do you put water in the roaster when cooking a turkey

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My time-tested secrets will help you cook a perfect turkey in an electric roaster with a beautiful golden skin and juicy, tender meat every time!

With all the shopping, prep work, dishes, and cooking at Thanksgiving, this festive holiday can feel a bit daunting.

Over the last decade of hosting our family’s Thanksgiving, I’ve picked up a few stress-free tips to make Thanksgiving meal prep a breeze!

Put the rack into the insert pan and make sure the handles are up, not tucked below. Put the bird in the insert pan on top of the rack. Don’t add water to the pan.
do you put water in the roaster when cooking a turkey

How to make this recipe:

Preheat the electric roaster to its highest temperature. Most roasters max out at 450 degrees.

Tips to get the turkey golden brown in an electric roaster:

  • Thoroughly dry the outside of the turkey with paper towel. I also love dry brining the turkey for 1-3 days prior to roasting which dries the skin nicely.
  • Brush on olive oil with baking powder all over the skin. Both oil and butter encourages browning, so either one works. Baking powder gives an extra boost for browning, so don’t skip it!
  • Preheat the roaster to its highest temperature for at least 30 minutes. It’s usually 450°F, which is perfect!
  • Roast the turkey breast side down first. Because breast is closer to the hottest source of heat, it gets a great head start on browning.

do you put water in the roaster when cooking a turkey

do you put water in the roaster when cooking a turkey

Do you put water in a roaster oven when cooking a turkey?

FAQ

Do you add water to roasting pan for turkey?

Add about 1/2 inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan. This will keep the oven moist and the turkey juicy. This aromatic liquid can be used to baste the turkey while it cooks (there is a debate about whether basting does anything, but it’s part of the tradition).

Do you put liquid at the bottom of an electric roaster for turkey?

Do you put water in a roaster oven when cooking a turkey? No, you do not need to add any water to the roaster oven when cooking a turkey. As long as the lid is on properly, it will self baste and create all of its own juices.

Are you supposed to put water in a roaster?

Despite a long standing rumor, there is absolutely no need to put water in between pans when cooking in a NESCO. The patented NESCO Circle of Heat® provides consistent, even cooking throughout. Water will actually slow down the cooking process, and make it more difficult to clean up.

Does roasting need water?

To give your meat a flavourful crispy exterior, cook uncovered on a rack set in a shallow roasting pan. Don’t add water! Invest in a digital thermometer that lets you monitor the temperature of your roast – or even alert you when it’s done – without opening the oven door.

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