How To Cook A Juicy, Tender Turkey In A Nesco Roaster Oven

by

Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, roasting a golden brown turkey is often the showstopper of the classic holiday feast But getting perfect results out of a conventional oven can be hit or miss This is where the unique Nesco roaster oven shines. With its specialized design, the Nesco allows you to conveniently cook a wonderfully moist, flavorful turkey year after year.

Why Cook Turkey In A Nesco Roaster?

Here are some of the key benefits of using a Nesco roaster instead of a regular oven

  • Even cooking – The enclosed fan circulates hot air evenly around the turkey, preventing cold and hot spots. This ensures uniform juiciness.

  • Moisture retention – The tight-fitting lid seals in steam and natural juices. Your bird stays super moist and tender.

  • Easy monitoring – The clear lid lets you check doneness without losing heat or moisture.

  • Portability – You can roast turkey anywhere there’s an outlet, perfect for holiday trips.

  • Saves oven space – Free up your main oven for all the sides and desserts.

Picking The Right Turkey Size

  • Check your Nesco manual for size limits. Most standard 18-quart roasters fit turkeys up to 18-22 lbs.

  • Allow 2-3 inches of clearance around the turkey for air flow.

  • An undersized turkey may dry out while an oversized one won’t cook evenly.

  • Optimal size lets turkey sit right on the rack, no pan needed.

Turkey Thawing Tips

  • Completely thaw frozen turkey before roasting.

  • Thaw in the fridge 1 day per 4-5 lbs turkey weight.

  • To quick thaw, submerge wrapped turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.

  • Cook from fully thawed state for best results.

Step-By-Step Nesco Turkey Roasting

Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey:

1. Prepare The Turkey

  • Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Keep for gravy or discard.

  • Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with towels.

  • Coat skin and cavities with butter, oil or broth for moisture and flavor.

2. Season The Turkey

  • Season cavities with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.

  • Rub skin with olive oil or butter. Coat with desired herbs and spices.

  • Lightly stuff neck and body cavities if desired. Truss legs with string.

3. Preheat The Nesco

  • Preheat with lid on to 450°F for 15 minutes before cooking.

4. Add Liquid

  • Pour 1-2 cups water, broth or wine in bottom of roaster.

5. Place Turkey In Roaster

  • Position turkey breast up directly on rack, no pan.

  • Add stuffing if using.

6. Set Cook Time And Temperature

  • Reduce heat to 325°F after loading turkey.

  • Cook approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.

  • For a 12 lb turkey, cook around 3 to 4 hours.

7. Check Doneness

  • Use a meat thermometer in thickest thigh area, without touching bone.

  • Turkey is done at 165°F. Stuffing should reach 165°F.

8. Remove And Let Sit

  • Carefully remove turkey when fully cooked.

  • Let sit 20-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

9. Carve And Serve

  • Carve turkey and serve with favorite holiday sides. Enjoy!

Handy Nesco Roaster Turkey Tips

  • Baste occasionally with pan juices or melted butter for extra moisture and flavor.

  • Add celery, onion, garlic to roaster bottom for aroma and flavor.

  • Use a meat thermometer for doneness, not time. Each turkey cooks differently.

  • If browning is uneven, tent foil over dried areas and continue roasting.

  • Letting turkey rest after cooking allows juices to reabsorb into the meat.

  • Use flavorful pan juices to make homemade turkey gravy.

Nesco Turkey Roasting Troubleshooting

Turkey not browning evenly?

  • Rotate turkey halfway through cook time.

  • Increase temperature if skin isn’t crisping up.

Turkey skin drying out?

  • Baste more often with pan juices or melted butter.

  • Ensure turkey isn’t touching heating element.

Turkey breast or thighs overcooked?

  • Use a lower temperature (300°F) next time.

  • Cover dried areas with foil to slow cooking.

Stuffing undercooked?

  • Use instant-read thermometer to confirm 165°F in center.

  • Cook stuffing separately if needed.

Alternatives To Whole Roast Turkey

If cooking a large whole turkey seems daunting, try these easy alternatives perfect for the Nesco:

  • Turkey breast roast
  • Boneless turkey breast fillets
  • Turkey drumsticks or thighs
  • Ground turkey meatloaf
  • Turkey burgers or meatballs

With the right techniques, the Nesco roaster oven takes the guesswork out of cooking a deliciously moist, golden turkey. Follow the step-by-step instructions for a perfectly cooked, juicy bird your family will rave about. Enjoy the convenience of freeing up your main oven while letting the Nesco do the hard work of roasting you a fabulous Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey.

how do i cook a turkey in a nesco roaster

What type of Roaster Oven is best for me?

We have three types of Roaster Ovens to choose from and the best one for you depends on what you’re cooking.

The classic 18 Qt. Roaster Oven has been a staple at holidays, parties, and gatherings for years. It can hold up to a 22 lb. turkey and even bake full pies. It can also be used for cooking and serving chili, hot dogs, or other hot foods for big get-togethers. While your 18 Qt. Roaster Oven cooks the turkey, you can use your oven for side dishes.

The smaller 6 Qt. Roaster Oven is very similar to its larger counterpart. It has the full versatility of the 18 Qt. Roaster Oven, but in a more compact size. Best suited for turkey breasts, Cornish game hens, or side dishes on Thanksgiving because of its compact size, it still features the versatile 200-400 degree temperature range. If you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving meal, this is the right Roaster Oven for you.

NESCO’s newest addition, the High Speed Roaster, is the fastest way to cook a turkey. It can cook up to an 18 lb. turkey in less than two hours and uses infrared lights to sear turkey skin to a perfect golden-brown perfection. The center heating element cooks from the inside out to ensure an even cook every time. This Roaster can also be used for other meat dishes like beef roasts or kebobs.

Do I need to thaw my turkey before roasting?

Yes, no matter what type cooking method you use, you must thaw your turkey. Plan ahead because this takes several days!

If you’re in a hurry, fill a large pot or your sink with cold water. Next, place the unwrapped turkey breast-side down in the water (make sure it’s fully submerged). Thaw for a half hour per pound, changing the water every half hour.

How to Roast a Turkey in a Nesco Electric Roaster – a Holiday to Remember

FAQ

How long does a turkey take to cook in a Nesco roaster?

Cook 18 lb. turkey on “HIGH” at 165 degrees. Estimated time cook is 6/min per pound.

Do I need to put water in the bottom of a Nesco roaster?

A: Yes, I have always added water to the nesco type cooking unit. It makes the roaster cook more evenly and it doesn’t run so hot.

Is it better to cook turkey in a roaster oven or regular oven?

Always use a regular oven for roasting any type of meat. Convection ovens will dry out the meat very quickly, so best to avoid them. You could give your turkey a final blast for a few minutes at the end of cooking to help crisp up the skin.

Do you put water in bottom of roaster when cooking a turkey?

Yes! Adding water to the bottom of the pan keeps the meat extra juicy and tender as it roasts. Without that added moisture, the turkey is much more likely to dry out as it cooks.

Leave a Comment