• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Recipe Idea Shop

Comfort Food And Trendy Dishes

  • Blog
  • Recipe Index
  • Favorites
  • Entrees
  • Desserts
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Blog
  • Recipe Index
  • Favorites
  • Entrees
  • Desserts
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Blog
    • Recipe Index
    • Favorites
    • Entrees
    • Desserts
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Recipe Idea Shop » Entrees

    How To Cook Turkey In An Electric Roaster

    by Kathy Owen · "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases"

    Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn <use href="#<svg width="1em" height="1em" viewBox="0 0 32 32" class="scriptlesssocialsharing__icon flipboard" fill="currentcolor" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img"> <title>flipboard</title> <path d="M24.997 13.001h-5.998v5.998h-5.998v5.998h-5.998v-17.995h17.995zM1.004 1.004v29.991h29.991v-29.991z"></path> </svg>" xlink:href="# flipboard "> Share on Flip it Share on Email

    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. 

    Roasted turkey on the Thanksgiving tablewith lots of colorful side dishes.

    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

    A graph of turkey cooking time by weight.

    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

    Turkey on a silver tray being carved for Thanksgiving dinner.

    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. 

    Table of Contents

    Toggle
    • How To Cook Turkey In An Electric Roaster
      • 1. Preheat the roaster
      • 2. Prepare your insert
      • 3. Prep the turkey
      • 4. Cooking your bird
      • 5. Turkey Cooking Time
      • Find heavy-duty Thanksgiving paper plates here.
      • 6. Carving the turkey
    • Turkey Roasting Tips
    • Turkey Day Help

    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!

    Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce Recipe

    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.

    Molasses Pumpkin Pecan Pie With Gingersnap Cookie Crust

    Great pie for Thanksgiving. Your family will love it: I promise!

    Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

    Candied Sweet Potato Casserole is a standard side dish on many tables for Thanksgiving. The kids love it, and you will too!

    Photo Credit: thisnoshtalgiclife.com

    Simple Gluten-Free Corn Casserole with Green Chile

    This gluten-free corn casserole with green chiles is an excellent option to serve for a fall dinner or on Thanksgiving. It is pure comfort food, can be made in advance, warms bellies, and brings smiles to faces. It is also an excellent vegetarian side dish that can take the main stage in a meal.

    Photo Credit: www.corriecooks.com

    Instant Pot Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

    Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes are ideal for such special occasions and are prepared in under 20 minutes!

    Photo Credit: mangiawithmichele.com

    Creamed Spinach with Croutons

    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!

    Photo Credit: britneybreaksbread.com

    Easy Homemade Biscuits

    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!

    Photo Credit: aussiehomecook.com

    Four Bean Salad

    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!

    Photo Credit: www.theallergenfreekitchen.com

    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.

    Photo Credit: fitasafiddlelife.com

    Cauliflower and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.corriecooks.com

    Instant Pot Thanksgiving Corn on the Cob

    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.

    Photo Credit: bluesbestlife.com

    Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Mash Recipe

    If you are looking for low-carb alternatives to your regular mashed potatoes try making this creamy potato and cauliflower mash recipe! This side dish is perfect for any night of the week or can even be made for a special occasion holiday dinner like Thanksgiving dinner or Easter dinner.

    Photo Credit: savaskitchen.com

    Roasted Green Beans and Carrots

    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.

    Photo Credit: thedefaultcook.com

    Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter

    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. 

    Photo Credit: celebratingsweets.com

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel

    This Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic side dish for the holidays. Mashed sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows and brown sugar streusel.

    Photo Credit: www.salads4lunch.com

    Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

    This Butternut Squash Salad is the perfect fall salad for Thanksgiving. Full of flavor and beautiful colors! Drizzled with the most incredible apple cider vinaigrette dressing, and topped with toasted walnuts and cranberries, your friends and family will love this vegetarian fall salad.

    Photo Credit: www.cookingschooldropout.com

    Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie

    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.

    Photo Credit: grandbaby-cakes.com

    Southern Collard Greens Recipe

    These authentic Southern Collard Greens are braised in savory meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an amazing tender silky texture!!!

