How To Cook Turkey In A Convection Oven

The oven is undoubtedly the shining star of the holiday meal. But when it comes to using a convection oven, what makes this method of preparing turkey preferable to other styles of cooking? Don't let the unfamiliarity intimidate you! Nosotros're breaking it down to assist you make the virtually of your convection oven this Thanksgiving (or really any time of twelvemonth).

What is the difference in a convection oven versus a conventional oven?

A convection oven has a fan and exhaust system that circulates heat around the oven while the food is cooking and ventilates regularly to forestall humidity. A regular oven has a single heating unit, meaning the rut is inconsistent and merely flows from i management.

What are the benefits to using a convection oven?

Using a convection oven yields more than efficient cooking. Considering dry hot air is blowing directly on the food, your dishes will cook about 25 per centum faster in a convection oven. Additionally, the circulating convection heat prevents oven "hot spots," making the unabridged oven space perfect for cooking the turkey and side dishes all at once.

What temperature setting should I utilise when preparing a whole bird/holiday meal?

350°F

The preferred method is to roast the turkey in the center of the everyman rack or oven shelf so the top of the turkey volition be centered in the oven. If two racks must be used, identify the turkey on the lowest or eye rack. When cooking with 2 roasting pans, position the pans in opposite corners of the oven. Place the pans so one is not direct over the other.

How long do I cook a turkey in a convection oven?

Depending on the size of your turkey, follow the nautical chart for convection cooking or until you've reached the proper temperature. Utilize a meat thermometer to test the temperature in the thickest function of the thigh but not touching the bone. If your turkey is stuffed, too verify the temperature of the stuffing has reached 165°F.

12-15 pounds, i.5-2 hours
15-20 pounds, 2-2.5 hours
20-25 pounds, 2.5-3 hours

Other signs that the turkey is done are that the legs move loosely, and the juices run clear. Verify the internal temperature in several places – the thickest parts of the breast, thigh and wing – to exist sure.

Depending on your brand of oven, it is recommended to reduce traditional turkey baking times from 10-xl percent.

Are there whatever tricks to ensuring my turkey stays tender and juicy in a convection oven?

Outset with a fully thawed turkey. Run into USDA's tips on safely thawing your turkey.
There is no need to drip the turkey when using a convection oven considering the blowing heat sears the turkey speedily, which locks in the juices. If a special sauce or marinade is used, baste the turkey during the final hour of cooking.
In that location is also no need to cover the turkey with foil because y'all want the turkey to sear and reach a golden brown color. However, if the legs or wings start to get too brown, cover those areas with foil.

Traditional Roast Turkey in Convection Oven Recipe

Ingredients

Fresh or frozen turkey – size is upwards to you depending on how many you're feeding!
½ cup oil, olive or vegetable
Rosemary, to taste
Thyme, to gustation

Instructions

1. Adapt oven rack to the lowest setting to make sure y'all accept enough room for your turkey.

2. Preheat your convection oven to 350°F.

3. If your turkey has the neck and giblets, remove and continue for other uses if desired.

iv. Use a depression sided sheet pan with a rack. If using a higher sided roasting pan, brand sure to employ a rack that lifts the turkey upward off of the bottom of the pan so the air can become effectually the whole turkey. With a convection oven you want the air to circulate around the turkey as much as possible. Place the turkey on the rack in the pan.

v. Do not truss or tie the turkey. This allows the warm oestrus of the convection oven to impact as many surfaces of the turkey every bit possible.

raw turkey with spices on roasting pan rack

half-dozen. Tuck the wings under the turkey.

7. Loosen the skin at the edge of the chest.

8. Identify some oil in a pocket-sized dish and using a brush or your hands, brush oil all over the turkey and under the peel of the breast.

9. Sprinkle the turkey with rosemary and thyme.

10. Using a metal skewer, stick the skewer between the two legs to continue the turkey counterbalanced on the rack.

xi. Launder hands and sanitize surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat.

12. Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast per the recommended fourth dimension on the convection oven nautical chart or until the meat thermometer reads 165°F.

Go along an eye on the turkey towards the finish. If the wings and legs wait like they are getting too brown, cover with foil.

thirteen. Remove the turkey from the oven, tent information technology with foil and let it rest at least 20 minutes before etching to serve. It will keep cooking for simply a bit after removing from the oven (called carryover cooking and makes the turkey juicier).