Can You Rotisserie A Turkey? The Ultimate Guide

Rotisserie cooking a turkey is a classic and delicious way to prepare the bird for a holiday meal or anytime you want juicy, evenly cooked meat But is it right for you? Here’s what you need to know about rotisserie turkeys

What Is A Rotisserie Turkey?

A rotisserie turkey is a whole turkey that is cooked on a rotisserie, which is a cooking device that rotates food over a heat source. The turkey is placed on a spit – a long metal rod – that allows the turkey to rotate slowly and self-baste as it cooks The constant movement exposes the entire turkey to the heat, allowing it to cook evenly

Rotisserie cooking uses both radiant heat from the heat source, like a grill or oven element, as well as the convection heat from hot air circulating around the turkey as it turns. This combination gives the turkey moist, tender meat and crispy, golden brown skin.

What Are The Benefits Of Rotisserie Turkey?

There are several advantages to choosing a rotisserie turkey:

• Even cooking: The rotisserie allows the turkey to cook evenly on all sides. You won’t have to worry about dry breast meat or undercooked thighs.

• Self-basting: As the turkey rotates, the juices baste the meat automatically. This keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.

• Crisp skin: The hot dry air of the rotisserie crisps up the skin beautifully. Rotisserie turkey has crackling skin without the hassle of repeated basting.

• Better flavor: The rotating action allows seasonings and aromatics to penetrate the meat better. The turkey takes on more flavor from herbs and spices.

• Easier prep: With a rotisserie, there’s no need to flip the turkey or tent it with foil. Just season it, set it, and let it cook.

• Freestanding: Outdoor rotisseries like kettle grills are freestanding units. You don’t have to sacrifice oven space.

What Are The Downsides?

While rotisserie turkey has many positives, there are a few limitations:

• Limited size: Whole turkeys over 18-20 lbs are often too large for the rotisserie to handle safely. Stick to smaller birds.

• Less capacity: Rotisseries can only cook 1-2 small turkeys at once, unlike an oven. Feed a crowd with roasts or boneless turkey.

• Added cost: You’ll need a rotisserie attachment for your grill or a countertop rotisserie appliance. These cost $100-300.

• Can’t stuff it: Stuffed turkeys can’t be rotisserie cooked safely. Cook stuffing separately.

• Requires monitoring: Rotisseries cook faster than ovens, so the turkey needs more frequent checking.

What Equipment Do You Need?

To make rotisserie turkey at home, you’ll need:

• Rotisserie attachment: Either an attachment for your outdoor grill or an electric countertop unit.

• Butcher’s twine: To truss up the legs and wings.

• Meat thermometer: An instant read thermometer to check for doneness.

• Roasting pan: To catch drips if using a countertop rotisserie.

• Carving board: A large cutting board to hold the cooked turkey for carving.

What Size Turkey Should You Use?

For ideal results, stick to smaller birds in the 10-18 lb range when cooking rotisserie turkey. Turkeys over 20 lbs are difficult for consumer rotisserie units to handle well. The turkey may not rotate evenly or cook through properly.

If cooking 2 turkeys, aim for birds of equal size for balance. Cook times are based on the weight of each turkey, not the total weight.

For a crowd, cook several small turkeys or opt for turkey parts like bone-in breasts or drumsticks. You can also roast boneless turkey roasts on the rotisserie quite easily.

How Do You Prepare A Turkey For Rotisserie Cooking?

Getting the turkey ready for the rotisserie is easy:

• Remove giblets: Check inside both body cavities and remove giblets and neck.

• Dry thoroughly: Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. This helps crisping.

• Truss: Use butcher’s twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body.

• Season: Rub the turkey all over with oil or butter and seasonings of choice. Get into the cavities too.

• Insert a meat thermometer: Place an instant read thermometer in the deepest part of the thigh but not touching bone.

• Skewer: Slide the rotisserie spit lengthwise through the turkey. Center it for balance.

What Temperature Should You Cook A Rotisserie Turkey To?

Rotate the turkey over medium indirect heat around 325°F. Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh based on USDA guidelines. The thigh runs hotter so check both areas with a meat thermometer before removing from heat.

For optimum safety and tenderness, do not cook stuffing inside a rotisserie turkey. Cook it separately to 165°F.

Let the turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute through the meat. The temperature will rise slightly during rest time.

How Long Does It Take To Rotisserie Cook A Turkey?

Cooking times can vary based on the size of the turkey, temperature of the rotisserie, and your desired doneness. Generally you can estimate:

• 4-8 lb turkey: 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
• 8-12 lb turkey: 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours
• 12-16 lb turkey: 2 1⁄2 – 3 1⁄2 hours
• 16-20 lb turkey: 3 1⁄2 – 4 1⁄2 hours

Monitor the turkey closely and use a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety and perfect results. Let the breast temperature, not the time, be your guide.

What Are Some Recipe And Flavor Ideas?

One benefit of rotisserie turkey is that the exterior gets rubbed with flavorful seasonings. This releases and penetrates the meat better than roasting.

Some rotisserie seasoning ideas:

• Herb rub with rosemary, thyme, sage. Goes great with citrus.

• Spice rub with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic.

• Asian flavors like five spice powder, ginger, sesame oil.

• Cajun seasoning with bold spices like onion, garlic.

• Dry rub with brown sugar, salt, pepper, spices.

You can also place flavorful liquids and fruits inside the cavity. Try apple juice, chicken broth, lemons, onions.

How Should You Carve A Rotisserie Turkey?

Rest the turkey for 15-20 minutes before carving. Then:

• Place turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.

• Cut the turkey where the leg meets the body. Pull the leg away and slice to remove.

• Cut along one side of the breastbone. Slice the breast meat off in thin slices.

• Repeat on the other side of the breastbone.

• Cut the wings off in the middle joint. Slice the meat off.

Slice all meat across the grain for tenderness. Arrange on a platter to serve.

Can You Make Gravy From Rotisserie Drippings?

The drippings from a rotisserie turkey are full of delicious meat flavor. Follow these tips for great gravy:

• Place a roasting pan under the rotisserie to catch drips.

• Skim off excess fat once drippings cool slightly.

• Make a basic roux with butter and flour. Whisk in drippings and turkey stock.

• Simmer gravy gently until thickened.

• Season with salt, pepper and herbs like sage.

What Are Some Serving Suggestions For Rotisserie Turkey?

Rotisserie turkey is ideal for both formal and casual meals any time of year. Serve with:

• Classic Thanksgiving or Christmas sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies.

• Fresh cranberry sauce, bread stuffing, roasted squash.

• Hearty salad with greens, nuts, dried fruit, cheese crumbles.

• Sandwiches with gravy, cranberry sauce, mayo on crusty bread.

• Quesadillas with pepper jack, caramelized onions, salsa.

• Tacos on corn tortillas with all the fixings.

• Turkey enchiladas with green sauce, beans, rice.

• Turkey salad with mayo, celery, grapes, pecans.

So can you rotisserie a turkey? Absolutely! When prepared properly, rotisserie turkey is flavorful, juicy and beautifully browned. With the right equipment and technique, you can make this delicious roast turkey at