How to Cook a Turkey in an Electric Roaster

The limited amount of space within a roaster causes the turkey to dry out.

Cooking a turkey in an electric roaster is not ideal. The biggest problem with cooking a turkey this way is that it can dry out. The turkey is being steamed instead of roasted, and though there is moisture, the limited amount of space within a roaster causes the turkey to dry out.

Things You'll Need

• 20-qt. roaster oven
• 22- to 24-lb. turkey
• Meat thermometer
• Roasting pan

Instructions

1. Set the roaster temperature to 375 degrees.

2. Place the turkey in the roasting pan and insert the roasting pan into the roaster.

3. Cook the turkey 14 to 18 minutes per pound.

4. Check the temperature of the turkey after four hours of cooking time. Pull the turkey out of the roaster when the breast temperature reaches 155 degrees. If the temperature is not at 155 degrees, remove the thermometer and check the bird every 10 minutes.

5. Take the turkey out of the roaster and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have access to an oven, set the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Pull the turkey out of the roaster about a half hour early, lightly butter the skin and put the turkey in your oven. This will make the skin crispy and give the impression of a roasted turkey.