How long does it take to cook a 16 to 20 pound 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.

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 you cook a turkey for?

Basic recipe

Put in a roasting tin, breast-side up, and roast for 40 mins per 1kg for the first 4kg, then 45 mins for every 1kg over that weight, or until the internal temperature reaches 65-70C. For a turkey of this weight, the cooking time should be 3½-4 hrs.

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.

Do you cover a turkey when cooking?

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.

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 do I need to thaw a 20 pound turkey?

Using the guide of one day for every 3½ to 4 pounds of weight, here’s how many days to thaw a turkey.

1. 3 to 4 pounds: 1 day.
2. 4 to 8 pounds: 2 days.
3. 8 to 12 pounds: 3 days.
4. 12 to 16 pounds: 4 days.
5. 16 to 20 pounds: 5 days.
6. 20 to 24 pounds: 6 days.

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.

How long to cook a turkey at 325 in a convection oven?

Range & Wall Oven – Cooking a Turkey in a Convection Oven

Is turkey done at 165 or 180?

While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.