Electric roaster ovens are a handy way to cook many different foods, however, the most popular use of an electric roaster is to make that holiday turkey when there simply is no space in the oven to do so. Today we'll look at how to roast a turkey in an electric roaster.
Cooking a turkey in an electric roaster is a great way to save time and energy. If you have the oven space, you can roast your turkey in regular ovens, but an electric roaster can help you, especially on Thanksgiving day. You can cook something else in your oven, with the turkey in the electric oven.
Unfortunately, most people feel that their turkey ends up steamed rather than roasted, so it's important you learn how to do it correctly to avoid this. There are some tips and tricks that can help you do it well and once you learn them, you'll be roasting the perfect turkey every time.
If this is happening to you, then these tips on how to roast a turkey in an electric roaster oven may help you to get that roast turkey flavor that you are looking for.
How To Cook Turkey In An Electric Roaster
1. Preheat the roaster
Remove the insert pan from the electric roaster and turn the roaster on to its highest temperature. Most roasters can be set to 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheating the roaster will ensure that the roaster is evenly hot when you are ready to put your bird in. Oven temperature is an important part of getting the perfect roast in a conventional oven, as is your turkey prep.
It's best to thaw your turkey first, but you can cook a frozen turkey. Just be aware it will increase the roast time.
2. Prepare your insert
If you are planning on using some liquid in the bottom of the pan when cooking your turkey, add about a cup or cup and half of the turkey broth to the bottom of the insert.
For a more flavorful turkey, sprinkle some turkey brining spices into the broth; the seasonings will add extra flavor to the turkey while it is cooking.
3. Prep the turkey
While the roaster is heating, prep your turkey. First, you will need to remove the giblets from the turkey and rinse the bird inside and out. Next, you will need to pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Then, you will need to rub the skin of the turkey with vegetable oil.
Make sure that you pack the stuffing inside the cavity of the turkey loosely so the dressing and the turkey can cook properly.
Rub your turkey with olive oil (or butter if you prefer) and sprinkle with seasoning.
Place the rack into the insert with the handles raised (this makes it easier to remove the rack when the turkey is done) and then place the turkey onto the rack breast down.
Cooking your turkey breast down makes the breast moister.
Once you have done this, you will need to place the turkey in the roaster. Make sure that the breast side is up. Then, you will need to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The thermometer should not touch bone.
4. Cooking your bird
Next, you will need to cover the roaster with its lid and cook the turkey according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in mind that it is important to cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Begin roasting your turkey at the highest temperature for the first 30 minutes. And then turn the roaster down to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for the minimum amount of time your turkey is supposed to cook.
Once the turkey is cooked through, you will need to let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat.
Although it will be tempting, don't check on the turkey until the time is up, as lifting the lid will allow all the heat out of the roaster and slow the actual cooking of the turkey.
Here are the minimum cooking times for your turkey based on poundage and whether it is stuffed or unstuffed.
5. Turkey Cooking Time
Are you wondering how long you should roast your turkey? It depends on the weight of the turkey as well as your cooking method, as this can also impact cook time.
- 8 to 12-pound turkey - 2 ¾ to 3 hours unstuffed - 3 to 3 ½ hours stuffed
- 12-14 pound turkey - 3 to 3 ½ hours unstuffed - 3 ½ to 4 hours stuffed
- 14 to 18-pound turkey - 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours unstuffed or 4 to 4 ½ hours stuffed
- 18 to 20 Pound turkey - 4 to 4 ½ hours unstuffed or 4 ½ to 4 ¾ hours stuffed
- 20 to 24-pound turkey - 4 ½ to 5 hours unstuffed or 5 to 5 ¼ hours stuffed
Always make sure to check the turkey for the internal temperature at the lowest cooking time.
Stick a meat thermometer into a meaty part of the turkey (do not touch the thermometer to the bone) and make sure it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the turkey is not done, then place the lid back on the roaster and cook for another 30 minutes.
Once the turkey is finally done remove it from the roaster, tent it with tin foil, and let rest 15 to 20 minutes prior to serving as this locks the juices into the meat.
Find heavy-duty Thanksgiving paper plates here.
