My juicy Roaster Oven Turkey will be your new holiday favorite. It’s very easy and tastes great, but the best part is that it cooks more quickly, making room in the oven for the delicious side dishes.
I’m all about a delicious, moist turkey for Thanksgiving. I also like trying different techniques each year too…from my Southwest Smoked Turkey to my deep fried turkey. And now my roaster oven turkey is my new favorite. It turns out so moist and juicy in the roaster oven.
With the roaster oven, the turkey cooks more quickly and leaves more oven space for all of the delicious Thanksgiving side dishes. I’m all about freeing up oven space for the thousand side dishes I always want to make. I can’t be the only one that wants to make all the side dishes I see on Pinterest.
Yes, you absolutely can cook a turkey in a toaster oven! This convenient method is perfect for small families, apartment dwellers, or anyone looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast without the hassle of a full-sized oven.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a Thanksgiving newbie, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey in your toaster oven, from choosing the right bird to carving and serving
Choosing the Perfect Turkey for Your Toaster Oven
Size matters: Toaster ovens come in various sizes, so the first step is to choose a turkey that fits comfortably inside your appliance A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you’re cooking for a larger crowd, consider opting for a slightly bigger bird.
Bone-in vs. boneless: Whole turkeys are more traditional, but boneless, skinless turkey breasts are easier to cook and offer more versatility. They can be roasted, sliced for sandwiches, or used in various recipes.
Fresh vs. frozen: Fresh turkeys tend to have a better flavor, but frozen turkeys are more economical and can be stored for longer periods. If you choose a frozen turkey, ensure you thaw it properly before cooking.
Tips for choosing the right turkey:
- Large crowd? Go for a bigger bird.
- Convenience matters? Choose a boneless, skinless turkey breast.
- Flavor is king? Opt for a fresh turkey.
- Budget-conscious? Frozen turkeys are your friend.
Preparing Your Turkey for Toaster Oven Perfection
Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to get it ready for the oven. Here’s what you need to do:
Thawing: If using a frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Alternatively, you can thaw it in a sink full of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Brining (optional): Brining helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Simply soak it in a brine solution (1 gallon water, 1 cup salt, 1/2 cup sugar) for several hours or overnight.
Seasoning: Rub your turkey with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Cooking Your Toaster Oven Turkey to Juicy Perfection
Now comes the fun part: cooking your turkey! Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Temperature: The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey in a toaster oven is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey. As a general rule, cook for 15 minutes per pound.
Resting: After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender.
Carving and Serving Your Toaster Oven Masterpiece
Once your turkey has rested, it’s time to carve and serve it. Here’s a quick guide:
Carving a whole turkey:
- Remove the legs and wings by cutting through the skin between the leg and breast and the joint at the thigh.
- Remove the breast by cutting through the breastbone and ribs.
- Remove the rest of the meat by cutting along the backbone and removing the meat in strips.
Carving a turkey breast:
- Slice the breast thinly against the grain.
Serving suggestions:
- Pair your turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.
- Get creative with sandwiches, salads, or wraps using leftover turkey.
- Freeze leftover turkey for future meals.
Tips and Tricks for Toaster Oven Turkey Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the turkey with melted butter or broth every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
- If cooking a large turkey, consider cooking it in batches.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Cooking a turkey in a toaster oven is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without the hassle of a conventional oven. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook a perfect turkey in your toaster oven, impressing your guests and satisfying your taste buds.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a turkey, don’t hesitate to reach for your trusty toaster oven. It might just become your new Thanksgiving tradition!
Roaster Oven TurkeyPrep Time:
My juicy Roaster Oven Turkey will be your new holiday favorite. It’s very easy and tastes great, but what’s even better is that it cooks more quickly, making more oven space for the delicious side dishes.
- 1 whole turkey (up to 20lbs)
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil or 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 tsps seasoning salt
- 2 1/2 tsps poultry seasoning
- 3/4 tsp pepper
- Apply nonstick cooking spray to the roasting oven or cover the pan with foil.
- Take out the organ bag and anything else that is inside the turkey’s cavity. Instead of rinsing, use paper towels to thoroughly dry the turkey.
- Mix pepper, seasoning salt, and poultry seasoning in a small bowl.
- Brush the turkey with butter or oil, then generously season the outside of the bird, pouring some inside the cavity and rubbing it all over.
- Place turkey in the roaster (I prefer breast side up). Insert digital thermometer and place lid on top. Set thermometer based on where you inserted the probe. 180F for thigh or 165F for breast. Juices should run clear and not be pink.
- You can use the excellent calculator on the Butterball website to determine how long your turkey will take to cook. Since it’s simple to overcook and dry out a turkey, check it early.
- After cooking, take the turkey out of the roaster, cover it with foil, and allow it to rest for twenty minutes. Just before serving, place the skin under the boiler for a few minutes if desired to crisp it even more. Watch it closely so it doesnt burn.
Crispy skin tips:
Regardless of how you cook your turkey, the key to getting that crispy skin is to pat it dry and then use premium oil or butter. Using butter will help brown the skin as well. Place the turkey under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin if it doesn’t get as crispy as you’d like in the roasting oven.
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How to Cook a Turkey Half in the Toaster Oven
FAQ
Can I use a toaster oven in place of an oven?
Is it safe to cook meat in a toaster oven?
Why use a toaster oven instead of a regular oven?
How long do you cook a turkey breast in a toaster oven?
For a turkey breast, you will need to cook it for about 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can cook a turkey in a toaster oven using either convection mode or regular mode. Convection mode circulates hot air around the turkey, which helps to cook it evenly.
How to cook a Turkey in a toaster oven?
To cook a turkey in a toaster oven, you will need: 1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. 3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. 4.
Can you cook turkey bacon in a toaster oven?
If you want to cook your turkey bacon in a toaster oven, you can do it through the following steps: Preheat the toaster oven to 400°F. If it has no temperature setting, just let it heat up for around 5-10 minutes. To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with aluminum foil or baking paper.
How big should a Turkey be for a toaster oven?
A turkey weighing around 10 to 12 pounds is generally the ideal size for toaster oven cooking. Thaw the Turkey Thoroughly: Allow enough time to thaw the turkey fully before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method. Remember to factor in the thawing time when planning your meal.