Cooking a turkey in a Nuwave oven is a great way to free up oven space and cook your bird faster than a traditional oven With the Nuwave’s convection, infrared and conduction heating, your turkey can be cooked up to 50% faster! But how long exactly should you cook a turkey in a Nuwave oven to ensure it turns out moist, tender and perfectly cooked?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a flawless turkey in your Nuwave oven, including:
- Recommended cook times based on turkey size
- Cook time per pound formulas
- Thawing tips
- Seasoning and prep suggestions
- Cook time adjustments for stuffed birds
- Internal temperature guidelines
- Resting, carving and serving instructions
Plus we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey in a Nuwave oven so you can troubleshoot any issues and cook your bird like a pro!
Cook Time Per Pound Formulas
The most straightforward way to determine turkey cook time in a Nuwave oven is to use a simple minutes per pound formula. Here are the recommended cook times:
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Fresh/Thawed Turkey: Cook for 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F.
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Frozen Turkey: Cook for 15-18 minutes per pound at 350°F.
So for example, if you have a 14 lb fresh turkey, you would cook it for 14 x 15 minutes = 210 minutes (3.5 hours) at 350°F.
Always verify doneness by taking the internal temperature, but these cook times per pound are a good starting point.
Recommended Cook Times by Turkey Size
For even more specificity, here are the approximate cook times for different turkey sizes in a Nuwave oven:
- 8-10 lb turkey: 90-120 minutes
- 10-12 lb turkey: 120-150 minutes
- 12-14 lb turkey: 150-180 minutes
- 14-16 lb turkey: 180-210 minutes
- 16-18 lb turkey: 210-240 minutes
- 18-20 lb turkey: 240-270 minutes
These cook times are based on fresh or fully thawed turkeys. If cooking a frozen turkey, extend the time by 20-30 minutes. And as always, use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached the proper internal temperature before removing from the oven.
Thawing Tips
Only cook fully thawed turkeys in the Nuwave oven. Frozen turkeys will not cook evenly.
Here are some safe thawing methods:
- Thaw in the refrigerator: Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.
- Cold water thaw: Submerge turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Allow 30 mins per pound.
- Microwave thaw: Check manufacturer guidelines for power level and timing.
If pressed for time, you can start cooking a partially frozen turkey in the Nuwave, but extend cook time. The Nuwave will finish thawing and cooking the turkey. Just be sure to take the internal temperature in multiple spots before serving.
Seasoning and Prep
For the best flavor and most tender, juicy meat, prep your turkey properly before cooking:
- Remove giblets and neck from cavities and discard or use for gravy.
- Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Generously rub skin with oil or butter then season all over with salt, pepper and any other desired seasonings.
- Truss turkey legs together with cooking twine to maintain shape.
- Insert meat thermometer probe into thickest part of breast, being careful not to hit bone.
Put turkey breast-side down directly on Nuwave cooking rack. Insert drip pan below if desired to catch drippings for gravy.
Cook Time for Stuffed Turkeys
If you want to stuff your turkey, here are some tips:
- For food safety, cook stuffing to 165°F.
- Cook stuffed birds 15-30 minutes longer than unstuffed.
- For even cooking, cook stuffing separately in oven and stuff turkey in last 30 minutes only.
- Or, stuff right before roasting then add 15 minutes per pound to cook time.
Be sure to take temperature of stuffing in addition to turkey meat before serving.
Internal Temperature Guidelines
Always use a food thermometer to check temperature of turkey when the Nuwave timer goes off. Check in a few spots to ensure even doneness:
- Breast: 165°F minimum
- Thigh: 175°F minimum
- Stuffing: 165°F minimum
If undercooked, continue cooking and checking temperature every 5-10 minutes until desired temp is reached.
Resting, Carving and Serving
Once fully cooked, remove turkey from Nuwave and let rest at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful meat.
To carve turkey:
- Slice breast meat by holding fork in meat and cutting parallel to the bones with knife.
- Cut between thigh and body then slice or pull apart thigh meat.
- Cut wings in half at joints.
Serve turkey warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook a frozen turkey in a Nuwave oven?
It’s not recommended. Frozen turkeys may cook unevenly. Always thaw fully before cooking.
Should I cover the turkey while cooking in the Nuwave?
There’s no need to. The convection heat will ensure even cooking and browning.
Can I stuff the turkey before cooking in the Nuwave?
Yes, but the cook time will need to be extended by 15-30 minutes per pound to ensure the stuffing cooks fully. For food safety, cook stuffing separately.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Always check the internal temp in the breast, thigh and stuffing with a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
What size Nuwave oven do I need to cook a turkey?
The standard Nuwave oven can fit up to a 16 pound turkey. Larger models are available to accommodate bigger birds if needed.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast?
Cook turkey breast for 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F until it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I use a cooking bag?
Yes, you can use an oven-safe cooking bag to help retain moisture. Follow bag instructions.
Can I cook a pre-stuffed turkey?
Pre-stuffed turkeys can be cooked but extend cook time by 15-30 mins per pound and verify stuffing reaches 165°F.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting isn’t required but it helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Baste every 30 minutes.
Follow these tips and your turkey will turn out perfect in your Nuwave oven! Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy Thanksgiving!
Gourmet Cooking Made Easy
Roast, Bake, Grill, Steam, Air-Fry, Dehydrate & Reheat
With intuitive touch-and-go digital controls, the Nuwave Oven Pro Plus can cook all of your favourite foods with the simple press of a button. Featuring advanced digital temperature controls, which now allows you to cook between 37°C and 176°C in 1°C increments, along with the NEW Warm and Delay cooking functions.
than a conventional oven*
than a conventional oven*
Unhealthy fat drips away
*Figures are expected maximum energy and time savings vs a conventional oven, as shown in manufacturer testing. Your results may vary.
1-Inch/3-Inch Reversible Cooking Rack
This sturdy, dishwasher-safe reversible Cooking Rack helps make the most of your NuWave Oven Pro Plus’s full capacity whether cooking larger dishes or layered, complete meals. Prepare large meals on the 1-inch rack or flip it over and cook smaller foods such as chicken breasts or even veggies on the 3-inch rack.