This rotisserie turkey is the Ferrari of turkeys. Its the king/queen of all turkeys. Once you try it, youll know what I am talking about. The meat is perfectly cooked in every part of the bird; the breast meat is flavored inside-out, buttery-tender, and exceptionally juicy. The skin is unbelievably crispy and delicious. And the tantalizing garlic and herb flavor will blow your mind. Your neighbors will be drooling while you are cooking it.
I used to brine whole turkeys to keep the meat moist, but that changed once I tried injecting them with garlic and herb-infused butter. It was a revelation! Brining works great for turkey meat until you try this method. Once you do, there is no going back. Its much quicker than brining, requires a lot less prep work, and the results are much better, in my opinion. You get a tastier and juicier turkey much faster. Isnt that the goal? I now make all of my turkey recipes using this method: oven roasted turkey, roasted turkey breast, etc.
Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey can seem like an intimidating task, especially if you want to try a method that may be new to you, like rotisserie cooking. If you’re thinking about rotisserie cooking a 10 pound turkey for your next holiday meal or gathering, you probably want to know exactly how long it will take from start to finish. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to rotisserie a 10 pound turkey perfectly.
What is Rotisserie Cooking?
Rotisserie cooking involves slowly roasting meat on a rotating spit over a heat source. The rotation allows the meat to cook evenly on all sides as it self-bastes in its own juices. Rotisserie cooking helps ensure a moist interior and crispy, browned exterior. While rotisseries were traditionally used over an open fire, countertop electric rotisserie ovens and outdoor grill attachments have made this method easily achievable at home.
Benefits of Rotisserie Turkey
There are several advantages to cooking your turkey on a rotisserie
- Self-basting action keeps the turkey incredibly moist and juicy
- Achieves thorough, even cooking and doneness
- Produces amazing crispy, browned skin all over
- Infuses smoke flavor when cooked over a live fire (outdoor rotisserie)
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Fun alternative to traditional roasting methods
How Long Does it Take to Rotisserie a 10 lb Turkey?
The total cooking time will depend on a few factors
Type of rotisserie – A countertop oven rotisserie will cook a bit faster than an outdoor grill rotisserie.
Temperature – The target temperature you use will impact total cook time. Between 300-350°F is ideal.
Preparation – Properly thawing and seasoning the turkey helps ensure even cooking.
Taking these factors into account, here are general guidelines for rotisserie cooking times for a 10 lb turkey:
- Countertop rotisserie oven: Approximately 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours
- Outdoor grill rotisserie: Approximately 3 1⁄2 – 4 hours
Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures when rotisserie cooking. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F and the deepest part of the thigh reaches 175°F. If using a countertop oven with a built-in rotisserie, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended times and temperatures.
Turkey Rotisserie Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for best results when cooking your 10 lb turkey on a rotisserie:
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Thaw properly – Let frozen turkey thaw completely in the fridge before cooking.
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Truss tightly – Tie legs and wings securely to the body with butcher’s twine. This prevents flopping.
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Use a drip pan – Place a pan under the turkey to catch drippings for gravy.
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Maintain even heat – Keep temperature steady between 300-350°F for optimal cooking.
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Baste carefully – Occasionally baste with pan drippings to prevent drying out.
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Check internal temp – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cook to 165°F in breast, 175°F in thighs.
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Let rest before carving – Allow turkey to rest at least 15 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.
Getting the Most Out of Your Rotisserie Turkey
One of the best parts about rotisserie cooking a turkey is how versatile it can be. Although classic herb seasoning or a simple salt and pepper dry rub tastes great, you can also get creative with flavor. Try injecting Cajun butter marinade deep into the meat for a zesty creole turkey. Or coat the skin in flavorful rubs like lemon-pepper or chili-lime seasoning before cooking.
Stuffing the cavity with fresh herbs and citrus adds wonderful aroma and moisture during the roasting process. Consider adding quartered onions, apples, fresh rosemary and sage, and halved lemons or oranges inside the turkey cavity.
