Cooking a turkey in a NuWave oven could save you time in the kitchen, and frees up your traditional oven to cook other items for a special dinner. NuWave is a countertop oven that uses conduction, convection and infrared heat simultaneously to cook foods as much as 50 percent faster than an oven.
According to its manufacturers, NuWave ovens can bake, roast, grill, steam, broil, air-fry and dehydrate foods. It also includes a cooking rack that allows the fat to drip away. You can cook a whole turkey, fresh or frozen in a NuWave oven, although frozen turkeys take a little longer to cook.
The NuWave oven has revolutionized countertop cooking, using a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection heat to deliver deliciously moist and tender meats in a fraction of the time of a traditional oven. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens. But when it comes to cooking turkey, many wonder – how long should I cook a turkey in the NuWave oven for optimal results?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll share tips timing, and techniques for preparing turkey to perfection in the NuWave every time.
Factors That Determine NuWave Turkey Cook Times
Several key factors impact total cook time when making turkey in the NuWave oven
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Turkey Size – A small 10 lb turkey takes less time than a large 20 lb one. Calculate 10-15 minutes per lb.
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Frozen vs. Thawed – A frozen bird needs more time to safely thaw and cook through, so allow 15 minutes per lb.
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Stuffed vs, Unstuffed – Stuffed turkeys can take 30-60 minutes longer depending on amount of stuffing
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Cooking Temperature – Higher heat around 350°F cooks turkey faster than lower 225°F.
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Cook Until 165°F – Turkey is safe to eat once the thickest part of breast registers 165°F.
So weigh your turkey, account for frozen/thawed and stuffed/unstuffed, and use a meat thermometer for perfectly timed results.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Turkey in the NuWave
Follow these simple steps for juicy, flavorful turkey cooked to perfection in your NuWave oven:
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Thaw – For even cooking, thaw frozen turkey completely in fridge 1-2 days before cooking.
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Prep – Remove giblets, rinse turkey, pat dry. Brush with oil or butter and season all over.
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Insert Probe – For built-in NuWave ovens, insert meat probe into thickest part of breast.
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Position Turkey – Place breast-side down directly on cooking rack.
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Calculate Time – Figure 15 minutes per lb for frozen or 10-12 minutes per lb for thawed.
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Set Temperature – Preheating to 350°F ensures thorough cooking.
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Flip and Baste – At halfway point, flip turkey using mitts. Baste with pan juices.
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Finish Cooking – Return turkey breast-side up and finish cooking until 165°F.
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Rest and Carve – Let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing for juiciest meat.
Handy NuWave TurkeyCooking Chart
Use this handy chart as a guide when cooking turkey based on weight:
| Turkey Weight | Thawed Cook Time | Frozen Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 100-120 minutes | 150 minutes |
| 12 lbs | 120-144 minutes | 180 minutes |
| 14 lbs | 140-168 minutes | 210 minutes |
| 16 lbs | 160-192 minutes | 240 minutes |
| 18 lbs | 180-216 minutes | 270 minutes |
| 20 lbs | 200-240 minutes | 300 minutes |
NuWave Turkey Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for the most flavorful, moist turkey:
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Inject boneless turkey breast with broth or butter for added moisture.
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Rub skin liberally with butter/oil and sprinkle with herbs and spices.
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Use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature. Don’t rely solely on cook time.
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Baste every 30 minutes with turkey drippings to prevent drying out.
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Tent with foil if skin browns too fast or looks overdone before fully cooked.
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Let turkey rest at least 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Common NuWave Turkey FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey in the NuWave oven:
Can I stuff the turkey? Yes, but stuffed turkeys take longer to cook. Add 30-45 minutes to the time to allow for thorough cooking.
Should I cook a turkey breast instead of a whole bird? Absolutely. Follow the same timing guidelines based on weight of just the breast.
Do I need to flip the turkey while cooking? It’s recommended to flip turkey halfway through for even cooking. Baste after flipping.
What temperature should I cook the turkey at? Ideal turbo oven turkey temperature is 350°F. Higher heat speeds up cooking.
How do I know when it’s done? Use a meat thermometer to check breast and thigh meat reaches 165°F minimum.
Can I use a cooking bag? Yes, you can place the turkey in a cooking bag before putting it in the NuWave to help retain moisture.
Should I baste the turkey? Basting every 30 minutes ensures the turkey stays tender and moist throughout the cooking time.
Get Creative with NuWave Turkey Dishes
While whole roasted turkey is traditional, the NuWave oven lets you get creative with turkey dishes like:
- Smoked turkey breast
- Turkey burgers or meatballs
- Turkey chili or pot pie
- Turkey jerky or dried meat
- Turkey veggie casseroles
- Turkey drumsticks or wings
The possibilities are endless for making tasty turkey meals in the efficient NuWave oven!
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey with NuWave Confidence
Cooking turkey in the NuWave oven provides convenience and amazing results. With the proper cook times, temperature, and preparation the NuWave delivers tender, juicy turkey the entire family will love.
Refer to this guide and use a meat thermometer for confidence in achieving perfection. Soon your NuWave oven will be your go-to for all turkey cooking needs!
Step 6: Check the Temperature
Check the temperature of the turkey when the timer beeps, indicating it is finished. Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast to ensure it has reached a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption, according to the USDA.
The thighs and legs, which cook faster, should be around 175 F. Transfer the turkey to a platter to rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
Step 4: Set the Timer
Set the timer by pressing the “Cook Time” button on the powerhead. Set it to the amount of time the turkey needs to cook, based on the size of your turkey, then press “Start.”
Fresh turkey cooks in the NuWave for about 12 minutes per pound.