How Long to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave – A Complete Guide

Cooking a whole turkey in the microwave may seem impossible, but with some planning and technique, you can make a juicy and delicious microwave-cooked turkey. The microwave can significantly reduce your turkey cook time compared to using a traditional oven. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about cooking a turkey in the microwave.

Benefits of Cooking a Turkey in the Microwave

Microwaving a turkey has several advantages over roasting in the oven

• Faster cooking time – A microwave can cook a turkey in about 1/3 of the time as a standard oven. A 12 lb turkey takes around 2 hours in the microwave versus over 3 hours roasted

• Moist and tender meat – The microwave steams the turkey from the inside out, keeping it incredibly moist and tender No dry turkey here!

• Less active cooking time – Once you get the turkey setup in the microwave, it cooks unattended until done. No basting or checking needed.

• Less mess and splatter – Contained in the microwave, there is no turkey juice mess to clean up afterwards.

• More counter and oven space – You can save your oven for side dishes and desserts.

• Energy efficiency – Microwaves use significantly less electricity than an oven. Go green and save some money!

So if you’re pressed for time or want juicy turkey with little effort, the microwave can be your new go-to turkey cooking method.

Microwave Turkey Cooking Times

Turkey cook times in the microwave vary based on the size of your bird:

• 8-10 lb turkey – Cook 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• 10-12 lb turkey – Cook 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
• 12-14 lb turkey – Cook 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes
• 14-16 lb turkey – Cook 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes

These times are for fresh or completely thawed turkeys cooked at 50% microwave power. Always check for doneness by taking the internal temperature of the thigh and breast meat.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on 10 minutes per pound at 50% power for a microwave turkey. For example, a 12 lb turkey will take around 2 hours to cook fully.

How to Cook a Turkey in the Microwave

Follow these simple steps for microwave turkey success:

1. Prepare the Turkey

• Thaw completely – Only cook fully thawed turkeys in the microwave. Thaw frozen birds in the fridge 1 day for every 4 lbs.

• Remove giblets and neck – Check the cavities and remove any giblets or neck you find inside.

• Dry the skin – Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out. The drier the better for crispy skin.

• Season as desired – Rub the turkey generously with butter, oil, salt, pepper, herbs or seasoning on the outside and cavities.

2. Setup the Microwave

• Place breast side down – This protects the breast meat from overcooking.

• Use a microwave-safe dish – A large glass baking dish or microwave roasting pan works perfectly. The turkey should lay flat.

• Add liquid – Pour 1 cup water, broth or wine into the bottom of the dish to help steam and prevent smoking.

• Cover with vented lid or plastic wrap – Poke holes in plastic wrap so steam can escape. Tent foil over edges if needed.

3. Cook and Check Temperatures

• Cook at 50% power – Cook for the estimated time based on weight, checking periodically.

• Flip halfway – Carefully flip turkey over halfway through cooking for even heating.

• Check breast and thigh temps – Turkey is done when breast is 165°F and thighs 175°F. If underdone, cook for 10-15 more minutes.

• Let rest 10 minutes – This allows juices to redistribute for juicy meat after removing from microwave.

4. Crisping the Skin

Microwave turkey skin will not get browned and crispy. If you want crisper skin, you have two options:

• Broil 3-5 minutes – After microwaving, put turkey skin-side up under a broiler for a few minutes until crispy.

• Air fry at 400°F – Chop cooked turkey into parts and air fry 5-10 minutes to make the skin crispy.

And your microwave turkey is ready to serve! With the right technique, you can enjoy a tender and juicy microwave-cooked turkey any time of year.

Turkey Microwave Power Setting

It is best to cook your turkey at 50 percent microwave power. This lower power gently steams the turkey and allows time for the heat to penetrate deep into the meat. Turkeys cooked at 100 percent power may overcook on the outer areas while leaving the center underdone.

If your microwave does not have a 50 percent power option, cook at 30-40 percent power. Just increase the cooking time by a few more minutes per pound to ensure it cooks through.

Always check the temperature in multiple spots with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness. Cook longer if needed to reach a safe 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.

Tips for the Best Microwave Turkey

Here are some additional tips and tricks for microwaved turkey success:

• Cook stuffing or dressing separately outside the turkey in a baking dish to ensure it cooks fully.

• Use a cooking bag or tent foil over the wings and legs to prevent overcooking.

• Brush on a glaze during the last 15 minutes if desired for extra flavor and color.

• Let the cooked turkey rest at least 10 minutes before carving for juicy results.

• Slice, chop, or shred the meat off the bones for easy serving.

• Make turkey broth with the carcass and neck for gravy, soup or dressing.

• Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Freeze leftovers in portions for later use.

Common Microwave Turkey Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes when cooking a turkey in the microwave and how to prevent them:

• Not thawing completely – This leads to uneven cooking. Always thaw in the refrigerator 1 day per 4 lbs.

• Not cooking breast-side down – The breast meat dries out if cooked upwards. Always place breast down.

• No liquid in the dish – Liquid is needed to steam the turkey. Add 1 cup water, broth or wine.

• 100% power – Using full power overcooks the outer areas while undercooking the center. Go for 50% power.

• Not flipping halfway – Flip the turkey over midway for even microwave exposure.

• Not checking temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, especially in the breast.

• Not letting rest – Letting the turkey sit after microwaving allows juices to absorb for a juicy carved turkey.

• Overcrowded microwave – The turkey needs room around it for even cooking. Don’t overload the microwave.

Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll find microwave turkey cooking to be easy and delicious! Your family may even prefer your quick microwave turkey over the traditional oven method.