How to Cook a Juicy Turkey in an Oster Roaster Oven

Oster roaster ovens are a convenient countertop appliance for cooking smaller turkeys. The moist, enclosed heat circulates around the bird for tender, flavorful results.

Cooking turkey in an Oster roaster eliminates the need to heat up the whole kitchen. And it frees up the regular oven for sides Below are tips for getting perfect roaster oven turkey every time.

Benefits of the Oster Roaster for Turkey

There are several advantages to using an Oster roaster rather than the conventional oven:

• Moistness – The steamy environment ensures a juicy bird. No basting required.

• Speed – With the enclosed high heat turkey cooks faster than a standard oven.

• Counter space – The compact size saves room compared to bulky oven pans

• Portability – Some models have handles for easy transport to parties or potlucks.

• Capacity – Cook up to a 20 lb turkey depending on the roaster size.

For holidays, an Oster roaster provides fast, fuss-free turkey with minimal cleanup.

Choosing a Turkey for the Oster Roaster

When selecting a turkey for roaster oven cooking, opt for:

• Boneless turkey breast – Takes less time. Easy to fit in most roasters.

• Bone-in breast – Leave backbone for juicier meat. Size to fit your model.

• Small turkeys – Whole birds up to 16 lbs. Over 20 lbs likely won’t fit.

• Turkey pieces – Drumsticks, thighs and wings cook quickly.

Make sure any whole turkey will lay flat with legs secured to maximize space.

Oster Roaster Turkey Cooking Times

Cooking duration depends on turkey size:

• Boneless breast: Cook 15-20 minutes per lb
• Bone-in breast: Cook 20-25 minutes per lb
• Turkey thighs: Cook 60-75 minutes per lb
• Drumsticks: Cook 75-90 minutes per lb
• Small whole turkey: Cook 45-60 minutes per lb

For example, a 5 lb boneless breast takes about 1.5 hours while a 16 lb whole turkey needs 10-12 hours.

Use a meat thermometer and check temperature 15-30 minutes before recommended time.

Step-by-Step Guide for Oster Roaster Turkey

Follow this simple process for flawless roaster oven turkey:

Ingredients:

• 1 small whole turkey or turkey breast, up to 16 lbs
• Herbs, citrus, butter, or seasoning of choice

Directions:

1. Thaw turkey completely if frozen. Do not wash raw turkey.

2. Pat turkey dry. Loosen skin from breast and rub in seasoning if desired.

3. Truss legs with twine so bird lays flat. Tuck wings under.

4. Place turkey directly on roaster rack. Add 1 cup broth or water to pan bottom.

5. Cook covered on highest temperature for 30 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to 300°F. Do not open lid while cooking.

7. Use thermometer to check temperature after estimated cook time. Breast 165°F, thighs 175°F.

8. Once done, tent turkey with foil and let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Adding a touch of liquid generates steam for extra moistness. Resist opening the lid to prevent heat loss.

Oster Roaster Turkey Cooking Tips

Maximize flavor and tenderness with these useful tips:

• Inject turkey with broth, herbs, or barbecue sauce

• Stuff aromatics in the cavity like onions, apples, or oranges

• Rub compound butter under the skin for extra richness

• Use a seasoning blend like lemon pepper or cajun for flavor

• Add veggies like carrots, potatoes, garlic to roast with drippings

• Flip turkey halfway during cook time to ensure even browning

• Finish under broiler if deseired for crispy, browned skin

Getting creative with seasonings and fillings gives you a memorable roasted turkey.

Common Oster Roaster Turkey Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls when cooking turkey in an Oster roaster:

• Overstuffing the cavity – Filling expands and can split the bird. Cook stuffing separately.

• Not sealing lid – Escaping steam means dry meat. Keep tightly closed.

-Cooking at high temps entire time – High heat is just for initial searing. Lower temp finishes evenly.

• Not monitoring temperature – Turkey overcooks quickly in moist heat. Use a meat thermometer.

• Skipping trussing – Untied legs lead to uneven cooking.

• Adding too much liquid – More than 1 cup creates excess moisture.

• Removing too soon – Check internal temp to ensure safely cooked.

Proper preparation and temp monitoring results in perfect roaster oven turkey.

Troubleshooting Oster Roaster Turkey Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Undercooked meat – Increase roasting time and monitor temp closely.

• Uneven doneness – Bird wasn’t trussed properly. Secure legs better next time.

• Dried out turkey – Cooking temp was too high. Use lower steady temp.

• Soggy skin – Excess liquid in roaster. Use less or place turkey on rack.

• Greasy turkey – Too much basting oil. Rub on minimal amount before roasting.

• Burst skin – Turkey was overstuffed. Cook stuffing separately.

• Smoky kitchen – Roaster was overfilled. Size turkey to appliance.

With some trial and error, you’ll get the method down for roaster oven perfection.

Should You Cook Turkey in an Oster Roaster?

While roaster ovens like Oster models can make good turkey, traditional oven roasting likely produces better results.

The enclosed roaster heat does keep turkey very moist. However, it can be difficult to achieve crispy browned skin. And capacity is limited compared to a full oven.

So while an Oster roaster does provide a convenient, mess-free way to cook smaller turkeys, oven roasting may be best for larger birds and optimizing texture.

The choice depends on your goals, space constraints, and preferred technique. For many home cooks, roaster oven turkey is an excellent alternative.

The key is properly prepping, trussing, and seasoning the turkey before placing in the roaster. Follow recommended cook times and temperatures for your model. With some practice, you can churn out fantastic roaster oven turkey.