Cooking turkey in an electric roaster is honestly a no-brainer — they produce perfectly moist and tender turkey every time, and they keep your oven free so you can use it for other things. Electric roaster ovens also retain moisture better than conventional ovens, making it easier to avoid the tragedy of dry turkey.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about how to cook perfect turkey in an electric roaster oven. I’ll start by answering some of the most common questions people have about electric roasters, after which I’ll share the recipe and step-by-step guide to cooking your best Thanksgiving turkey ever!
Cooking a moist delicious turkey breast is easier than you think with an electric roaster. This handy countertop appliance allows you to roast a turkey breast to perfection with little effort. Follow these simple steps for tender juicy meat every time.
Benefits of Using an Electric Roaster
Electric roasters have some major advantages over oven roasting when it comes to cooking turkey breasts
-
Moist Meat The self-basting lid circulates heat and seals in moisture for juicy results, No basting required!
-
Cooks Faster: With greater airflow, turkey breasts roast more quickly than in a traditional oven.
-
Frees Up Oven Space: You can use the roaster while the oven is occupied with side dishes.
-
Portability: Bring the roaster to the dining table for a beautiful presentation.
Choosing and Preparing the Turkey Breast
For the best results, select a high-quality, bone-in turkey breast between 7-10 lbs. Thaw frozen breasts for 1-2 days in the fridge before roasting. Remove giblets and pat the skin dry before seasoning.
To infuse flavor and moisture, I like to brine my breast overnight before roasting. An apple juice brine with herbs and spices does the trick.
Roast the Turkey Breast in 5 Easy Steps
Roasting a turkey breast in an electric roaster is simple:
-
Preheat the roaster to 325°F. Add a roasting rack to the bottom.
-
Season the breast with an herb rub. Slip flavored butter under the skin.
-
Place breast in roaster skin-side up and add 1/2 cup broth to the bottom.
-
Roast covered for 8-10 mins per lb until 165°F.
-
Rest 10 minutes before slicing into perfect turkey breast!
Pro Roasting Tips
-
Raise the breast on onion halves to promote air circulation.
-
Paint skin with oil and baking powder for extra crispness.
-
Use an instant-read thermometer for doneness; 160°F is ideal.
-
Let rest 10 minutes so juices redistribute before carving.
Make Delicious Gravy from the Drippings
The flavorful pan drippings make an incredible gravy. After removing the roasted breast, pour drippings into a fat separator. Spoon off excess fat, then whisk remaining juices with cornstarch and chicken broth over medium heat until thickened.
Season the homemade gravy with salt, pepper and fresh herbs. Serve drizzled over sliced turkey breast for a mouthwatering meal.
Pair with Perfect Thanksgiving Sides
A roasted turkey breast is the star of many holiday meals. Complement it with these tasty Thanksgiving favorites:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Savory stuffing or dressing
- Tangy cranberry sauce
- Roasted autumn veggies
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato souffle
- Pumpkin or pecan pie
The possibilities are endless! Turkey breast can also be featured in sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more after the big dinner.
Store and Freeze Leftovers
Refrigerate carved turkey breast up to 4 days. Slice and freeze leftovers in airtight bags for 2-3 months. Thaw frozen turkey slices overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to roast a turkey breast?
Cook times vary based on size, but plan on roasting about 8-10 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 7 lb breast takes 70 minutes, while a 10 lb breast needs 100 minutes.
What temperature should turkey breast reach?
Cook until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For tender, juicy meat, I recommend removing around 160°F and allowing the temperature to carryover during resting.
Can I Stuff my turkey breast?
Yes, you can loosely stuff the breast cavity with dressing before roasting. Add 15 minutes to the cook time. However for food safety and even cooking, I prefer cooking stuffing in a casserole dish.
How much turkey breast do I need per person?
Plan on about 1 pound of boneless, cooked turkey breast meat per person. A 7-10 lb bone-in breast yields 4-6 lbs meat and feeds 6-8.
Satisfy With Succulent Turkey Breast
Cooking turkey breast in an electric roaster results in tender, juicy meat with minimal effort. Prep ahead with a flavorful brine, then let the roaster do the work! In just a few hands-off hours, you’ll have the star of your holiday table ready to carve.
How To Cook Perfect Turkey In An Electric Roaster Oven [Recipe]
You’ll need:
- Electric roaster oven
- 5-gallon bucket
- Turkey
- Salt
- Sugar
- Seasoning salt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Olive oil or butter
Directions:
Step 4 – Rest & Serve
When your turkey is done, open the lid and carefully remove the roasting pan by the handles. Tent the turkey with a large piece of aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour) while you make gravy using the drippings in the roaster pan.
You’ll end up with juicy, tender turkey, all while having the freedom to use your big oven for everything else! My family was originally pretty skeptical, but thanks to the delicious results, the whole family now loves this recipe!
