My time-tested secrets will help you cook a perfect turkey in an electric roaster with a beautiful golden skin and juicy, tender meat every time!
With all the shopping, prep work, dishes, and cooking at Thanksgiving, this festive holiday can feel a bit daunting.
Over the last decade of hosting our family’s Thanksgiving, I’ve picked up a few stress-free tips to make Thanksgiving meal prep a breeze!
Cooking the Thanksgiving turkey is a big job, but it doesn’t have to be stressful Using an electric roaster oven can help make turkey day a breeze by freeing up your regular oven space. The key is learning how to properly brown the turkey in the electric roaster to achieve beautifully golden, crisp skin covering tender, juicy meat
Here are my tips for getting a picture-perfect brown turkey using an electric roaster oven.
Why Cook Your Turkey in an Electric Roaster?
An electric roaster oven is a countertop appliance that’s large enough to fit a whole turkey usually up to 20 pounds. It has a lid that recirculates heat and moisture to “self-baste” the turkey.
The main benefits of using an electric roaster over a regular oven are:
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Moist, tender meat from self-basting
- Cooks the turkey faster
- Gives you more control over browning
How to Get Your Turkey Golden Brown in the Roaster
Browning the skin can be tricky in an electric roaster since it doesn’t get as hot as a regular oven Here are some tips to take your turkey from pale to perfection
1. Pat the Skin Dry
Make sure to thoroughly pat the skin dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the surface will steam the skin rather than helping it crisp up.
2. Apply Oil and Seasonings
Brush the skin all over with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle on dry seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Use Baking Powder
This is a secret trick for extra crispy skin. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder into the olive oil before brushing it on. The baking powder raises the pH of the skin to enhance browning.
4. Brown Breast Side Down First
Initially cook the turkey breast side down to take advantage of the heat rising directly from the bottom of the roaster. The breast will brown beautifully.
5. Crank Up the Heat
Preheat the roaster to its highest temperature, usually around 450°F. Cook at this high temp for the first 30 minutes to jumpstart the browning process.
6. Lower the Temperature
After initially searing at a high temp, reduce the heat to 325°F for the remainder of the roasting time.
7. Resist Opening the Lid
Avoid lifting the lid too often or the roaster will lose heat. Each peek drops the temperature and prevents the turkey skin from crisping up.
Step-by-Step Method for Golden Brown Turkey
Follow this simple step-by-step method for foolproof golden turkey:
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Dry the turkey skin thoroughly with paper towels. Be sure to pat dry any crevices and cavities.
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Brush on oil and seasoning. Mix olive oil with a teaspoon of baking powder and use a basting brush to coat the skin all over. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Fill the cavity with aromatics. Stuff the cavity with quartered oranges, onions, garlic cloves, fresh herbs, etc.
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Place turkey breast side down on the roasting rack in the preheated 450°F electric roaster.
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Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes. Keep the lid closed so it can sear and start to brown.
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Flip breast side up using two pairs of tongs. Work quickly to avoid heat loss.
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Reduce temperature to 325°F and continue roasting until the turkey is fully cooked, about 10 minutes per pound.
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Check temperature often and resist opening the lid. Cook until the thigh reaches 180°F and breast reaches 165°F.
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Let turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Follow these simple steps for the golden brown, juicy turkey of your dreams with an electric roaster oven! Crispy, beautiful skin covering tender, flavorful meat is easy to achieve with the right techniques.
FAQs About Browning Turkey in an Electric Roaster
How big of a turkey can I cook in an electric roaster?
Most electric roasters can accommodate turkeys up to 20 pounds. Check your manual for the maximum size your appliance can handle. Plan for about 1.5 pounds of turkey per person.
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a roaster oven?
Figure about 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F after initially searing at a high temp. So a 15 pound turkey will take 2.5 to 3.5 hours total. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Should I add water to the electric roaster?
No. The lid of the roaster traps and recirculates moisture so water is not needed. Adding water may cause the turkey skin to steam rather than crisp up.
What temperature should I cook the turkey at?
Crank the heat to 450°F initially, then lower it to 325°F after 30 minutes. The high heat followed by lower heat gives you a beautifully browned exterior and moist interior.
Can I stuff the turkey in an electric roaster?
It’s not recommended for food safety and even cooking. Instead rub aromatics inside the cavity. Cook stuffing separately in a baking dish.
With these handy tips for browning a turkey in an electric roaster oven, you’ll have a picture-perfect, golden bird on your table this Thanksgiving!
Roast the turkey
- Place turkey in the roaster – Carefully place the rack in the roaster with the handles facing up. Place the prepared turkey into the rack, breast side down.
- Cover and cook the bird for 30 minutes at 450°F. Cooking it upside down first at a high temperature gives you a crispier skin!
- Flip turkey breast side up using two pairs of kitchen tongs. Immediately cover, then lower the temperature to 325°F.
- Finish roasting – Continue to roast the bird until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees in the thigh and 165°F in the breast. Avoid removing the lid too often or the roaster will lose its heat.
- Let it rest – Carefully use the handles to lift the bird out of the electric roaster. Cover it with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Plan to cook the turkey for 8 to 10 minutes per pound. Here are a few estimated cooking times to get you started.
- 7 to 8 pounds – 1 hour
- 12 to 13 pounds– 1.5 to 2 hours
- 15 pounds – 3 to 3.5 hours
- 18 to 20 pounds – 4 to 4.5 hours
How to make this recipe:
Preheat the electric roaster to its highest temperature. Most roasters max out at 450 degrees.