    Photo Credit: whatagirleats.com

    Harvest Squash Casserole {How To Cook Spaghetti Squash}

    Harvest squash casserole is a delicious combination of three veggies, herbs, and butter for lovely autumn inspired side dish

    Photo Credit: lemonsandzest.com

    Simple Cranberry Apple Chutney Recipe

    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!

    Photo Credit: randaderkson.com

    Roasted Rainbow Carrots

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.aimadeitforyou.com

    Ultimate Gluten Free & Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie

    Pumpkin pie, the classic Thanksgiving dessert, gets a gluten-free and dairy-free makeover without compromising on flavor! It's pie perfection!

    Photo Credit: www.eatthelove.com

    Garlic and Leek Mashed Potatoes

    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.

    Photo Credit: fluxingwell.com

    Best Easy Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole

    This easy sweet potato casserole goes with any Thanksgiving main dish. It’s decadent enough to be a dessert!

    Photo Credit: dancingthroughtherain.com

    Cinnamon Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes -

    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.

    Photo Credit: whiskfulcooking.com

    Candied Pecan and Cranberry Pear Salad

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.twopinkpeonies.com

    Easy Sour Cream Green Bean Casserole {with fresh green beans}

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.asweetalternative.com

    Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

    This mouthwatering sweet potato casserole has a crisp topping loaded with savory flavors. It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

    Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

    Cheesy Zucchini Cornbread Casserole Recipe

    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.

    Photo Credit: yourbetterkitchen.com

    Pumpkin Spice Waffle Whoopee Pies

    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.

    Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

    The BEST Corn Casserole

    This corn casserole is not only easy to make but it's full of creamy, comforting ingredients.

    Photo Credit: www.kibitzspot.com

    Pumpkin Cubes: A delicious Side Dish Anytime

    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. 

    Photo Credit: www.ihearteating.com

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

    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!

    Photo Credit: thedevilwearssalad.com

    Red Brussels Sprouts and Zhoug Sauce

    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

    Photo Credit: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

    Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots

    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.

    Photo Credit: smackofflavor.com

    Pressure Cooker Mashed Butternut Squash

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.midwexican.com

    Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Nuts

    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.

    Photo Credit: organicallyaddison.com

    Green Beans and Potatoes

    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.

    Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

    Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    These mashed sweet potatoes are slightly savory and a little bit sweet making them the perfect base for many flavor additions.

    Photo Credit: www.sweetteaandthyme.com

    Soul Food Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

    Southern baked macaroni and cheese, also called soul food mac and cheese, is the ultimate in comfort food. Creamy, rich, ooey-gooey, super cheesy, with those crispy browned cheese edges...no one can resist perfectly baked mac and cheese.

    Photo Credit: kjsfoodjournal.com

    Warm Zucchini, Feta and Pine Nut Salad

    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!

    Photo Credit: drivemehungry.com

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs

    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!

    Photo Credit: aubreyskitchen.com

    3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

    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.

    Photo Credit: www.christinascucina.com

    Orange cranberry sauce with Grand Marnier

    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

    • a whole turkey defrosted in the microwave
      How To Defrost Or Thaw A Turkey
    • How to Make Gravy
      How to Make Gravy
    • smoked turkey
      How To Smoke a Turkey in a Propane Gas Smoker with Ease
    • vegetables and turkey soup in a white bowl
      What to Do with Leftover Turkey - 10 Simple Ideas

    Following these simple tips for cooking a turkey in an electric roaster should result in a tasty, moist turkey that your family will love.

    More Entrees

    • How to make spicy Hoppin' John Soup
      30 Minute Spicy Hoppin’ John Soup
    • chicken sausage and cabbage stir fry
      Three Ingredient Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
    • Brightly colored stew made with green beans, corn, carrots, red peppers, zucchini, and more.
      Moosewood's Tilghman Island Stew
    • A colorful dinner meal including a bowl of soup, salad, and bread slices covered with spread.
      9 Easy Dinner Recipe Ideas Your Family Will Love

    About Kathy Owen

    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.

    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    • Editorial Policy
    • Disclosure/Privacy Policy/

    Subscribe Here

    Pinterest

    • About/Contact
    • Home

    Copyright © 2025 Recipe Idea Shop