Letting the Turkey Rest
Once the turkey has reached 165°F, remove it from the electric roaster and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
This resting period allows juices to redistribute through the meat. Slicing into turkey immediately can cause dryness.
Cover turkey loosely with foil during the resting period. This keeps it warm until ready to serve.
Electric Roaster Tips for Moist, Tender Turkey
Follow these tips for foolproof roasted turkey using your electric roaster:
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Thaw completely – Ensure turkey is fully thawed before roasting for even cooking.
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Prep correctly – Remove giblets, rinse cavity, pat dry. Rub with oil or butter and seasonings.
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Use a rack – Elevate turkey on a rack over roaster bottom for air circulation.
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Brown first – Quickly brown turkey all over in roaster before adding rack and cooking.
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Baste occasionally – Open roaster every 45-60 minutes to baste turkey with pan juices using brush or bulb baster.
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Maintain moisture – Resist opening the lid frequently, and don’t add water to the roaster.
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Check temperature – Roast until 165°F in thickest part of thigh using food thermometer.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey and Free Oven Space
Cooking your Thanksgiving turkey in an electric roaster frees up your oven for sides and desserts. Follow the roasting time estimates based on turkey size. But always rely on an instant-read thermometer to determine true doneness.
With minimal effort, your roaster will reward you with a beautifully browned, juicy turkey the whole family will love. Enjoy the convenience of this handy countertop appliance for Thanksgiving and other food-centric holidays.
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.
How to Cook a Turkey in an electric roaster, EASY and QUICK! I Episode 6
FAQ
How long do you cook a turkey in a roaster?
Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Determine length of roasting time, normally 15 to 20 minutes per pound.
How long to cook a 16 lb turkey in a roaster bag?
- 8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours;
- 12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours;
- 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours;
- 20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Is it better to put turkey in oven or electric roaster?
An electric roaster essentially cooks with steam and it doesn’t duplicate the open roasted in the oven method but it cooks the turkey through more rapidly and it can always be shoved into the oven for 30 minutes on High temp to brown the skin.
Should I roast my turkey at 325 or 350?
It’s done when the thermometer just reads between 160º and 165ºF. In general, you should plan to cook a turkey for around 15 to 20 minutes per pound at 325ºF.Nov 15, 2024
How long does a roasted turkey take to cook?
Incredibly delicious, tender, and juicy meat. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of fresh herbs, seasoning, and olive oil, then roasted in the oven for 2 hours for golden crisp skin and moist meat that almost melts in your mouth. This is the best roasted turkey recipe you’ll ever need for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner! 1.
How long do you cook a turkey breast in an electric roaster?
The average cooking time for a turkey breast in an electric roaster oven is about 20 minutes per pound at 375°F. Poultry breast meat is easy to dry out, so you may want to place a small, oven-safe dish of water inside the oven to help keep it moist.
How do you cook a Turkey in a roaster?
The key to a delicious turkey or roast can often be the pan you prepare it in. This roaster is the perfect pick, as its V-shaped rack keeps meat off the base of the pan, allowing it to heat evenly. When you take your dish out of the oven, you can easily collect the runoff to use for sauces and gravies.