How To Cook A Turkey Overnight In A Roaster Oven? Set roaster to 450°F, then 250°F overnight; use a probe to 165°F. To cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven, first thaw the turkey completely and season it as desired. Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack inside the roaster oven. Set the temperature to around 200–225°F (93–107°C) for slow overnight cooking. Cover the roaster with its lid, and cook for 10–12 hours depending on the size, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thigh. Let it rest before carving for juicy, tender results.
Can the 18-quart model really handle a family feast, or do you need the 20? Read our AROMA 18Qt vs AROMA 20Qt comparison to see the maximum bird weight each can handle. Avoid a holiday disaster by checking the real-world dimensions in our AROMA roaster size showdown.
I’ve cooked whole birds for crowds and quiet holidays alike, and I know the pressure. In this guide, I’ll show you how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven with confidence, great flavor, and safe temps. You’ll learn a proven, simple method, plus pro tips to keep the meat juicy and the skin golden.
Why an Overnight Roaster Turkey Works (and When It Doesn’t)
Overnight cooking frees your oven for sides and helps you sleep. A roaster oven traps steam and heat, which speeds cooking and keeps meat moist. It is a game changer for big gatherings.
There is one key rule. Stay food safe. The bird must pass the danger zone fast and finish at 165°F in the thickest part. We will do that with a short high-heat start, then a low, even finish. This is how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven the right way.
What You’ll Need
You do not need much gear. A few smart tools make it easy.
- Electric roaster oven with a domed lid
- Oven-safe probe thermometer with a low and high alarm
- Roasting rack or insert that fits your roaster
- Heavy-duty foil
- Paper towels and kitchen twine
- Basting brush or spray bottle
- Fat: butter, ghee, or oil
- Seasoning: kosher salt, pepper, herbs, citrus, garlic
- Stock or water for the pan
My personal must-have is the probe. It removes the guesswork. It is the simplest way to nail how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven.
Forget the stress of a crowded kitchen; the AROMA 22Qt Roaster Oven easily fits a 26lb turkey, leaving your main oven wide open for pies and side dishes.
Food Safety Essentials You Should Not Skip
I take food safety very seriously. A few rules protect your guests.
- Thaw fully. A frozen turkey needs about 24 hours in the fridge for every 4 to 5 pounds.
- Keep it cold. Do not leave raw turkey out for more than 30 minutes before cooking.
- Move fast through the danger zone. Get the turkey above 140°F within 4 hours.
- Finish hot. The breast and the thick thigh must reach 165°F.
- Rest safely. Hold the cooked turkey at 140°F or higher, or chill within 2 hours.
These rules come from standard food safety guidance used by pros. They are the backbone of how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven without risk.
The Step-by-Step: How to Cook a Turkey Overnight in a Roaster Oven
This method balances speed, moisture, and safety. I’ve used it for years.
- Prep the turkey
- Remove giblets and neck. Pat the turkey very dry.
- Salt all over and under the skin if you can. Salt the cavity.
- Tuck the wings. Tie legs loosely.
- Rub with soft butter or oil. Season with pepper and herbs.
- Set up the roaster
- Place the rack in the roaster. Add 1 to 2 cups stock or water.
- Insert the probe in the deepest part of the breast, not touching bone.
- Preheat the roaster to 450°F.
- Start hot for 45 to 60 minutes
- Place the turkey breast side up on the rack.
- Cover and roast at 450°F for 45 to 60 minutes.
- This jump-starts heat transfer so you pass the danger zone fast.
- Drop to a low, steady heat for the night
- Reduce the roaster to 250°F.
- Set the probe alarm to 160°F for the breast.
- Go to bed. The roaster’s lid holds steady heat and moisture.
- Morning check
- When the probe hits 160°F in the breast, check the thigh with an instant-read.
- Confirm the thick thigh is at least 170°F to 175°F and juices run clear.
- If needed, keep roasting at 250°F and check every 15 minutes.
- Optional: crisp the skin
- Skin can soften in a roaster. For crunch, remove the lid, pat the skin dry, brush with fat, and raise the roaster to 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Watch closely. Or move the turkey to a 450°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes.
- Rest and carve
- Rest the turkey 20 to 30 minutes, tented loosely with foil.
- Carve with a sharp knife. Save all drippings for gravy.
This is the safest way I know how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven while keeping the meat juicy and the process stress-free.
