Every year around the last few weeks of November and into December, people ask me, “How Long To Cook A Turkey?” because no one likes a dry turkey! Keep reading to find out the right cooking times and how to tell when your turkey is done.
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, the turkey is the main dish. There’s nothing worse than spending hours preparing and cooking a turkey that turns out dry or overcooked because you didn’t know how long to cook it for!
Here are the cooking times for all the different ways you can cook a turkey. If I missed one, let me know in the comments, and I’ll add it!
Roasting a turkey can seem like an intimidating task, especially if you’re cooking the holiday bird for a large gathering. You want the turkey to turn out moist and delicious not dry and overcooked. Many home cooks have asked the question – how long should I cook my turkey at 300 degrees? Here’s a comprehensive guide to roasting times and temperatures to help you cook a turkey perfectly every time.
Why Cook a Turkey at 300 Degrees?
Cooking the turkey at a lower roasting temperature around 300 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended by many culinary experts. The lower heat allows the interior and exterior of the turkey to cook more evenly. At a high roasting temperature, the outside can overcook and dry out before the inside is properly cooked through.
Cooking at 300 degrees gives you more leeway if the turkey needs more time to cook without ruining it You can allow it more oven time without triggering the high-heat reactions that cause meat to dry out
Approximate Roasting Times
Here are some general timelines for roasting a turkey at 300 degrees Fahrenheit:
- 8-12 lb turkey – 2 to 2 1/2 hours
- 12-16 lb turkey – 2 1/2 to 3 hours
- 16-20 lb turkey – 3 to 3 1/2 hours
- 20-24 lb turkey – 3 1/2 to 4 hours
- 24-28 lb turkey – 4 to 4 1/2 hours
These times are for an unstuffed turkey. A stuffed turkey generally takes about 30 minutes longer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature rather than relying solely on the roasting time.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact the overall roasting time:
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Turkey size – Larger turkeys take longer to cook. Calculate roasting time at about 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.
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Stuffed vs. unstuffed – Stuffing adds mass that needs to be cooked, extending the cook time by about 30 minutes.
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Frozen vs. thawed – A frozen turkey requires significantly longer cook time, up to 50% more. Completely thaw turkey in the refrigerator before roasting.
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Cooking method – The convection setting circulates air for faster, more even cooking. Convection ovens can decrease cook time by about 25%.
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Cooking temperature – Higher heat decreases cooking time but increases the risk of drying out the turkey.
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Brined vs. unbrined – Brining adds moisture and seasons the meat, but does not significantly reduce cook time.
Convection Oven Timetable
For convection ovens, cooking at 300°F is recommended. The hot air circulation allows the turkey to cook faster at a lower temp. Here are estimated roasting times:
- 14-18 lb turkey – 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
- 18-22 lb turkey – 2 1/2 to 3 hours
Determining Doneness
Checking the internal temperature is the only reliable way to determine if the turkey is fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to take temperature in a few spots:
- Inner thigh – Should reach 165°F
- Inner wing – Should reach 165°F
- Thickest part of breast – Should reach 165°F
If stuffing the turkey, check temperature of the stuffing which should reach 165°F. Let turkey rest about 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips for Roasting a Turkey at 300 Degrees
Follow these tips to roast a flavorful, juicy turkey at 300 degrees F:
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Thaw completely – Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature.
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Brine the bird – Soaking turkey in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasons the meat.
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Pat turkey dry – Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat very dry with paper towels.
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Rub with oil or butter – Coat skin all over with oil or butter to prevent drying out. Tuck wings back to hold legs in place.
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Season under and on skin – Rub salt, pepper and any other seasonings under and on top of the skin.
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Use roasting rack – Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. The rack elevates to cook evenly.
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Maintain oven temp – Keep oven temp steady at 300°F, not higher. Use convection mode if available.
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Baste periodically – Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes starting in the second hour.
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Check temperature – Allow full roasting time, then check internal temp in multiple spots before removing from oven.
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Let rest before slicing – Let turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Common Roasting Problems and Solutions
Here are some potential problems and how to troubleshoot:
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Turkey skin not browning – Rub skin with oil/butter. Baste periodically. Increase oven temp to 350°F in last 30 minutes if needed for browning.