6. Carving the turkey
A great roasted turkey also needs to be carved correctly to keep the juices and flavor in.
When it’s time to carve your roast turkey, start by removing any string or twine that’s holding it together. Place the bird breasts side up on a cutting board and use a large knife to remove each entire breast half in one piece by slicing along each side of the breastbone, following its contour until you hit where the leg meets the body.
Then use your knife and fork (or your hands) to pull each leg away from the sockets until they pop free (you may have to slice through some connective tissue first), and carve as desired (traditional or otherwise).
If there are still people waiting for their slices of white meat when all dark meat has been served, go ahead and carve any remaining breasts into smaller pieces across the grain before bringing them back to the table. Plan on about ⅓ pound per person when carving. Dark meat lovers may want closer to ½ pound per person.
Turkey Roasting Tips
- Always rub the inside of the turkey with salt and other seasonings for a more flavorful turkey.
- If you are not going to stuff your turkey, quarter an onion and an apple, two carrots, and two stalks of celery and lay loosely into the turkey's cavity as this will add additional flavor to your bird.
- You can also roast your stuffing right inside the bird, which not only saves on dirtying another dish but also means less work for you come holiday mealtime. Just spoon your stuffing into the cavity of a clean, dry bird (never stuff the hot bird or raw stuffing into the bird). Don't pack it too tightly, since the stuffing swells as it cooks.
- Use the drippings from the bottom of the insert to make a great-tasting homemade gravy.
Delicious Side Dishes For Thanksgiving Potluck
These Thanksgiving potluck ideas are perfect for side dishes you can bring for the special day. It's a great way to contribute to the Thanksgiving table and also a great way to showcase your favorite foods. Here are my picks for the best Thanksgiving side dishes that are perfect for potluck dinners. Hope you enjoy!
This Jellied Cranberry Sauce Made With Fresh Whole Cranberries is scrumptious, with just the right amount of tang. And takes just 30 minutes (plus time to refrigerate). Make it the day before you need it
and it's ready for your holiday dinner.
Great pie for Thanksgiving. Your family will love it: I promise!
Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is a standard side dish on many tables for Thanksgiving. The kids love it, and you will too!
Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes are ideal for such special occasions and are prepared in under 20 minutes!
Classic and beloved, this Creamed Spinach recipe gets an innovative update with croutons fried in olive oil, which totally make the dish! The richness of this dish screams out to be served with roasted turkey and all the fixin’s. It fits right in!
These flaky biscuits are addicting! They're buttery, soft, and have tons of flaky layers! This Easy Homemade Biscuit recipe is perfect for family dinners, and holidays, and is the best side dish to just about any comfort food. Bonus? You only need 7 basic ingredients. This is the best biscuit recipe ever!
This quick and easy four-bean salad is simple and delicious. With a tangy vinaigrette, it's perfect for a pot luck or a picnic. Tuck in!
Air Frying Carrots With Thyme- GF/DF, Vegan, Top 8 Free
Air frying carrots with thyme are the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. They are top allergen free, vegan, and full of taste so they are excellent for meeting the needs of many diets at family dinners.
Broccoli and Cauliflower in a Gouda Cheese Sauce recipe is a creamy and cheesy side dish perfect for a Sunday dinner or holiday potluck. Topped with a buttery bread crumb topping, it is a mouthwatering dish your guests will love.
This corn on the cob is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner you have. It's just a little longer than the classic way, but it's really easy and you only need simple ingredients you already have.
These delicious roasted green beans and carrots are coated in olive oil, salt, and herbs and baked to perfection. In under 30 minutes, it is sure to become a great holiday or everyday side dish.
These sweet potatoes cook entirely in the crockpot. Since many have handles and latches your dish is ready to take to a potluck in the same container you cooked it in! They even mash right in the slow cooker insert for a super easy Thanksgiving side.
This Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic side dish for the holidays. Mashed sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows and brown sugar streusel.
In addition to flawlessly cooked vegetables or meats, a delicious pumpkin pie can also be baked using the air fryer. You may find it strange but believe me when I say that the consistency is always excellent and decadent.
These authentic Southern Collard Greens are braised in savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture!!!
