how to cook a turkey in electric roaster

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Electric roaster ovens are a handy way to cook many different foods, however, the most popular use of an electric roaster is to make that holiday turkey when there simply is not space in the oven to do so. Today we'll look at how to roast a turkey in ana electric roaster.

Beautifully roasted turkey in electric roaster oven

Unfortunately, most people feel that their turkey ends up steamed rather than roasted.

If this is happening to you then these tips on how to roast a turkey in an electric roaster oven may help you to get that roast turkey flavor that you are looking for.

Table of Content

1 How To Roast A Turkey In An Electric Roaster
- 1.1 Prepare Your Insert
- 1.2 Prep Your Turkey
- 1.3 Cooking Your Turkey
- 1.4 Turkey Cooking Time
- 1.5 Other Turkey Roasting Tips
- 1.6 Oven Roasting Pans to Choose From

How To Roast A Turkey In An Electric Roaster

how to roast a turkey in an electric roaster oven Preheat the Roaster

Remove the insert pan from the electric roaster and turn the roaster on to its highest temperature.

Most roasters can be set to 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the roaster will ensure that the roaster is evenly hot when you are ready to put your bird in.

Prepare Your Insert

If you are planning on using some liquid in the bottom of the pan when cooking your turkey, add about a cup or cup and half of the chicken and turkey broth to the bottom of the insert.

For a more flavorful turkey, sprinkle some seasonings into the broth, as the seasonings will add extra flavor to the turkey while it is cooking.

Prep Your Turkey

While the roaster is heating, Prep your turkey. Rinse it completely and pat it dry. If you are planning on stuffing it, then stuff it just prior to putting it into the roaster.

Make sure that you pack the stuffing inside the cavity of the turkey loosely so the dressing and the turkey can cook properly.

Rub your turkey with olive oil (or butter if you prefer) and sprinkle with seasoning.

Place the rack into the insert with the handles raised (this makes it easier to remove the rack when the turkey is done) and then place the turkey onto the rack breast down. ( Cooking your turkey breast down makes the breast moister.)

Cooking Your Turkey

Begin roasting your turkey at the highest temperature for the first 30 minutes. And then turn the roaster down to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the minimum amount of time your turkey is supposed to cook.

Although it will be tempting, don't check on the turkey until the time is up, as lifting the lid will allow all the heat out of the roaster and slow the actual cooking of the turkey.

Here are the minimum cooking times for your turkey based on poundage and whether it is stuffed or unstuffed.

Turkey Cooking Time

Pin this turkey cooking time chart for later!

Turkey cooking time chart

8 to 12-pound turkey – 2 ¾ to 3 hours unstuffed – 3 to 3 ½ hours stuffed
12-14 pound turkey – 3 to 3 ½ hours unstuffed – 3 ½ to 4 hours stuffed
14 to 18-pound turkey – 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours unstuffed or 4 to 4 ½ hours stuffed
18 to 20 Pound turkey – 4 to 4 ½ hours unstuffed or 4 ½ to 4 ¾ hours stuffed
20 to 24-pound turkey – 4 ½ to 5 hours unstuffed or 5 to 5 ¼ hours stuffed

Always make sure to check the turkey for the internal temperature at the lowest cooking time.

Stick a meat thermometer into a meaty part of the turkey (do not touch the thermometer to bone) and make sure it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the turkey is not done, then place the lid back on the roaster and cook for another 30 minutes.

Once the turkey is finally done remove from the roaster, tent with tin foil, and let rest 15 to 20 minutes prior to serving as this locks the juices into the meat.

Other Turkey Roasting Tips

Always rub the inside of the turkey with salt and other seasonings for a more flavorful turkey.
If you are not going to stuff your turkey, quarter an onion and an apple, two carrots, and two stalks of celery and lay loosely into the turkey's cavity as this will add additional flavor to your turkey.
Use the drippings from the bottom of the insert to make a great tasting homemade gravy.

Following these simple tips to cooking a turkey in an electric roaster should result in a tasty, moist turkey that your family will love.

Oven Roasting Pans to Choose From

Oster Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid, 22-Quart, Stainless Steel (CKSTRS23-SB-D) Oster Roaster Oven with Self-Basting Lid, 22-Quart, Stainless Steel (CKSTRS23-SB-D) Gibson Home 64207.02 Top Roast 16-Inch Oval Roaster Pan with Lid and Rack, Stainless Steel Gibson Home 64207.02 Top Roast 16-Inch Oval Roaster Pan with Lid and Rack, Stainless Steel Granite Ware 18-Inch Covered Oval Roaster Granite Ware 18-Inch Covered Oval Roaster