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Meat drying out – Do not overcook. Check temp early and tent with foil if done before time is up.
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Still undercooked when time is up – Increase roasting time in 15 minute intervals until meat reaches 165°F.
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Uneven cooking – Use rack to elevate turkey and allow air circulation. Cook at lower temp (300°F) for more even heating.
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Smoking/flare-ups – Lower oven temp if smoking occurs. Tent with foil to prevent flare-ups.
The Reward of Perfectly Cooked Turkey
Roasting turkey seems complicated, but perfect results are achievable with a few tips. Cooking your bird low and slow at 300 degrees allows the meat to cook through gradually for a tender, juicy meal the whole family will love. Use a meat thermometer and follow the timing guidelines for success!
How Long To Cook A Turkey In A Bag
Cooking turkey in an oven bag is one of the most fool-proof ways to roast a whole turkey. It seals in the moisture, so even if you overcook it a bit, it still stays relatively moist. It’s not quite as crispy on the outside when cooked in a bag as when roasted in an open oven for example. Moist turkey vs. Crispy Skin? Your call!.
How To Tell If Your Turkey Is Perfectly Cooked
As I already said, the safest and best way to tell if your turkey is really cooked is to check the meat’s internal temperature. This is done with a meat thermometer. You can use a lot of different kinds of thermometers. Here are a few to think about:
- Oven-Safe Leave-In Thermometer: This kind of thermometer can be put into the turkey before putting it in the oven and left there while it cooks. They’re cheap, but you have to open the oven to check the temperature, which lets heat escape. See an example here.
- Instant Read Thermometer: These are great because they do exactly what they say they will do: read the temperature right away! Just open the oven door and put the thermometer in the turkey. Almost right away, the temperature will show up on the screen. See an example here.
- Leave-In Probe Thermometer: Probe thermometers are my favorite tool for cooking a turkey! They come with one or two probes that are connected to a wire that can go in the oven and a digital box where you can read the temperature. The box stays out of the oven, making it easy to read, and you can even set alarms to go off when the turkey is at the right temperature! 2 probe thermometers are great for cooking a stuffed turkey because you can check the temperature of both the meat and the stuffing. See an example here.
How long do you cook a turkey at 300 degrees?
FAQ
Can you cook a turkey at 300 degrees?
How long to cook turkey at 275 degrees?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 250?
What is the best temperature to bake a turkey?
How long do you cook a Turkey at 350 degrees?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. We’ve done the math for you — check out the chart below to determine both turkey cook times and estimated servings (with leftovers!). Is it okay to cook a turkey at 250 degrees?
How long do you cook a 20 pound turkey?
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Wash the turkey thoroughly and remove the giblets, neck, and tail. Rub the turkey all over with salad oil. Place the turkey in an uncovered roasting pan and bake for 1 hour at 300°F. This initial step helps kill bacteria. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°F. Continue baking for 20 hours per 20-pound turkey.
How long does it take to cook a whole turkey?
A whole turkey can take anywhere from 1½–4+ hours to roast —the cooking time depends on the size of your turkey and the temperature of your oven. We’ve got two roasting methods for you to choose from—one for beginners and one that’s slightly more advanced. Don’t want to cook a whole turkey?
Is it safe to cook a Turkey at 300 degrees?
Yes, it is safe to cook a turkey at 300 degrees as long as it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any harmful bacteria. 2. How long does it take to cook a turkey at 300 degrees?
How long do you cook a Thanksgiving turkey at room temperature?
In one of our favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipes, the post-brine pieces sit at room temperature for 2 hours before roasting at 425° for 20–25 minutes, then 300° for 50–70 minutes longer.
What temperature should a Turkey be roasted at?
While 300 degrees F is ideal, you can successfully roast turkey at other oven temperatures. Here’s a general guide: Higher heats will shorten cook time but may result in drier meat. Lower heats will extend cook time but keep turkey more moist. Follow these tips for foolproof turkey roasted at 300 degrees F: