We’ll teach you how to roast a turkey in a convection oven instead of a traditional or normal oven. Cooking a turkey is not difficult, and it takes less time than you may think. This turkey is juicy and delicious.
I know a lot of individuals who are terrified of cooking a turkey in a convection oven. I can understand the worry because of the hot air blowing and the precise cooking times. But don’t worry! It is just as simple as using a regular oven to prepare the ideal turkey for your holiday feast.
I am very smitten with our Dacor Classic Epicure Double Wall Ovens. They ensure that any turkey I prepare comes out properly browned on the exterior and juicy on the inside every time. Choose the size of your turkey depending on the size of your oven so that you can close the oven door easily. The size of the turkey is vital and should be the first thing you consider.
Cooking a fresh turkey in a convection oven has never been easier.
Contents
- What is the difference in a convection oven versus a conventional oven?
- What are the benefits to using a convection oven?
- What temperature setting should I use when preparing a whole bird/holiday meal?
- Are there any tricks to ensuring my turkey stays tender and juicy in a convection oven?
- How to Roast Boneless Turkey Roasts?
- How long do I cook a turkey in a convection oven?
- Cooking Considerations
- Tips for Making the Best Turkey in a Convection Oven
- Convection Cooking Speeds Things Up
What is the difference in a convection oven versus a conventional oven?
A convection oven contains a fan and exhaust system that distributes heat throughout the oven as the food cooks and ventilates the oven on a regular basis to avoid dampness. A standard oven has just one heating unit, therefore the heat is uneven and only circulates in one direction.
What are the benefits to using a convection oven?
Cooking using a convection oven is more efficient. Because dry hot air is directed directly at the food, your meals will cook about 25% quicker in a convection oven. Furthermore, the flowing convection heat minimizes oven “hot zones,” making the whole oven area ideal for simultaneously cooking the turkey and side dishes.
What temperature setting should I use when preparing a whole bird/holiday meal?
Roasting the turkey in the middle of the lowest rack or oven shelf ensures that the top of the bird is centered in the oven. If you must use two racks, lay the turkey on the bottom or center rack. When using two roasting pans, place them in different corners of the oven. Place the pans so that one is not immediately on top of the other.
Are there any tricks to ensuring my turkey stays tender and juicy in a convection oven?
- Begin with a completely thawed turkey. See the USDA’s guidelines for properly thawing your turkey.
- When utilizing a convection oven, there is no need to baste the turkey since the blowing heat immediately sears it, locking in the juices. If you’re using a special sauce or marinade, baste the turkey during the final hour of cooking.
- There’s also no need to cover the turkey with foil since you want it to sear and get golden brown. However, if the legs or wings go too brown, wrap them with foil.
How to Roast Boneless Turkey Roasts?
Try a boneless roast for smaller gatherings that like the flavor of roasted turkey. With these instructions, it’s simpler than ever:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove all of the outside plastic netting and packing. Remove the inner thread netting from the roast.
- Drain fluids and pat with clean paper towels to dry. Keep the gravy package refrigerated.
- Lift string netting and move location on roast to make net removal simpler before serving.
- Place the roast, skin side up, in a 2-inch deep roasting pan with a flat roasting rack. Add no water to the pan.
- Cook uncovered according to the Cooking Schedule or until the meat thermometer in the middle of the breast roast reaches 170° F and the meat thermometer in the center of the turkey roast reaches 175° F.
- If the turkey is covered or put in an oven-cooking bag, the roasting time will vary.
- Wrap the roast in foil and let aside for 10 minutes to make net removal simpler. Remove the netting and slice the roast.
Try this approach for cooking a turkey roast from frozen:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Refrigerate the gravy packet after removing it with a spatula.
- Place the roast, skin side up, in a 2-inch deep roasting pan with a flat roasting rack. Add no water to the pan.
- Cook uncovered according to the Cooking Schedule or until the meat thermometer in the middle of the breast roast reaches 170° F and the meat thermometer in the center of the turkey roast reaches 175° F.
- Wrap the roast in foil and let aside for 10 minutes to make net removal simpler. Remove the netting and slice the roast.
How long do I cook a turkey in a convection oven?
Follow the chart for convection cooking or until the necessary temperature is attained, depending on the size of your turkey. Test the temperature using a meat thermometer in the thickest portion of the thigh, but without touching the bone. If your turkey is stuffed, make sure the stuffing temperature reaches 165°F.
- 1.5-2 hours, 12-15 pounds
- 2–2.5 hours, 15-20 pounds
- 2.5-3 hours, 20-25 pounds
Cooking Considerations
Convection cooking requires some time and temperature adjustments since food cooks 25% quicker than in a normal oven, whether it’s a complete turkey or one boneless, skinless chicken breast. During the fundamental roasting time estimates are accurate, and you should always go by the temperature measurement for safety, the answers to these questions might give extra guidance for correctly timing your turkey while cooking.
- How big is the turkey? The longer the turkey must be cooked, the bigger it is.
- Do you intend to prepare a complete turkey, a turkey breast, or only the legs and thighs? White meat cooks faster than dark meat, so if you simply prepare a breast, it will take less time to reach a safe temperature.
- Is the bird stuffed? Stuffed turkeys need more time to cook to reach a safe serving temperature (165 F) and prevent food illness.
- What color is your roasting pan? A darker roasting pan will cook food faster than a bright metal pan.
- Will the turkey be cooked in a bag? Cooking turkey in a poultry bag cuts cooking time even further. Specific cooking times should be found in the bag’s directions.
- How often will you bast the turkey? When you open the oven door to baste the turkey, the temperature lowers somewhat. If you baste often, your cooking time may be significantly longer. To ensure that the turkey has reached the proper temperature, use a turkey thermometer.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey in a Convection Oven
With these techniques, you can make your next turkey the finest turkey ever.
- Begin with a completely thawed turkey.
- Season the turkey with a dry rub the day before if desired for extra flavor.
- Allow the turkey to come to room temperature or rest out of the refrigerator for several hours before cooking.
- Because the warm air from a convection oven has to permeate the thickest regions of a turkey, don’t truss it shut and allow the wings fly free. To prevent the turkey from falling over, place a long skewer between the drumsticks.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan to enable hot air to flow around the bird.
- Remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches around 160 degrees Fahrenheit if it is unstuffed (stuffing must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit) and set it aside for about 20 minutes, tented with foil. The turkey will continue to cook until it reaches the safe temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as carryover cooking. The longer the turkey stands, the juicier it becomes.
Convection Cooking Speeds Things Up
Cooking a turkey in a convection oven is an excellent method for preparing your next holiday bird. You’ll have a wonderful, juicy turkey that cooks faster than you could have thought if you follow the directions above and carefully check the temperature of your bird. The timeframes are much faster if you use a combined convection steam oven.