| Roasting Times for a Whole Turkey Cooked in a 325°F Electric Roaster (Times are approximate – follow manufacturers instructions if available) | |
|---|---|
| Weight | Unstuffed |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours |
How long does a turkey take to cook in a roaster?
Place turkey in the roaster, breast side up. Rub the turkey with the butter and season with salt and pepper. Cover the roaster and cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Lower the heat to 325 degrees and cook for 3 1/2 – 4 hours until a thermometer reads 165 degrees in the thickest part of the turkey thigh.
How big of a roasting pan do you need for a 20lb turkey?
A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds. A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds. A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey at 250 degrees?
At 250 degrees F your turkey will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. At 275 degrees F your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Keep the turkey cold while you brine it! It should be in the fridge or in a cooler, or at the very least in a tub of cold water.
How long to cook a turkey at 350 in a roaster?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.
Is it better to cook a turkey covered or uncovered?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
Do you put water in bottom of roasting pan for Turkey?
We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan. Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey.” … This will create spotty browning and may look underdone—even when the meat is fully cooked.
Can the turkey touch the sides of the pan?
You don’t want to squeeze your meat into a pan so touches the sides of the pan or rests on the bottom. Use a high-sided casserole dish fitted with a rack and get a similar effect. And if it’s a large, heavy piece of meat you’re roasting, do not use those disposable “roasting” pans.
Is a roasting rack necessary?
It’s a structure that fits inside the roasting pan and cradles the meat, keeping it off the bottom of the pan. Perfect roasting involves air circulation around the meat, so a roasting rack is necessary. The rack allows heat to circulate evenly underneath the meat, as well as around the sides.
How big of a turkey do I need for 6 guests?
How to Figure Out How Much Turkey Per Person
| Number of Guests | Turkey Weight– |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5lbs |
| 6 | 8lbs |
| 8 | 10lbs |
| 10 | 13lbs |
Is it safe to cook a turkey on low overnight?
You can slow roast a turkey overnight without checking on it periodically. Roasting a turkey is so much easier when cooked overnight. This slow-roasted Overnight Turkey Recipe is hands free once it’s in the oven. With this recipe, you can rest, literally, assured that your turkey will be ok when you wake up.
What is the best temperature to cook a turkey?
165°F is the USDA recommended internal temperature for cooked turkey. The turkey will continue to cook for several minutes after you take it out of the oven, so take it out before the meat reaches those target temperatures.
Is slow roasting a turkey safe?
Slow-cooking overnight method
Make it safe – The United States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) recommends temperatures no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking meat and poultry. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
When you roast that turkey, it will retain more moisture, making for juicier, tastier meat. To dry brine a turkey, gently separate the skin from the breast meat, and rub kosher salt into the cavity in between, as well as all over the legs and back.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
How long should a 20 lb turkey cook at 325?
If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.