How to Convection Cook a Turkey for a Perfectly Moist and Tender Bird

Cooking a turkey in a convection oven is the best way to get a juicy, tender bird with golden crispy skin. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, allowing for faster and more even cooking compared to a regular oven. If you want your turkey to come out of the oven perfectly cooked, convection is the way to go.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain what a convection oven is, the benefits of using one, tips for success, how long to cook your turkey, and provide a foolproof convection turkey recipe After reading this, you’ll feel confident and ready to convection roast your best turkey yet

What is a Convection Oven?

A convection oven has a built-in fan and exhaust system that circulates hot air around the entire oven cavity during the cooking process. The constant flow of dry air over and around the food helps it cook faster and more evenly compared to a standard oven with natural heat convection.

The major benefits of convection cooking include

• Faster cooking times – Food cooks 25-30% faster as the heated air rapidly transfers heat to the surface of the food.

• Even heating – No more cold or hot spots. The circulating fan distributes heat consistently for uniform cooking.

• Crispy exteriors – The constant flow of hot air dries out surfaces leading to crispy, browned crusts and skins.

• Moist interiors – Foods are juicier on the inside because the quick cooking seals in moisture.

• Self-basting – Foods cook in their own juices so basting isn’t required.

For roasting large cuts of meat like a turkey, the convection oven is perfect for getting gorgeously browned skin covering tender, succulent meat in less time.

Convection Oven Turkey Cooking Tips

Follow these tips when cooking your turkey in a convection oven:

• Use the right pan – Use a low-sided sheet pan with a rack to allow maximum air circulation all around the turkey.

• Don’t truss – Skipping trussing allows the hot air to circulate completely around the turkey.

• Brush with oil – Lightly coat the turkey skin with oil to help promote browning and crisping.

• Season well – Generously season the turkey cavity and under the skin with salt and pepper or fresh herbs.

• Cook unstuffed – Cook stuffing separately to ensure even cooking. Stuffing adds roasting time.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

• Let rest before carving – Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

How Long to Cook a Turkey in a Convection Oven

Cooking times for an unstuffed turkey in a convection oven are:

• 8-12 pounds = 1.5 – 2 hours
• 12-15 pounds = 2 – 2.5 hours
• 16-20 pounds = 2.5 – 3 hours
• 20-24 pounds = 3 – 3.5 hours

As a general rule, plan for 15-18 minutes per pound if your turkey is under 16 pounds. Larger turkeys over 16 pounds cook in 12-15 minutes per pound.

Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying solely on time. Convection ovens can vary in efficiency. Cook until the turkey registers 165°F in the innermost part of the thigh and thickest section of the breast.

If stuffing the turkey, expect it to take about 30 minutes longer. The stuffing must reach 165°F also. For food safety, I recommend cooking stuffing separately.

Step-by-Step Convection Turkey Cooking Method

Follow these simple steps for oven convection roasting turkey success:

1. Take the turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before roasting to bring it closer to room temperature. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Preheat convection oven to 325°F. Place oven rack in lowest position.

3. Use a low-sided pan with a rack. Place turkey breast side up on the rack. Brush all over with oil and generously season cavity and outside with salt, pepper and herbs.

4. Roast turkey for calculated cook time based on weight. For example, roast a 12 pound turkey for about 2 hours.

5. Check temperature after 2 hours. Insert a meat thermometer deep into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. Cook until it reaches 165°F.

6. Let turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for moister slices.

7. Carve turkey and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked convection oven turkey!

Why Cook a Turkey in a Convection Oven?

Here are the main benefits of using the convection roast setting:

• Reduced cooking time – The turkey roasts 25-30% faster thanks to the circulating hot air.

• Juicy meat – The accelerated cooking locks in moisture so meat stays tender and succulent.

• Crispier skin – The constant air flow dries the skin for uber crisp results.

• Beautiful browning – The moving air promotes caramelization and gorgeous color.

• No basting required – The turkey self-bastes in its own juices.

• Hands-free cooking – No need to hover by the oven basting and tenting with foil.

Your holiday turkey will come out of a convection oven picture perfect with golden crispy skin enveloping delectably moist meat. It’s an easy, fuss-free roasting method you can rely on year after year.

My Favorite Convection Roasted Turkey Recipe

To guarantee your holiday turkey is cooked to perfection, follow my simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12-15 lb whole fresh or thawed turkey
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage (optional)

Directions:

1. Take turkey out of fridge 1 hour before roasting. Rinse turkey, pat dry.

2. Preheat convection oven to 325°F. Place oven rack in lowest position.

3. Place turkey breast side up on rack in a low sided sheet pan. Tuck wings under.

4. Brush turkey all over with olive oil. Generously season entire surface with salt, pepper and herbs.

5. Roast turkey for approximately 18-22 minutes per pound, until 165°F.

6. Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before slicing.

7. Carve turkey and serve!

For a 12 pound turkey, roast for about 2 1/4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F in thickest part of thigh before removing from oven.

This simple recipe consistently produces a moist, flavorful turkey with crispy browned skin and tender meat. The convection oven does all the hard work for you!

Get Ready to Feast on Perfectly Cooked Turkey

Cooking your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey in a convection oven helps ensure ideal results. The circulating hot air cooks the turkey remarkably fast, seals in juicy moisture, and promotes crispy skin.

Just follow my tips on oven setup, seasoning, recommended cook times, and proper temperature. Let your convection oven do the rest for a foolproof turkey roasted to perfection.