How long do you cook a fresh turkey for?

How long does it take to cook a fresh turkey?

You should plan on 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees for fresh turkeys (Oven temperature may vary. Adjust time and temperature accordingly). Allow an extra hour just in case the turkey doesn’t comply with this time frame. However, be careful not to overcook the bird as this will dry out the meat.

How many minutes per pound do you cook a fresh turkey?

The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that’s about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Do you cook a turkey at 325 or 350?

Roast in a 325° or 350° (depending on size of bird; see below) oven until thermometer registers 160°. If turkey is unstuffed, tip slightly to drain juices from body cavity into pan. Transfer turkey to a platter. Let stand in a warm place, uncovered, for 15 to 30 minutes, then carve.

Do Fresh turkeys cook faster?

Note: Farm-fresh turkeys cook faster than frozen or store-bought birds. This is because the high moisture level of the meat transfers the heat more readily during cooking. Plan on 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees for fresh turkeys.

Which is better a frozen or fresh turkey?

The National Turkey Federation says, “There is no quality difference between a fresh and frozen turkey.” We can only assume they’re also referring to “refrigerated” turkeys. … When choosing your turkey, also keep in mind that frozen turkeys take a long time to thaw — one day for every five pounds.

Do you cover a turkey when you cook it?

To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.

How long should you cook a turkey at 325?

How Long to Roast a Turkey

1. For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 2¾ to 3 hours.
2. For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3 to 3¾ hours.
3. For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3¾ to 4¼ hours.
4. For one 18- to 20-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.

How long do I cook a 20 pound turkey?

If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

You’ll need a meat thermometer to make sure you cook your turkey to the right temperature. Insert it close to, but not touching, the thigh bone. If it reads 180 degrees F in the thigh and 170 degrees F in the breast, it’s done and ready to serve.

Is it better to cook a turkey in a convection oven or regular oven?

Using a convection oven yields more efficient cooking. Because dry hot air is blowing directly on the food, your dishes will cook about 25 percent faster in a convection oven.

Should you wash your turkey?

Wash Hands and Surfaces; not the Turkey

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces.

How long should you cook a 19 lb turkey?

In an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking an 18- to 20-pound unstuffed thawed or fresh turkey will take between 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 hours, according to the USDA. This amounts to about 14 minutes of cooking time per pound. For a 19-pound turkey, this comes to about four hours and 26 minutes.

How long keep fresh turkey in fridge before cooking?

You can keep a thawed, uncooked turkey in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. If you purchase a fresh (not frozen) turkey, be sure to use it before the date on the label. If you’re using a cooler for temporary turkey storage, consider keeping this cooler separate for raw poultry and meat only.

Can I cook turkey at 400 degrees?

400°F (204°C) is the perfect temperature for cooking a whole bird. You’ll get crispy skin without compromising tenderness. Depending on the size of your bird, it should take anywhere from 2-6 hours to roast at 400°F (204°C).

When should I buy a fresh turkey?

The USDA recommends that, for optimal safety, you should buy a fresh turkey within one or two days of when you plan to serve it. Fresh turkeys, like other fresh meat and poultry, are highly perishable. You need to be careful when purchasing and storing them to avoid spoilage.