Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey is easier than you think with a Nuwave oven This countertop appliance uses a combination of conduction, convection, and infrared heat to cook foods up to 50% faster than a conventional oven. With the right techniques, you can have a perfectly cooked turkey in no time using your Nuwave oven
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook a turkey to perfection in your Nuwave oven including
- Suggested cook times based on turkey size
- Step-by-step instructions
- Tips for thawing, seasoning, and monitoring doneness
- Frequently asked questions
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a moist, tender turkey with crispy skin ready for your next holiday meal or family dinner.
Suggested Cook Times for Turkey in a Nuwave Oven
The cook time for turkey in a Nuwave oven depends on the size of the bird. Here are general timelines based on turkey weight:
- 8-12 lbs: 90-120 minutes
- 12-16 lbs: 120-150 minutes
- 16-20 lbs: 150-180 minutes
- 20-24 lbs: 180-210 minutes
These cook times are for fresh or fully thawed turkeys For frozen birds, extend cook time by 15 minutes per pound Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the oven.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Turkey in a Nuwave Oven
Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey every time:
1. Thaw the Turkey
Only cook fully thawed turkeys in the Nuwave oven. Thaw frozen birds in the refrigerator 1 day for every 4 lbs.
2. Remove Giblets and Neck
Check the cavities of the turkey and remove the bag of giblets and neck if still inside. Discard or use for gravy.
3. Pat Turkey Dry
Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
4. Brush with Oil and Season
Coat the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Generously season the cavities and skin with salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, thyme, or your favorite poultry seasoning.
5. Insert Meat Thermometer
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to hit bone.
6. Position Turkey Breast-Side Down
Place turkey on the Nuwave oven rack breast-side down. Insert extender ring if cooking a bird over 10 lbs.
7. Cook Turkey
Set Nuwave oven to 350°F on high power. Cook for calculated time based on weight.
8. Flip and Tent Turkey
At half cook time, carefully flip turkey breast-side up. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
9. Check Temperature
When timer goes off, check that breast reached 165°F and thighs reached 175°F. If not, continue cooking and checking every 5-10 minutes until done.
10. Let Turkey Rest
Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicy results.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked turkey with crispy skin every time:
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Cook at 350°F – This temperature ensures even, thorough cooking.
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Flip halfway – Flipping halfway through cooks the bird evenly.
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Tent with foil – If skin browns too fast, loosely tent foil over breast and thighs.
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Use a meat thermometer – It’s the only way to confirm safe doneness.
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Let turkey rest – Resting allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.
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Baste with juices – Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about cooking turkey in the Nuwave oven? Here are answers to some common queries:
Can I stuff the turkey?
Stuffing is not recommended, as it extends cook time. Cook stuffing separately for food safety.
Should I brine the turkey?
Brining isn’t necessary but does make turkey extra moist and flavorful. Brine 12-24 hours before cooking.
What size Nuwave oven do I need?
A standard Nuwave oven can fit a 14 lb turkey. Get an extender ring for larger birds.
How do I get crispy skin?
Pat turkey dry, coat with oil, and cook at 350°F. Basting with pan juices also helps.
Can I cook from frozen?
Never cook a frozen turkey in the Nuwave oven. Always thaw first for food safety.
What rack position should I use?
Cook turkey directly on the bottom oven rack for optimal heat circulation.
Do I need to baste or tent?
Basting with pan juices helps keep meat moist. Loosely tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.
How do I make gravy?
After removing turkey, use the flavorful pan juices and turkey neck/giblets to make gravy on the stovetop.
Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey in Your Nuwave Oven
Cooking turkey in the Nuwave oven is an easy, convenient way to free up your main oven on busy holidays. With the proper cook times, preparation, and monitoring, you can enjoy tender, juicy meat with crisp browned skin.
Reference this guide for simple step-by-step instructions, cook times, and tips for success. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make show-stopping turkey using your Nuwave oven. Give it a try this holiday season for a meal your family will rave about.
Guilty pleasures without the guilt
With the NuWave Ovens Air-Fry function, you can treat the family to a cafe-quality cooked breakfast with the press of a few buttons! And with defrost and warm functions all built in, you can cook it all in one appliance and make life easy. Now those guilty pleasures can be a little less guilty!
The Nuwave Oven Pro Plus is perfect for baking with better results. With the precise temperature control and Triple Combo Cooking Technology, you can get those delicate baking recipes just right in less time.
NuWave Oven Pro Plus Liner Pan
The porcelain enamel NuWave Oven Pro Plus Liner Pan fits perfectly inside the base tray and comfortably holds all of your cooking racks and, most importantly, catches all the drippings from your food. The Liner Pan is also 100% dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.