Timing Guide by Turkey Weight
Every bird is different. Use your probe. These are my real-world ranges for this method.
- 10 to 12 pounds: about 6 to 8 hours total after the 450°F start
- 12 to 14 pounds: about 7 to 9 hours
- 14 to 16 pounds: about 8 to 10 hours
- 16 to 18 pounds: about 9 to 11 hours
- 18 to 20 pounds: about 10 to 12 hours
Note: If your kitchen is cool and your roaster is very tight, it may run faster. If your roaster runs cool, add time. The probe rules the day in how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven.
Flavor Boosters: Brines, Rubs, and Aromatics
You can make big flavor with small steps.
- Dry brine
- Salt the turkey 24 to 48 hours ahead. Keep it uncovered in the fridge.
- Result: deeper seasoning and better skin.
- Wet brine
- Submerge in a light salt solution for 12 to 24 hours.
- Pat very dry before roasting. Helps with moisture, but dries the skin more slowly.
- Butter and herb paste
- Mix soft butter with garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and pepper.
- Rub under and over the skin.
- Cavity aromatics
- Add onion, lemon, herbs, and a halved head of garlic.
- Do not pack tight. You want airflow.
These steps make how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven even more rewarding with little extra work.
Get Crisp Skin and Juicy Meat
Roaster ovens create steam. That is great for moist meat, but the skin can soften.
- Dry the skin very well before cooking.
- Dry brine if you can.
- Uncover for the last 15 minutes and raise the heat to crisp.
- Brush with ghee or oil at the end for shine and snap.
If you care most about crackling skin, finish in a hot conventional oven. Either way, this is still how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven with a strong skin game.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
I learned some of these the hard way.
- Turkey is still too cool in the morning
- Keep at 250°F. Do not panic. Check every 15 minutes.
- Next time, start the hot phase for a full 60 minutes.
- Skin is pale
- Pat dry and brush with fat. Uncover and raise heat to 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Meat is dry
- Pull at 160°F in the breast and rest. Hold at safe temps, not hot for hours.
- Use a dry brine next time.
- Soggy drippings
- Use a rack. Keep only 1 to 2 cups liquid in the pan at the start.
- Reduce the drippings on the stove for rich gravy.
These fixes keep how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven simple and forgiving.
Make-Ahead Gravy and Drippings Gold
Your roaster drippings are liquid flavor.
- Skim fat and reserve it.
- Deglaze the insert with stock, white wine, or water.
- Simmer with a splash of reserved fat and a spoon of flour for body.
- Finish with black pepper and a touch of acid, like lemon juice.
I often make a light gravy the day before, then enrich it with morning drippings. This trick streamlines how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven for busy hosts.
Leftovers: Cooling, Storing, and Reheating
Safe leftovers are the sign of a well-run kitchen.
- Cool fast. Slice the meat off the bone. Spread on trays to cool quickly.
- Store in shallow containers. Chill within 2 hours.
- Eat within 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat to 165°F. Add a splash of stock to keep it moist.
These steps complete how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven
Is it safe to cook a turkey overnight at 200°F?
It is not recommended. Keep the first stage hot and ensure the turkey reaches 140°F within 4 hours, then finish to 165°F.
How do I keep the breast from drying out overnight?
Use a probe and pull the turkey when the breast hits 160°F. Dry brine and a butter rub also help hold moisture.
Can I stuff the turkey when using a roaster oven?
No. Stuffing slows heating and raises risk. Cook stuffing in a separate dish for safety and even texture.
What size turkey fits in a standard roaster oven?
Most 18-quart roasters fit up to a 20 to 22 pound turkey. Check your model and measure the lid clearance.
Do I need to baste during the night?
You do not. The closed roaster holds moisture. If you baste, do it near the end to avoid heat loss.
How long should I rest the turkey after overnight cooking?
Rest 20 to 30 minutes. Tent loosely with foil to keep it warm and let juices settle.
Conclusion
Now you know how to cook a turkey overnight in a roaster oven with a method that is simple, safe, and tasty. Start hot, roast low, trust your probe, and finish with a quick crisp. Your meat will be juicy, your kitchen calm, and your guests happy.
Put this plan on your holiday timeline today. If you found this helpful, share it with a friend, subscribe for more stress-free cooking guides, or drop your questions in the comments.