Harvest squash casserole is a delicious combination of three veggies, herbs, and butter for lovely autumn inspired side dish
Simple and delicious, this Balsamic Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe is a great addition to any holiday meal. Juicy apples, golden raisins, orange zest, and a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon will complement your festive dinner!
Roasted rosemary rainbow carrots are the perfect side dish for any meal. Simply garnished with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, these little babies are the perfect combination of savory with just a hint of sweetness.
Pumpkin pie, the classic Thanksgiving dessert, gets a gluten-free and dairy-free makeover without compromising on flavor! It's pie perfection!
These creamy mashed potatoes use real fresh garlic, sauteed leeks in butter, and sour cream for a rich side dish, perfect for a Thanksgiving potluck or large dinner party.
This easy sweet potato casserole goes with any Thanksgiving main dish. It’s decadent enough to be a dessert!
These Cinnamon Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes are an easy and tasty dish for Thanksgiving! Small bites of deliciousness that will compliment all of your other autumn flavors.
This Candied Pecan and Cranberry Pear Salad is filled with tart cranberries, crisp pears, sugar candied pecans, and topped with a sweet honey vinaigrette. Delicious and beautiful for the Thanksgiving meal.
This sour cream green bean casserole is classic holiday comfort food at its finest! This green bean casserole uses fresh green beans and sour cream instead of cream of mushroom soup.
This mouthwatering sweet potato casserole has a crisp topping loaded with savory flavors. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
This creamy and cozy one-pot Vegan Pumpkin Risotto is a flavorful, healthy 20-minute dish that makes a fabulous side dish for a Thanksgiving meal.
Pumpkin spice waffle whoopie pies with maple frosting are an easy dessert appetizer sure to please. You'll love that they don't require an oven, and you only need six ingredients. Most of which you already have on hand.
This corn casserole is not only easy to make but it's full of creamy, comforting ingredients.
Pumpkin is often overlooked as a vegetable but it is nutrient-rich, high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, and low calorie. Colorful roast pumpkin cubes make a great addition to any Thanksgiving dinner.
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a popular Thanksgiving side dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with toasted marshmallows for an easy and delicious dish!
Let the zhoug sauce do the talking as it forms the luxurious base for these gorgeous roasted red Brussels sprouts. This is the perfect side dish for the cooler months, and let the warm spices and the spicy sauce give the winter chills the flick
These Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots are a tasty and easily prepared side dish. The carrots and parsnips are smothered in a glaze of honey, mustard, and rosemary for the most delicious flavor.
This is a make-ahead vegetarian staple, perfect for a potluck. Make mashed butternut squash in your pressure cooker for an easy cooking method perfect for beginners.
Dried cranberries, orange zest, and roasted pecans and walnuts make this one festive holiday cheese ball that can be paired with sweet or savory leaning accompaniments.
These green beans and potatoes are the best hearty and flavorful side dish! This recipe is loaded with cozy flavors and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
These mashed sweet potatoes are slightly savory and a little bit sweet making them the perfect base for many flavor additions.
This delicious Warm Zucchini Salad is the perfect dish to serve with any meal! With zesty lemon, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts, this salad is sure to be a hit!
This baked mac and cheese is the perfect side for Thanksgiving! It's creamy and cheesy with a crunchy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping! It can be prepared ahead of time and serves a big crowd!
These 3 ingredient pumpkin muffins are super easy to make, fluffy, moist and so delicious! The perfect pumpkin spice Fall or Thanksgiving treat is made with a spiced cake mix and canned pumpkin.
Want an easy side dish to bring to a Thanksgiving potluck? Make this beautiful orange-flavored cranberry sauce which is ready in minutes. It's perfect when served hot, warm, or cold!
Turkey Day Help
Following these simple tips for cooking a turkey in an electric roaster should result in a tasty, moist turkey that your family will love.
Kathy acquired the blog, Recipe Idea Shop in 2024. She was raised on a farm in Arkansas where having a big garden and good food to eat was the norm. She shares recipes for homemade comfort food and new trending dishes.
Kathy began her blogging journey in 2011 when she founded PetticoatJunktion.com, a home décor blog focused on repurposing and upcycling furniture, and thrift store finds.
