Rotisserie turkey is a classic preparation that results in juicy flavorful meat and beautifully crisped skin. But is this cooking method right for your holiday meal or family dinner? Here is a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about rotisserie turkeys.
What is Rotisserie Turkey?
A rotisserie turkey is a whole turkey cooked on a rotisserie, a cooking device that rotates food slowly over a heat source. The turkey is mounted on a long metal spit and rotated at a constant speed next to the heat. This allows the turkey to cook evenly and self-baste as it turns.
The main benefits of rotisserie cooking include
- Even cooking and browning on all sides
- Self-basting action keeps the meat moist
- Crispy, golden brown skin from the hot circulating air
- Better penetration of seasoning and flavors
- No flipping or rotating needed like grilling or roasting
Rotisserie cooking uses both radiant heat from the heat source and convection from the hot air, resulting in juicy, tender meat and delicious crisped skin.
What Equipment is Needed?
To rotisserie a turkey at home, you’ll need:
- A rotisserie attachment for your outdoor grill or a countertop electric rotisserie oven
- Butcher’s twine for trussing
- Instant read thermometer to check doneness
- Roasting pan to catch drips if using electric rotisserie
- Carving board for after cooking
Outdoor rotisseries like kettle grills are convenient self-contained units. Countertop rotisseries take up minimal kitchen space. Both allow you to cook a flavorsome rotisserie turkey.
What Size Turkey Should You Use?
For best results, use a small to medium turkey in the 10-18 lb range. Turkeys over 20 lbs are difficult for consumer rotisserie units to handle evenly. If cooking for a crowd, do two smaller birds instead of one large one.
Aim for similar sized turkeys if cooking two for balance on the rotisserie spit. Cook times are based on the weight of each turkey, not the total combined weight.
How to Prepare Turkey for Rotisserie Cooking
Preparing the turkey is simple:
- Remove giblets and neck from both cavities
- Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels
- Truss the legs together and tuck wing tips under with butcher’s twine
- Generously season inside and out with oil, butter, and spices
- Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of thigh, avoiding bone
- Slide spit lengthwise through the turkey, centering it for balance
What Temperature and How Long to Cook?
Rotate the turkey over medium indirect heat around 325°F, allowing 2-3 hours for a 12-16 lb bird. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh.
Check the temperatures in both the breast and thigh before removing from heat. Let rest 15 minutes before carving.
Cooking times will vary based on size of turkey and your rotisserie unit. Use a thermometer for doneness, not just timing.
Flavoring and Seasoning Ideas
- Herb rubs with rosemary, thyme, sage
- Spice rubs with chili powder, cumin, paprika
- Asian flavors like ginger, sesame, five spice
- Cajun seasoning with bold spices
- Citrus and apples enhancing natural flavors
- Dry rubs with brown sugar, salt, pepper
How to Carve Rotisserie Turkey
Allow the turkey to rest 15-20 minutes before carving. Then:
- Place turkey breast up on a cutting board
- Slice off the legs where they meet the body
- Cut along one side of the breastbone to remove breast slices
- Repeat on the other side of the breastbone
- Cut off the wings at the middle joint and slice meat
- Slice all meat across the grain for tenderness
Serving Suggestions
Delicious ways to use rotisserie turkey include:
- Traditional holiday meals with all the fixings
- Sandwiches with turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce
- Hearty main dish salads with greens, cheese, nuts
- Quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos
- Turkey casseroles or pot pies
- Turkey soup with vegetables and noodles
With the right techniques and equipment, rotisserie turkey is flavorful, self-basting, and beautifully browned. Smaller birds in the 10-18 lb range work best. Cook over indirect medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Rest before slicing and enjoy this moist, delicious turkey any time of year.
Special Equipment
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 376 | Calories |
| 14g | Fat |
| 2g | Carbs |
| 56g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 12 to 14 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 376 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 14g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 21% |
| Cholesterol 212mg | 71% |
| Sodium 888mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 1% |
| Total Sugars 2g | |
| Protein 56g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 1% |
| Calcium 52mg | 4% |
| Iron 2mg | 12% |
| Potassium 477mg | 10% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Rotisserie Turkey on the Grill
FAQ
How big of a turkey can you put on a rotisserie?
You should only rotisserie cook turkeys that weigh 12 lbs. or less. Remove the giblets and neck from a thawed fresh turkey. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking.
What are 2 other ways to cook a turkey other than in the oven?
| Method | Size |
|---|---|
| Electric roaster oven | 8 to 24 lbs. |
| Grilling: Covered Charcoal Grill or Covered Gas Grill | 8 to 16 lbs. |
| Smoking a Turkey | 8 to 12 lbs. |
| Deep Fat Frying | 8 to 12 lbs. |
How long do you cook a turkey on a Weber rotisserie?
Set the spit in place, turn on the rotisserie motor, and let the turkey rotate over indirect medium heat, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches 170º to 175ºF in the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone), 2¼ to 2½ hours.
How big of a turkey can fit in a roaster?
A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds. A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.May 27, 2024
Can you cook a turkey breast in a rotisserie?
If you have time, dry brine the turkey breast with the spice rub: Rub with spices the night before, or up to 48 hours before cooking. Wrap the turkey in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until 2 hours before cooking. Grill with Rotisserie attachment (I use a Weber Summit with an infrared rotisserie burner.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey on a rotisserie?
Whole turkeys can take 2-3 hours to fully cook to a safe internal temperature on a rotisserie. Use these cooking guidelines for various turkey sizes: 12-14 lb turkey: Cook for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the thigh reaches 170°F and the breast 165°F. 14-18 lb turkey: Cook for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours until thighs reach 170°F.
Can You Rotisserie a 14 pound turkey?
The indirect heat will allow the interior portions of the meat to cook thoroughly before the exterior becomes overdone. Preheating must be done before rotisserie grilling your turkey. A 12 to 14 pound bird is the maximum weight that can be accommodated on a standard rotisserie unit.
Can a rotisserie grill a Turkey?
“To properly grill a turkey using a rotisserie the unit must be positioned so the heat source is never directly under the bird. The indirect heat will allow the interior portions of the meat to cook thoroughly before the exterior becomes overdone. Preheating must be done before rotisserie grilling your turkey.
Can You rotisserie Cook a thawed Turkey?
You should only rotisserie cook turkeys that weigh 12 lbs. or less. Remove the giblets and neck from a thawed fresh turkey. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking. Drain juices and blot with paper towels. Do not stuff your turkey. Cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish in the oven.
Can you eat a Thanksgiving turkey on a rotisserie?
Yes, the question is not where are you going to go to eat, or worse, what are you going to eat, it is always about the grill. I’ve prepared a Thanksgiving turkey on the grill in about all ways possible, but there is always one method I return to: the rotisserie.