A Comprehensive Guide to Cooking a Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Breast in an Electric Roaster: A Culinary Journey for Thanksgiving and Beyond

Making a turkey in an electric roaster oven allows you to enjoy a juicy, perfect roast turkey with golden brown skin this holiday season without taking up valuable oven space.

And a turkey will take up most of the space. Cooking the turkey in an electric roaster oven is my workaround since I’ve never owned a home with two ovens. The turkey is cooked in a separate roaster oven, which also holds all the juices and mess.

You don’t need to get up at 7 am to start dinner because an electric turkey roaster cooks your holiday bird even faster than a regular oven!

Ingredients

1 whole turkey breast, thawed up to 20 lbs
1/4 cup olive oil or 1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Preheat your electric roaster to its highest setting. This will typically be around 450°F, but check your specific model’s instructions.
Do not wash the turkey breast. The USDA recommends against washing poultry, as it can spread bacteria.
Sprinkle salt in the cavities of the turkey breast. If desired, you can also stuff it with your favorite stuffing recipe. However, be sure to mix and stuff the ingredients immediately before roasting to ensure food safety.
Rub the entire turkey breast with olive oil or butter. This will help to create a crispy and flavorful skin.
Season the turkey breast generously with seasoning salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking.
Place the turkey breast on the rack in the insert pan of your electric roaster. Make sure the handles of the rack are facing upwards.
Do not add water to the pan. The turkey breast will self-baste as it cooks.
Roast the turkey breast at the highest setting for 30 minutes. This will help to brown the skin and seal in the juices.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
Do not lift the lid during the cooking time. This will help to maintain the heat and ensure even cooking.
Estimate the total cooking time based on the weight of the turkey breast. Use a reliable online calculator, such as the one provided by Butterball, to determine the approximate cooking time.
Start checking the temperature of the turkey breast about an hour before the estimated cooking time is complete. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the roaster and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Tips

Use a wired thermometer to monitor the temperature of the turkey breast without lifting the lid. This will help to ensure accurate cooking and prevent heat loss.
If using a pop-up thermometer, be aware that they can sometimes stick. It’s best to use two thermometers for added accuracy.
Do not overcook the turkey breast. This will result in dry and tough meat.
Allow the turkey breast to rest before carving. This will help to retain its juices and prevent it from drying out.
Use the drippings from the pan to make a delicious gravy.

How do you get at turkey golden brown in an electric roaster?

How to make the toast look golden brown in the toaster is one of the queries we receive the most frequently. A roaster turkey won’t be as golden brown as an oven-roasted turkey, it’s true. However, here are a few tricks:

Preheat the roaster oven to the highest temperature it will go (as I mentioned above). Let it cook for 30 minutes at that high temperature. This helps that skin to crisp up.
Rub herb butter or oil on the outside of the bird for a more golden brown skin.
If you want to ensure a golden brown color, you can brush the outside of a turkey with a browning sauce. Browning sauce is an older ingredient that your grandma may have used for roasts and gravies. It adds both flavor and color. If you brush the outside of the turkey with a pastry brush, it will add a nice brown color. Be careful..you’ll only need a teaspoon or 2 to give a pretty color!

How to cook a turkey breast in an electric roaster?

The BEST and easiest Turkey Breast cooked in the Electric Roaster. Plus mouthwatering gravy too!

FAQ

Can you cook a turkey breast in an electric roaster?

With the help of an electric roaster, cooking a turkey breast for your Thanksgiving feast has never been easier. The result? Juicy and succulent meat that will surely impress your guests. Whether you have a small gathering or simply prefer white meat, this method is a winner.

Do I put water in the bottom of a roaster for turkey breast?

If using a pop-up turkey plug type thermometer, those little pop-ups stick sometimes so you should really use two of them. Put the rack into the insert pan and make sure the handles are up, not tucked below. Put the bird in the insert pan on top of the rack. Don’t add water to the pan.

Is it better to put turkey in oven or electric roaster?

Roaster ovens takes 30 percent less time and uses 36 percent less energy based on average time and energy savings when using a roaster vs. a conventional oven. Many people are concerned that their roaster oven won’t brown the turkey the same way that an oven does, however it still can.

Should the turkey be on a rack in the roaster?

Place the turkey on the roaster oven rack or other meat rack so the turkey is raised out of the juices that collect in the bottom of the oven liner. Leave the lid on throughout cooking, removing it as little as possible to avoid slowing the cooking process.

Can I cook a frozen turkey breast in an electric roaster?
A: It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey breast in an electric roaster. Thaw the turkey breast completely in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting in your microwave to ensure even cooking and food safety.

How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in an electric roaster?
A: The cooking time for a turkey breast in an electric roaster varies depending on its weight. As a general guideline, allow approximately 20 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C).

Should I brine the turkey breast before cooking?
A: Brining is an optional but highly recommended step that adds flavor and juiciness to the turkey breast. Soak the turkey breast in a salt solution for 8-24 hours before cooking.

Do I need to baste the turkey breast while cooking in an electric roaster?
A: Basting is not necessary when cooking a turkey breast in an electric roaster. The enclosed environment helps retain moisture, making basting redundant.

Can I add vegetables or stuffing to the electric roaster with the turkey breast?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables or stuffing to the electric roaster alongside the turkey breast. However, keep in mind that adding vegetables may increase the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion: A Culinary Triumph Awaits

With the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to embark on a culinary journey that will lead you to a perfectly roasted turkey breast Whether you choose to brine the turkey breast for enhanced flavor, experiment with different seasonings, or add vegetables for a complete meal, the electric roaster will be your trusty companion in creating a Thanksgiving feast that will delight your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients preheat your electric roaster, and prepare to savor the delectable flavors of a perfectly roasted turkey breast, the centerpiece of your holiday celebration