Are you stuck on how to cook turkey in convection oven? Don’t worry – whether you’re an experienced chef, home cook, or simply a holiday hostess looking for tips and tricks on the perfect turkey recipe, we’ve got all the right steps to help you make this joyous occasion extra special.
Read along as we dish out expert advice on how to cook turkey in convection oven to achieve juicy, succulent results every single time. Get deliciousness ready with the best cooking techniques here!
Should We Cook Turkey in Convection Oven?
Cooking a turkey in a convection oven can be a great option. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which can result in faster and more even cooking. This can be especially helpful when cooking a large bird like a turkey, which can take several hours to cook in a conventional oven.
Ingredients You Should Have to Cook Turkey
To cook a turkey, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Turkey: This is the main ingredient, and you’ll need to choose a turkey that is the right size for your meal.
2. Salt and pepper: These are the basic seasonings you’ll need to season the turkey.
3. Butter or oil: To help the turkey stay moist and flavorful, you’ll need to coat it with butter or oil.
4. Aromatics: You can add flavor to the turkey by stuffing it with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs.
5. Broth or stock: Adding broth or stock to the bottom of the roasting pan can help keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
6. Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the roasting pan to flavor the broth and make a delicious side dish.
7. Gravy: To make gravy, you’ll need to use the drippings from the turkey, flour, and broth or stock.
How to Cook Turkey in Convection Oven?
Here is a general guide on how to cook turkey in convection oven:
1. Set the convection oven’s temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Take the turkey out of its packaging and take the neck and giblets out of its body cavity. Wash the turkey thoroughly inside and out with cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey with salt and pepper, and rub it all over with butter or oil.
4. Stuff the turkey with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs if desired.
5. Put the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Add broth or stock to the bottom of the pan, and add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions if desired.
6. Place the roasting pan in the convection oven, and roast the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. As a general rule, you can reduce the cooking time by about 25% and lower the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a conventional oven recipe.
7. To determine the turkey’s internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature in the thickest part of the bird, such as the thigh or breast.
8. Remove the turkey from the oven once it has finished cooking and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
9. Use the drippings from the turkey, flour, and broth or stock to make gravy if desired.
Cooking Utensils for Roasting Turkey
Here are some cooking utensils you may need for roasting a turkey:
1. Roasting pan: A large roasting pan is essential for cooking a turkey. Look for a pan that is big enough to hold your turkey and has a sturdy rack to keep the turkey elevated.
2. Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s fully cooked.
3. Basting brush or bulb baster: A basting brush or bulb baster is helpful for coating the turkey with butter or oil to keep it moist.
4. Carving knife and fork: You’ll need a sharp carving knife and fork to carve the turkey once it’s cooked.
5. Cutting board: A large cutting board is necessary for carving the turkey.
6. Oven mitts: Oven mitts or potholders are necessary for handling the hot roasting pan and turkey.
7. Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil can be used to cover the turkey if it’s browning too quickly, or to tent the turkey while it rests.
8. Kitchen twine: If you plan to stuff the turkey, you’ll need kitchen twine to tie the legs together.
9. Large spoon: A large spoon can be used to scoop out the stuffing or vegetables from the turkey cavity.
10. Gravy boat: A gravy boat is helpful for serving gravy alongside the turkey.
Smart Tips for How to Cook Turkey in Convection Oven
Here are some smart tips for cooking a turkey in a convection oven:
1. Adjust the cooking time and temperature: As mentioned earlier, you can reduce the cooking time by about 25% and lower the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit compared to a conventional oven recipe.
2. Use a meat thermometer: It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s fully cooked. The USDA recommends cooking a turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the bird.
3. Use a roasting rack: Using a roasting rack will help the hot air circulate around the turkey and cook it more evenly.
4. Baste the turkey: Basting the turkey with butter or oil every 30 minutes will help keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Let the turkey rest: Letting the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
6. Use aromatics to add flavor: Stuffing the turkey with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs or rubbing the skin with fresh herbs can add extra flavor to the bird.
7. Cover the turkey with foil: If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent it from burning.
8. Use the drippings to make gravy: The drippings from the turkey can be used to make a delicious gravy to serve alongside the bird.
9. Don’t forget the sides: While the turkey is cooking, don’t forget to prepare your favorite side dishes to serve alongside it.
Conclusion
We hope how to cook turkey in convection oven will no longer be your rough question. Roasting turkey in a convection oven can be an effective and tasty way to cook the bird. You can accommodate birds of all shapes and sizes, as long as you keep the temperature and cooking time in mind.
We hope this blog post has provided you with enough information to successfully cook a turkey in a convection oven. If you’d like to learn more about other delicious recipes or experience more helpful tips, make sure to follow our website Buckingham Smokehouse for regular updates.
FAQs of How to Cook Turkey in Convection Oven
How can I store the turkey after cooking?
Once the turkey is cooked and cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze a cooked turkey for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen bird in the refrigerator before reheating it.
What temperature should I set for how to cook turkey in convection oven?
The recommended temperature for cooking a turkey in a convection oven is 325°F (160°C).
How long should I cook my turkey in a convection oven?
The cooking time for a turkey in a convection oven will depend on the weight of the turkey. As a general rule, you should cook the turkey for 12-15 minutes per pound (0.45 kg) of turkey. For example, a 15-pound (6.8 kg) turkey should take approximately 3-3.75 hours to cook in a convection oven.
Should I use a roasting pan when cooking a turkey in a convection oven?
Yes, it is recommended to use a roasting pan when cooking a turkey in a convection oven. A roasting pan with a rack will allow the heat to circulate evenly around the turkey and prevent the turkey from sitting in its own juices.
Do I need to baste my turkey when cooking it in a convection oven?
No, basting is not necessary when cooking a turkey in a convection oven. The circulating hot air will keep the turkey moist and browned.
Do I need to cover my turkey when cooking it in a convection oven?
No, it is not necessary to cover the turkey when cooking it in a convection oven. However, if the turkey begins to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
When will my turkey be done cooking?
The best way to tell if a turkey is done cooking is to use a meat thermometer.
How long should I let my turkey rest after cooking it in a convection oven?
It is recommended to let the turkey rest for 15-30 minutes after cooking. Cover the turkey with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
Is it good to know how to cook turkey in convection oven?
Yes! Knowing how to cook turkey in convection oven is a great skill to have. With the right knowledge and tools, you can make a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked turkey every time. Plus, it’s much faster than roasting in the traditional way.
Can I cook a frozen turkey in a convection oven?
It is not recommended to cook a frozen turkey in a convection oven. The outside of the turkey will cook too quickly, while the inside will remain frozen. It is important to thaw the turkey completely before cooking it.