No matter what flavor profile you end up going with, rotisserie turkey is sure to be a hit! The self-basting as it slowly rotates, locking in moisture and adding a deliciously crispy skin. For a 10 pound bird, plan on around 3 to 4 hours total cook time. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and let it rest before slicing. Your Thanksgiving or holiday spread is sure to impress when you ditch the oven and go for juicy, flavorful rotisserie turkey this year!
My method for making rotisserie turkey
First and foremost, I spatchcock the turkey. This way, the turkey cooks a bit faster and more evenly. I also like how it crisps up on both sides this way. Sure, its harder to cook a spatchcocked turkey, but its doable. If your rotisserie setup cant accommodate this, skip spatchcocking and rotisserie your bird as is. You will still get excellent results.
Next, I lift the breast and thigh skin, creating pockets (see the video below). Using a kitchen meat injector, I inject the meat under the lifted skin with the infused butter, then fill the pockets with the strained garlic and herb mixture.
My concern was that butter would ooze out during cooking and cause flare-ups and excessive smoking, but that hasnt been the case. I believe this is because I made the injections under the skin, and the entry points were covered with the garlic and herb mixture.
Finally, the turkey is cooked over direct heat at around 300F in my Big Green Egg fitted with a Joetisserie. This setup is just big enough to accommodate a 12-lb spatchcocked turkey. Your setup may differ from mine; your rotisserie may have a heat source on the side instead of a bottom, but that shouldnt matter.
The bird is done when the breast meat reaches about 160F – 165F, while the legs and wings hit 185F – 190F.
This rotisserie turkey is an eye candy. When you pull it off the grill, you will be very tempted to start ripping pieces off it and devouring them straight away. I dont blame you. But let the bird rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it up. Let those meat fibers relax again and re-absorb some of the juices.
Garlic and herb butter
This is what makes this rotisserie turkey so awesome. Making infused garlic and herb butter is quick and easy; just mix some herbs, pepper, and salt with melted butter and let it infuse for 5 minutes. But you absolutely must use fresh herbs. Dried herbs will not give you the same results! Only fresh!
Which herbs to use is an excellent question. Ive tried many, and the ones I absolutely love are sage and rosemary. They are so aromatic! I also add parsley. Sometimes, I use cilantro when I have it on hand.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long to cook 10 lb turkey on a rotisserie?
4-7 lbs. 1½-2 hrs. 7-10 lbs. 1¾-2½ hrs.
How long does it take for a 10 lb turkey to get done?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
How long to cook a 10 pound turkey roll?
Place in a covered roasting pan or baking dish and bake/roast at 325F for 30-40 mins per lb. The internal thermometer should read 170F – 180F (77C – 82C). Remove from the oven, tent, and let rest for 15 min.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey on a rotisserie?
Approximate cooking times for turkey on a rotisserie: 6 to 8 pounds: 3 to 3 1/2 hours; 8 to 10 pounds: 3 1/2 to 4 hours; 10 to 12 pounds: 4 to 5 hours. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
What temperature should a rotisserie turkey reach?
However, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh. 4. What is the internal temperature the rotisserie turkey should reach?
How long does a 14 pound turkey take to cook?
For a 14 pound turkey, figure about 2 to 2 ¼ hours of grilling, when the deepest part of the thigh reads 170 F with an instant read thermometer or iGrill to easily monitor your turkey’s temperature. If you are planning to wow your guests at your next holiday gathering, look no further than the rotisserie.
How long should a rotisserie turkey rest before cooking?
Once the rotisserie turkey reaches the recommended internal temperature, remove it from the rotisserie, and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving to ensure the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. 6. Can I season the rotisserie turkey with herbs and spices?
How do you Rotisserie a turkey breast?
Thread the vertical rotisserie skewer through the thickest section of the breast to keep it centered. Secure the turkey snugly to the rotisserie rack according to your device’s instructions. It should fit closely without slipping. With the turkey breast properly trussed and seasoned, it’s time for the rotisserie cooking. Use these guidelines:
How do you know if a rotisserie turkey is cooked?
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the rotisserie turkey. When it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh, it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.