What Temperature to Cook Turkey in Roaster Oven by Size (8 to 24 lb)–Made Easy, Weight-Based Cooking

What Temperature to Cook Turkey in Roaster Oven by Size? Set your roaster oven to 325°F and cook turkey to 165°F internal.

If you want to nail what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size, you’re in the right place. I’ve roasted more birds than I can count, in home kitchens and test kitchens. Below, you’ll get clear temps, time-by-size guides, safety notes, and pro tips that actually work. Read on for a step-by-step plan you can trust.

If you want holiday-worthy results with less stress, you will love learning how to cook a turkey in a Rival roasting oven.

How a Roaster Oven Cooks Turkey Faster

A roaster oven is like a small, sealed oven. The lid holds heat and moisture close to the bird. This steady heat helps the turkey cook a bit faster than a big oven.

The result is even heat, juicy meat, and less fuss. You also free up your main oven for sides. Expect cook times to be about 15 to 20 percent faster than a standard oven.

Leave the lid on as much as you can. Each peek dumps heat and adds time.

The Right Temperature: 325°F, Safe and Reliable

Use 325°F for a whole turkey in a roaster. This matches national food safety guidance for poultry. It gives you safe, even cooking without drying the meat.

Do not set the roaster below 325°F for a whole bird. Lower heat can sit in the risk zone too long. If your model allows higher heat, you can bump to 400°F for the last 10 to 15 minutes to help skin color.

No matter the size, the turkey is done when all parts reach 165°F. Check the thickest part of the breast and the inner thigh. If you stuff the bird, the center of the stuffing must also hit 165°F.

If you came here asking what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size, the short answer is this: set 325°F, and verify 165°F in the meat.

Time and Temperature by Turkey Size

You asked what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size. Here is the clear plan. Set 325°F. Use these time windows as a guide, then confirm doneness at 165°F with a thermometer.

• 8 to 10 lb turkey: 2 to 2.5 hours at 325°F. Start temp checks at 1 hour 45 minutes.
• 10 to 12 lb turkey: 2.25 to 2.75 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 2 hours.
• 12 to 14 lb turkey: 2.5 to 3.25 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 2 hours 15 minutes.
• 14 to 16 lb turkey: 3 to 3.75 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 2 hours 40 minutes.
• 16 to 18 lb turkey: 3.25 to 4 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 3 hours.
• 18 to 20 lb turkey: 3.75 to 4.25 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 3 hours 15 minutes.
• 20 to 24 lb turkey: 4.25 to 5 hours at 325°F. Begin checks around 3 hours 45 minutes.

Notes that matter:

• These ranges reflect a roaster oven, which runs faster than a standard oven.
• Unstuffed birds cook faster and more evenly. Cook stuffing on the side for safety.
• Always trust temperature over time. 165°F is the goal.

In my kitchen, a 14 lb turkey often finishes in about 3 hours at 325°F in a roaster. I still test early to avoid overshooting. This routine nails what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size with confidence.

Step-by-Step Roaster Method

• Thaw the turkey in the fridge. Plan one day per 4 to 5 pounds. Keep it in a tray to catch juices.
• Dry the skin well with paper towels. Season inside and out. Tuck the wings and tie the legs for even cooking.
• Preheat the roaster to 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the rack so the bird sits up off the base.
• Insert a leave-in thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. Avoid bone.
• Roast with the lid on. Do not add water to the roaster pan unless your manual says to. The turkey will release plenty of juices.
• Begin temp checks as listed above. When the breast and thigh read 165°F, it is done.
• Rest the turkey, tented with foil, for 20 to 30 minutes. Then carve and serve.

This simple flow fits any size. It is also the best way to standardize what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size across brands and models.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Strips Without Breadcrumbs– Extra Crunchy & Easy

Seasoning, Moisture, and Skin Tips

• Dry brine for juicy meat. Use 1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound. Rub it on 24 to 48 hours ahead. Chill uncovered for crisp skin.
• Add flavor with butter or oil. Rub under and over the skin. Use herbs, pepper, garlic, or citrus zest.
• Skip water in the roaster. Extra liquid slows browning. The turkey makes its own broth.
• Want more color? Raise heat to 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes near the end if your roaster allows. Or move the bird to a hot oven to finish the skin.
• Do not baste often. Opening the lid drops heat and adds time.

These small steps help any plan for what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size work even better.

Doneness, Resting, and Food Safety

• Safe doneness is 165°F in the breast and thigh. Check in more than one spot.
• If you stuffed the cavity, confirm 165°F in the center of the stuffing.
• Rest the turkey for 20 to 30 minutes. Juices settle. Slices stay moist.
• Do not hold in the roaster below 140°F. Chill leftovers within 2 hours. Use shallow containers for faster cooling.
• Reheat to 165°F before serving leftovers.

Food safety guidance supports 325°F for whole birds. That is your North Star for what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size. When in doubt, verify with a good thermometer.

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes

• Pale skin: Pat very dry, use oil, and finish hot for short bursts.
• Dry breast, dark meat not done: Shield the breast with foil. Keep cooking until thighs hit 165°F.
• The roaster runs hot or cool: Trust your thermometer, not the dial. Adjust time as needed.
• Bird too big for the roaster: Use a larger roaster or the main oven. Crowding blocks airflow.
• Opening the lid too often: Resist. Each lift can add 5 to 10 minutes.

These fixes keep your plan for what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size on track, even when things go sideways.

Frequently Asked Questions of what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size

Can I cook a turkey at 300°F in a roaster oven?

Use 325°F for safety and even cooking. Lower temps can keep the bird in the danger zone too long.

Do I need to add water to the roaster?

No. The turkey makes its own juices. Adding water can slow browning and soften the skin.

How do I crisp the skin in a roaster oven?

Dry the skin well, rub with oil, and finish at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes if your unit allows. You can also brown in a hot oven at the end.

Is it safe to stuff a turkey in a roaster?

It can be, but it is less reliable. If you stuff, confirm the stuffing hits 165°F in the center.

How big a turkey can I fit in an 18-quart roaster?

Most 18-quart models fit up to about 24 pounds. Check your manual and ensure the lid closes without touching the bird.

What time per pound should I plan at 325°F?

Plan about 12 to 15 minutes per pound in a roaster. Start temp checks early to avoid overcooking.

Can I cook a turkey from frozen in the roaster?

No. Thaw fully in the fridge for safe, even cooking. Allow one day of thawing per 4 to 5 pounds.

Should I pull the turkey at 160°F to rest up to 165°F?

For strict safety, target 165°F before pulling. Some cooks rely on carryover, but always confirm the final temp is 165°F.

What temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size if I spatchcock?

Still use 325°F and check for 165°F. A spatchcocked turkey cooks faster and more evenly.

Do roasting bags work in a roaster oven?

They can, if your manual allows. Bags speed cooking but soften skin. Watch temps closely.

Conclusion

Set your roaster to 325°F, aim for 165°F inside, and let size set your time window. Use a good thermometer, keep the lid on, and rest the bird well. These simple habits deliver juicy meat and happy guests.

Now it’s your turn. Save this guide, follow the steps, and master what temperature to cook turkey in roaster oven by size for every holiday. Have a question or a win to share? Drop a comment and join the conversation.