Learn how to cook a turkey in a roaster oven and make the most flavorful, delicious and moist turkey. Free up your oven space by cooking the turkey in an electric roaster.
Your oven is full enough on Thanksgiving and other holidays lets free up some space by cooking the turkey in a roaster oven. Let me show you how to cook a turkey in a roaster. My family has been roasting turkeys this way for decades! This is hands down the best way to roast a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
My parents are part of a camping club and every year they would always have a big turkey dinner at the end of the season. Now campers don’t have the biggest ovens (if they have an oven at all) so they would cook the turkey in an electric roaster oven. The turkey was so moist, flavorful and delicious that my parents started cooking turkey in a roaster at at home for thanksgiving. That had to have started over twenty years ago.
Looking for other ways to cook a turkey? Did you know you can air fry a turkey. It’s another one of our favorite ways to cook a turkey. The crispy skin is out of this world. Don’t forget the side dishes. Try this broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers or apple sausage stuffing.
This Hamilton Beach roaster oven is very similar to the one we’ve been using for years. The newer version is just slightly larger to hold up to a 28 lb turkey. If you are looking for more of a budget option or smaller this 18 Qt roaster oven is a great choice.
The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, and often the centerpiece of these celebrations is a perfectly roasted turkey. But cooking a turkey can be tricky – getting it cooked through while keeping it moist is an art. Many home cooks are looking for easier and more reliable ways to cook the holiday bird. One question that frequently comes up is can you cook a stuffed turkey in an electric roaster?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can cook a stuffed turkey in an electric roaster! Electric roasters provide a convenient, mess-free, and easy way to cook a whole stuffed turkey
What is an Electric Roaster?
An electric roaster is a countertop cooking appliance that is oval or oblong in shape. It has a removable insert pan and a heating element in the base that allows you to roast foods at a set temperature, much like a mini version of an oven. Electric roasters are designed specifically for roasting large cuts of meat like whole chickens, hams, and yes – even whole stuffed turkeys!
Compared to a traditional oven, electric roasters offer several advantages when cooking a turkey:
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Even, consistent heating ensures the turkey cooks evenly throughout. No burnt edges or undercooked spots.
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The countertop setup frees up oven space for all your side dishes.
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They are self-contained units, which keeps spatters and mess to a minimum.
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Moist roasting environment prevents the turkey from drying out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking a Stuffed Turkey in an Electric Roaster
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to roasting a delicious stuffed turkey in an electric roaster:
1. Thaw the Turkey Completely
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Calculate thawing time at 4-5 lbs per day in the refrigerator.
2. Remove Giblets and Neck
Check the cavities and remove the bag containing the giblets and neck. Rinse the turkey cavity thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Aromatics
Chop up aromatic herbs and vegetables like onions, garlic, rosemary, sage, etc. You can place these directly in the turkey cavity or mix with stuffing.
4. Prepare the Stuffing
Make your favorite stuffing recipe. Ensure the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Stuff both the neck and main cavity loosely.
5. Truss the Turkey
Tie the legs together with twine to hold the shape while cooking. Tuck the wings under.
6. Preheat and Oil the Roaster
Preheat empty roaster at 350°F. Once hot, rub the bottom and sides with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
7. Place Turkey Breast-Side Up
Place stuffed turkey breast up on the roasting rack. Add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom to prevent drippings from burning.
8. Roast the Turkey
Cook at 350°F, allowing 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. Add 15-30 mins for a stuffed turkey. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
9. Test for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. Turkey is done at 165°F.
10. Let Rest and Carve
Remove turkey from the roaster and let rest 15 minutes before carving. Serve and enjoy!
Turkey Roasting Tips and Tricks
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Brine the turkey overnight before roasting for extra moisture and flavor.
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Rub the skin with butter or oil and seasonings to crisp up the skin.
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Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Check in a few places.
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If using stuffing, microwave it before stuffing to ensure it is cooked through.
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Tent turkey with foil to prevent over-browning.
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Make turkey stock with the carcass for soups, gravy and risotto.
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Let the roasted turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter rather than carving at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any size turkey fit in an electric roaster?
Check your roaster’s capacity, but most standard-size roasters can accommodate turkeys up to 18-20 lbs. For larger birds, you may need an extra-large roaster.
Should I cook stuffing inside the turkey or separately?
There are pros and cons to both methods. Cooking stuffing inside the bird flavors the stuffing but can increase cook time. For food safety, it’s best to microwave stuffing before placing it in the cavity. Or cook it separately in a baking dish.
Do I need to baste the turkey while roasting?
Basting helps crisp the skin but is not strictly necessary in an electric roaster, as it creates a moist environment. However, basting every 30-60 minutes can’t hurt.
How long does it take to roast a stuffed vs. unstuffed turkey?
An unstuffed turkey takes approximately 15 minutes per pound at 350°F. A stuffed turkey takes 15-30 minutes more.
Can I roast vegetables around the turkey in the roaster?
Absolutely! Just arrange them around the turkey ensuring adequate air circulation. Adjust cook times as needed.
What temperature should the turkey reach before it’s done?
Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. 165°F indicates the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat.
Can I roast a turkey in an electric roaster if I’m at high altitude?
Yes, just adjust cooking temp down by 25°F and add 5-15% to the overall cook time to account for the altitude.
Is roasting a turkey in an electric roaster only for holidays?
While they’re ideal for holiday meals, you can use electric roasters any time you want to cook a whole turkey without heating up the kitchen. Give it a try!
So there you have it – the answer is a resounding yes, you can absolutely cook a stuffed turkey in an electric roaster! Following the tips above will ensure a moist, flavorful and delicious holiday turkey cooked to golden perfection. Give this easy roasting method a try and your family will be asking for roasted turkey all year round.
How to Prep a Turkey Before Roasting
Before roasting they turkey make sure to remove the bag of giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey. Some people will then wash the turkey (more like rinse). This can be controversial and we have debated this a lot in our family. Whether you wash it or not make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel.
Carefully and gently loosen the skin away from the turkey breast and legs using your hand. Make sure not to rip the skin this is important for keeping the moisture in. You are creating pockets so you can spread half the herb butter rub all over your turkey. I promise you this is the most difficult part of the recipe but take your time with it. With the other half of the butter rub it on the outside of the turkey. Season the outside and the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Note: You can add olive oil to the outside of the turkey to help crisp the skin.
How long does it take a turkey to thaw?
How long to cook a turkey depends on the size of the bird. The rule of thumb is 4-5 pounds per day. Meaning a 15 pound turkey will thaw in 3 days where a 20 pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw in the fridge. The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator.
Before roasting your turkey take it out about an hour before so it’s at room temperature before roasting.
