Convection oven roast turkey is the best way to get crispy, golden skin with the juiciest, most tender meat. It’s a fool-proof method for how to cook the perfect turkey every time, with no basting required. And, it takes less time than a conventional oven. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to impress!
A truly mouthwatering holiday turkey is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the table. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to use your convection oven to make the most stunning and delicious, juicy, golden brown, crispy skin turkey.
Do you have a convection oven and tend to not use the convection feature? Me too. Well, that is until I tried it for a few recipes and now I use it with almost every recipe, especially baking whole roasted chicken and turkey. Once you roast your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey using convection, there’s no going back. Trust me.
Convection ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. The circulating hot air ensures food cooks faster and more evenly – ideal for getting a turkey ready for the big feast. But should you use that convection setting to roast your Thanksgiving centerpiece? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to convection roast your turkey.
What is Convection Roasting?
A convection oven contains a fan that circulates hot air around the cavity, providing consistent heat distribution. The constant movement of air prevents cold spots and allows food to cook more efficiently. Convection roasting utilizes a high fan speed and multiple heating elements to blast food with intense heat.
Compared to a standard oven which relies solely on radiant heat, a convection oven can cook a turkey up to 25% faster. The circulating airflow crisps up the skin while keeping the meat nice and juicy on the inside.
Key Benefits of Convection Turkey Roasting
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Cooks faster – Save time and oven space by roasting your turkey in less time
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Even cooking – No more dealing with overcooked thighs or underdone breasts Convection cooking ensures uniform doneness.
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Crispy skin – The high heat and constant airflow delivers the ultimate crispy, crunchy, golden brown turkey skin.
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Juicy meat – The shorter cooking time means less opportunity for the turkey to dry out. Convection roasting locks in moisture.
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No hot spots – With no single heat source, there are no hot or cold zones. Your turkey will cook perfectly evenly.
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Hands-off cooking – No basting required! The circulating air does all the work for you.
Tips for Convection Roasting Success
Follow these useful tips and tricks:
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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Crank up the heat to between 375-425°F to maximize browning and moisture retention.
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Don’t baste the turkey, as this disrupts the convection airflow. The circulating air will crisp the skin.
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Allow the cooked turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute.
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Monitor the turkey closely, checking it every 30 minutes since cooking happens rapidly.
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Cook any stuffing separately, as it may not reach a safe temperature when cooked inside the bird.
Convection Roast vs. Convection Bake
Convection ovens usually offer both “roast” and “bake” settings. Is there any difference between the two for roasting turkey?
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Convection roast utilizes maximum fan speed, heat intensity, and browning elements to blast the turkey from all sides for ultra crispy skin.
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Convection bake uses more gentle, moderate airflow and is better suited for delicate baked goods like cakes and cookies.
For turkey roasting, convection roast is definitely the way to go. The intense heat and airflow produces that ideal deeply golden browned turkey you dream of.
Convection Cooking Times
Since convection ovens cook faster, you’ll need to reduce the roasting time compared to a standard oven. Here are some general convection turkey roasting time guidelines:
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8-12 lb turkey – Cook 13-15 minutes per lb (1.75-2 hours total)
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12-16 lb turkey – Cook 12-14 minutes per lb (2.5-3 hours total)
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16-20 lb turkey – Cook 11-13 minutes per lb (3-4 hours total)
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20-24 lb turkey – Cook 10-12 minutes per lb (3.5-5 hours total)
Always use a meat thermometer and check for doneness early. Cooking times can vary depending on your specific oven.
Should You Brine the Bird?
While brining helps keep turkey meat juicy and flavorful, it may not be necessary if you are convection roasting. The quick, even cooking alone will ensure a moist bird. Brining provides added insurance, but is optional with this cooking method.
Conventional Oven Tips
If you don’t have a convection setting, don’t fret! You can still roast a tasty turkey in a standard oven:
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Cook at 325°F, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound.
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Use a lower oven rack position for better browning.
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Baste every 30 minutes using the pan drippings.
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Monitor temperature closely and test for doneness early.
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Tent with foil if the skin browns too fast.
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Let the cooked turkey rest 30 minutes before slicing.
While it may take more time and effort, a regular oven can certainly still produce a juicy, flavorful holiday turkey with these helpful tips.
The Bottom Line
For fast, foolproof turkey roasting with crispy browned skin and moist meat, convection is the clear winner. The circulating hot air cooks the turkey almost twice as fast as a standard oven, while ensuring perfect even cooking and browning.
Follow the guidance above to seamlessly convection roast your first turkey. Going convection truly simplifies roasting this holiday showstopper. Before you know it, your guests will be devouring juicy, tender slices of golden turkey perfection!
Do I have to truss a turkey?
No – trussing with kitchen twine is not necessary. If you like the look, then truss the legs. There’s no benefit either way – it’s all about aesthetics.
Temperature to cook a convection oven turkey
On the convection setting it should be cooked at a lower temperature (325°F), where roasting in a conventional oven is typically done at a higher temperature (350°F).
It’s best to place it on the lowest rack, where the bird itself will be centered in the oven.
Is it better to cook a turkey in a convection oven or regular oven?
FAQ
Is it better to bake or roast a turkey in a convection oven?
Always use a regular oven for roasting any type of meat. Convection ovens will dry out the meat very quickly, so best to avoid them. You could give your turkey a final blast for a few minutes at the end of cooking to help crisp up the skin.
How long to cook turkey at 325 in a convection oven?
- 12-15 pounds, takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
- 15-20 pounds, takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.
- 20-25 pounds, takes approximately 2.5 – 3.5 hours.
What oven setting is best for turkey?
I recommend roasting a turkey at 400°F (204°C) for perfect texture and crispy skin. If the turkey is the only thing in the oven, it should take two hours to up to six hours. I also recommend rotating the turkey 180° once an hour to make sure it cooks evenly.
Is it better to roast with or without convection?
The convection is amazing for roasting and baking because it reduces the need to flip, turn, and reduced the risk of hot spots in your oven.
Can you cook a Turkey in a convection oven?
All three types of ovens can be used to roast a delicious, moist turkey as long as the temperature of the turkey is carefully monitored. So, although a convection oven will cook faster, even a bake oven will work if the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. Should turkey be 325 or 350 in a convection oven?
What is a convection oven roast turkey?
Convection oven roast turkey is the best way to get crispy, golden skin with the juiciest, most tender meat. It’s a fool-proof method for how to cook the perfect turkey every time, with no basting required. And, it takes less time than a conventional oven. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to impress!
Is convection roasting a Turkey a good idea?
Convection roasting is a great way to cook a turkey because it cooks the turkey evenly and quickly. Here are some tips and tricks for convection roasting a turkey: * Start with a fresh turkey. The best way to ensure that your turkey is cooked evenly and juicy is to start with a fresh turkey.
What is the best convection roast temperature for Turkey?
the best convection roast temperature for turkey is between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 15 minutes per pound. Be sure to check the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many people can roast a Turkey in a convection oven?
After roasting, a serving is about 8 ounces per person. For example, a 20 pound bird should be enough to serve 15 guests. Learning how to prepare and roast a turkey with a convection oven is very simple: Preheat the oven to 325°F on convection setting. Pat the skin dry. This allows the butter to adhere to the surface.
Does a convection oven Thaw a Turkey?
Convection oven roast turkey is the best way to get crispy, golden skin with the juiciest, most tender meat. It’s a fool-proof method for how to cook the perfect turkey every time, with no basting required. And, it takes less time than a conventional oven. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to impress! How long does it take to thaw a turkey?