How to Cook Moist, Delicious Turkey in an Oster Roaster Oven

An Oster roaster oven is a convenient countertop appliance for cooking smaller turkeys up to 20 pounds. The enclosed moist heat circulates evenly around the bird to ensure tender, juicy meat and crispy skin.

Cooking turkey in an Oster roaster frees up oven space. It also cooks the bird faster than a traditional oven. Follow these tips and techniques for roaster oven turkey success.

Benefits of Using an Oster Roaster for Turkey

There are several key advantages to roasting turkey in an Oster electric roaster rather than the oven

• Moist meat – The steamy enclosed environment keeps turkey very moist without drying out. No basting required.

• Faster cooking – High heat roasts turkey quicker than a standard oven. Cooks 30% faster on average.

• Saves oven space – Allows oven to be used for sides and other dishes. Compact size takes up minimal counter room

• Portability – Some Oster roaster models have handles for easy transport to potlucks or outdoor parties.

• Large capacity – Can fit turkeys up to 20 lbs depending on the roaster size. Much more than a sheet pan.

• Energy efficient – Uses up to 36% less energy than oven roasting according to Oster.

For effortless holiday cooking, an Oster roaster oven provides fast, convenient turkey with easy cleanup.

Choosing the Right Turkey Size

When selecting a turkey to cook in your Oster roaster, opt for:

• Boneless turkey breast – Takes less time to cook. Easier to fit in most roaster ovens.

• Bone-in turkey breast – Leaves backbone attached for juicier meat. Size appropriately.

• Small whole turkeys – Birds up to 16 lbs work well. Over 20 lbs likely won’t fit.

• Turkey pieces – Drumsticks, thighs, wings cook quickly. Good for smaller gatherings.

Make sure any whole turkey will lay flat with legs secured to maximize capacity.

Oster Roaster Turkey Cooking Times

Cooking duration depends on the size and type of turkey:

• Boneless breast: Cook 15-20 minutes per lb
• Bone-in breast: Cook 20-25 minutes per lb
• Turkey thighs: Cook 60-75 minutes per lb
• Drumsticks: Cook 75-90 minutes per lb
• Small whole turkey: Cook 45-60 minutes per lb

For example, a 5 lb boneless breast takes about 1.5 hours while a 16 lb whole turkey needs 10-12 hours.

Always use a meat thermometer and check temperature 15-30 minutes before recommended time. Cook until 165°F.

Step-by-Step Guide for Oster Roaster Turkey

Follow this simple process for flawless roaster oven turkey every time:

Ingredients:

• 1 small whole turkey or turkey breast, up to 16 lbs
• Herbs, citrus, butter, or seasoning of choice

Directions:

1. Thaw turkey completely if frozen. Do not wash raw turkey.
2. Pat turkey dry. Loosen skin from breast and rub in seasoning if desired.
3. Truss legs tightly with twine so bird lays flat. Tuck wings under.
4. Place turkey directly on roaster rack. Add 1 cup broth or water to pan bottom.
5. Cook covered on highest temperature for 30 minutes to sear.
6. Reduce heat to 300°F. Do not open lid while cooking.
7. Use thermometer to check temperature after estimated cook time. Breast 165°F, thighs 175°F.
8. Once done, tent turkey with foil and let rest 15 minutes before carving.

Adding a small amount of liquid creates steam for extra moistness. Avoid opening the lid which releases heat and moisture.

Oster Roaster Turkey Cooking Tips

Maximize flavor and tenderness with these useful tips:

• Inject turkey with broth, melted butter, or barbecue sauce

• Stuff aromatics in the cavity like onions, apples, oranges

• Rub herb butter or seasoning blends under the skin

• Flip turkey halfway during cook time for even browning

• Add veggies like carrots, potatoes, garlic to roast in drippings

• Brush with browning sauce last 30 minutes for color if desired

• Finish under broiler if needed for crisper skin

Getting creative with seasonings and fillings gives you a memorable roasted turkey.

Common Oster Roaster Turkey Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when cooking turkey in an Oster roaster oven:

• Overstuffing the cavity – Filling expands and can split the bird. Cook stuffing separately.

• Not sealing lid – Escaping steam means dry meat. Keep tightly closed.

• Cooking at high temps entire time – High heat is just for searing initially. Lower temp finishes evenly.

• Not monitoring temperature – Turkey overcooks quickly in moist heat. Use a meat thermometer.

• Skipping trussing – Untied legs lead to uneven cooking.

• Adding too much liquid – More than 1 cup creates excess moisture.

• Removing too soon – Check internal temp to ensure safely cooked.

Proper preparation and temp monitoring results in perfect roaster oven turkey.

Troubleshooting Oster Roaster Turkey Problems

Here are some common issues and solutions:

• Undercooked meat – Increase roasting time and monitor temp closely.

• Uneven doneness – Bird wasn’t trussed properly. Secure legs better next time.

• Dried out turkey – Cooking temp was too high. Use lower steady temp.

• Soggy skin – Excess liquid in roaster. Use less or place turkey on rack.

• Greasy turkey – Too much basting oil used. Rub on minimal amount before roasting.

• Burst skin – Turkey was overstuffed. Cook stuffing separately next time.

• Smoky kitchen – Roaster was overfilled. Size turkey properly to appliance.

With some trial and error, you’ll master the method for roaster oven perfection.

Should You Cook Turkey in an Oster Roaster?

While roaster ovens like Oster models can produce moist, tender turkey, traditional oven roasting likely gives better results in terms of crispy skin.

The hot circulating air of the enclosed roaster keeps turkey very moist and cooks it faster. However, it can be difficult to achieve ideally crisped, browned skin.

Oven roasting allows better air flow for browning. And oven capacity is much larger compared to countertop roasters.

So while an Oster roaster does provide a convenient, mess-free way to cook smaller turkeys, oven roasting may be preferable for larger birds and optimized texture.

The choice depends on your goals, space constraints, and preferred technique. For many home cooks, roaster oven turkey is an excellent alternative.

The key is properly prepping, trussing, and seasoning the turkey before placing in the roaster. Follow recommended cook times and temperatures for your model. With practice, you can make fantastic roaster oven turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my turkey golden brown in an Oster roaster?

• After cooking, put turkey under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the skin.

• Brush browning sauce on the bird before roasting to help with color.

What size turkey fits in an Oster roaster?

• Check your specific roaster model, but most accommodate whole turkeys up to 16 lbs.

• Boneless breasts, pieces, and smaller birds are easiest to fit.

Can I use a turkey cooking bag in an Oster roaster?

Yes, you can use a cooking bag as long as it doesn’t touch the sides or lid. Follow bag directions and cook turkey to 165°F.

What temperature should I cook turkey in an Oster roaster?

• Preheat roaster to highest temp to start. Cook first 30 minutes at max temp.

• Then reduce temperature to 325°F until turkey reaches minimum 165°F.

Is roaster or oven turkey better?

• Roaster ovens cook faster and use less energy but may not brown as well.

• Ovens allow better air flow and have more capacity but take longer.

• For small gatherings and moist turkey, a roaster works great.

Key Takeaways for Oster Roaster Turkey

• An Oster roaster oven provides moist turkey and frees up oven space. But skin may not get as crispy.

• Allow 1 pound of unstuffed turkey per person. Choose the right size bird for your roaster.

• Truss legs tightly and tuck wings under so turkey lays flat.

• Cook at high temp first to sear then reduce heat. Monitor temperature with meat thermometer.

• Let turkey rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

With the right technique, an Oster roaster oven lets you turn out delicious holiday turkey with little