Roasting a turkey in your convection oven is about 25% faster than in a traditional oven. Here are cooking times to get it perfect every time.
It may seem counterintuitive to try to fix what isn’t broken after you’ve mastered the art of roasting a golden brown, crispy-skinned turkey. Unless time is an issue, that is. If you are lucky enough to have a convection oven, you can roast the same turkey in a fraction of the time. With a few tried-and-true turkey roasting tips, youll have your Thanksgiving bird dressed and ready in no time.
Ah, the majestic turkey, centerpiece of many a festive gathering But how long to cook this magnificent bird in a convection oven? Fear not, fellow culinary adventurer, for I shall guide you through the art of roasting a perfect turkey in this modern marvel of kitchen technology.
Convection Oven Cooking Times for Your Thanksgiving Star
The magic of a convection oven lies in its ability to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking and a beautifully browned bird But how long does this sorcery take? Here’s a handy table to help you navigate the world of turkey-roasting times:
| Turkey Weight | Regular Oven 325°F | Convection Oven 325°F |
|---|---|---|
| 6-10 lbs | 1½ -2 hrs | 1¾-2½ hrs |
| 10-18 lbs | 2-2½ hrs | 2½-3¼ hrs |
| 18-22 lbs | 2½-3 hrs | 3¼-3¾ hrs |
| 22-24 lbs | 3-3½ hrs | 3¾-4¼ hrs |
Remember, these are just guidelines. Factors like your oven’s specific quirks and the turkey’s starting temperature can influence the cooking time. So, keep a watchful eye on your feathered friend and use a trusty meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
Tips for Convection Oven Turkey Roasting Success
- Preheat is key: Just like with a regular oven, preheating your convection oven to 325°F is crucial. This ensures even heat distribution and helps your turkey cook evenly.
- Skip the tent: Unlike traditional ovens, you don’t need to tent your turkey with foil in a convection oven. The circulating air prevents the breast from drying out.
- Baste for a beautiful bird: Basting your turkey with butter or oil throughout the cooking process helps create a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Check for doneness: The ultimate test of a perfectly cooked turkey is its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180°F and the breast reaches 170°F.
- Rest and relax: Once your turkey is out of the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Convection Oven Turkey Roasting: A Recap
So, there you have it, the secrets to roasting a succulent turkey in a convection oven. Remember, the key is to follow the guidelines, use a meat thermometer, and trust your instincts. With a little practice, you’ll be a convection oven turkey roasting pro in no time, ready to impress your guests with a perfectly cooked centerpiece for your next festive feast.
Additional Resources
- Butterball Turkey Talk-Line®: Need immediate turkey-related advice? Call the Butterball experts at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372).
- Butterball Website: Explore a treasure trove of turkey-related information, including recipes, cooking tips, and product details.
Happy roasting, fellow culinary adventurers! May your turkey be juicy, flavorful, and the star of your next gathering.
Roasting Times and Temperatures
Every first-time (and seasoned) Thanksgiving host puts “how in the world am I supposed to cook a turkey” into their Google search bar. Related Articles.
Turkey cooked in a convection oven should be roasted at 325°F. If using a dark roasting pan or oven-roasting bag, reduce the heat to 300°F. The general roasting temperatures and times for dark meat, breasts, and whole turkeys of different sizes, whether stuffed or not, are as follows.
| Type of Turkey | Weight | Cook Time at 325°-350° F |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed Whole | 6 – 10 lbs | 1¾ – 2½ hours |
| Stuffed Whole | 10 -18 lbs | 2½ – 3¼ hours |
| Stuffed Whole | 18- 22 lbs | 3¼ – 3¾ hours |
| Stuffed Whole | 22 – 24 lbs | 3¾ – 4¼ hours |
| Unstuffed Whole | 6 – 10 lbs | 1½ – 2 hours |
| Unstuffed Whole | 10 -18 lbs | 2 – 2½ hours |
| Unstuffed Whole | 18 – 22 lbs | 2½ – 3 hours |
| Unstuffed Whole | 22 – 24 lbs | 3 – 3½ hours |
| Stuffed Whole Breast | 3 – 5.5 lbs | 1¾ – 2½ hours |
| Stuffed Whole Breast | 5.5 – 9 lbs | 2½ – 3¼ hours |
| Unstuffed Whole Breast | 3 – 5.5 lbs | 1½ – 2 hours |
| Unstuffed Whole Breast | 5.5 – 9 lbs | 2 – 2½ hours |
| Leg, Thigh, Wings | – | 1½ – 2 hours |
If you want a crispy-skinned turkey, start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Once your turkey is in, drop the temperature to 300°-350°F to keep your bird from drying out.
Youre going for the ultimate traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a stuffed whole turkey as the star. Use these roasting guidelines for a successful turkey-cooking experience.
- 6 to 10 pounds – 1¾ to 2½ hours
- 10 to 18 pounds – 2½ to 3¼ hours
- 18 to 22 pounds – 3¼ to 3¾ hours
- 22 to 24 pounds – 3¾ to 4¼ hours
If youre roasting a whole turkey without stuffing, the convection oven guidelines change just a bit. Though the cook time is lower, a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone should register 165°F, according to the USDA.
- 6 to 10 pounds – 1½ to 2 hours
- 10 to 18 pounds – 2 to 2½ hours
- 18 to 22 pounds – 2½ to 3 hours
- 22 to 24 pounds – 3 to 3½ hours
Read More
Unstuffed Whole Turkey Breast
Should you decide to leave the breast empty, roast it at the same temperature for a little while longer—roughly 45 minutes. Always use your meat thermometer to double check your turkey for safe consumption. You dont need a Thanksgiving disaster on your hands.
- 3 to 5½ pounds – 1½ to 2 hours
- 5½ to 9 pounds – 2 to 2½ hours
How long to cook a turkey at 325 in a convection oven?
FAQ
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in a convection oven?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
How long does it take to cook a 20 pound turkey in the oven?
|
Turkey Weight
|
Servings
|
Cooking Time
|
|
10 to 12 lb
|
6 to 8
|
2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours
|
|
12 to 14 lb
|
8 to 10
|
2 3/4 to 3 hours
|
|
15 to 18 lb
|
10 to 12
|
3 1/4 to 4 hours
|
|
18 to 20 lb
|
12 to 14
|
4 to 4 1/4 hours
|
How long do you cook a turkey at 325?