How To Reheat Whole Turkey?

Turkey is considered the star of any Thanksgiving dinner. Therefore, when you prepare some for family and friends, you’re sure to end up with a lot of Turkey leftovers the next day.

When this happens, you can store the leftovers in the fridge in airtight containers so that they remain fresh the next day.

Best Way to Reheat Whole Turkey

Cooking a whole turkey takes a lot of time, so it could save you a lot of time if you prepare it a day earlier. The whole Turkey prepared before Thanksgiving can be stored and reheated the next day before you serve it.

While most people like their Turkey whole, you can also carve it before storing it to save more time when you’re serving dinner.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey in an Oven?

Yes, you can, and reheating Whole Turkey in the oven is the best way to retain all its juices and flavors. Wrap the turkey tightly in aluminum foil with a few spoons of broth and butter to preserve its moisture while reheating.

Reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until you’re satisfied that everything is properly heated.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey in a Microwave?

No, you cannot reheat Whole Turkey in the microwave, which is good for reheating a few servings of turkey at a time. You will have to carve the turkey into smaller pieces for proper reheating; otherwise, the outside can get completely dried out in the process.

Place the turkey pieces in a microwavable container with a lid and reheat them on high power for a minute at a time.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey on the Stove?

You can reheat Whole Turkey in a skillet or frying pan on a stove for better results than the microwave. Put the turkey pieces in the pan with some gravy or chicken broth and cover the pan for 4-5 minutes. For a crispy crust, pour out the broth, add some oil or butter and cook for 2-3 minutes or until done.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey on a Grill?

Yes, you can reheat Whole Turkey on the grill, but you will have to use a microwave and grill combination to get the best results in lesser time. Start by reheating the turkey in an oven for 10-15 minutes.

When it’s sufficiently warm from the inside, place the turkey on a grill on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, turning it occasionally until nice and crisp on the outside.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey in a Toaster Oven?

You can reheat the Whole Turkey in a toaster oven, and the procedure for doing this is similar to that of reheating turkey in the oven. Place the turkey in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Reheat in the toaster oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

Can You Reheat Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer?

Yes, the air fryer is a great way to warm your turkey, especially if you have less time to spare. Put the turkey in the food basket of the air fryer and reheat for just about 12-15 minutes.

You would get the best results if you cooked the turkey with the skin because then the air fryer will give you a golden brown and crispy layer.

How to Reheat Whole Turkey  Without Overcooking?

Ideally, whole Turkey must be reheated at low temperature to avoid it from becoming dry and losing its texture. If you have cooked a large bird, start reheating earlier and avoid trying to do it faster at the last moment.

Take care to reheat at an oven temperature lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit so that you don’t end up overcooking the turkey in a hurry.

How Long to Reheat Whole Turkey?

You will need approximately half an hour to reheat the turkey whole in an oven. If you prefer to slice the turkey and store it, bring it to room temperature before reheating so that you save time.

A microwave can reheat your turkey within a few minutes, while a toaster oven and air fryer can reheat the turkey to perfection within 15-20 minutes.

What Temperature is Needed to Safely Reheat Whole Turkey?

Whole Turkey can be safely reheated at 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit in an oven. If you have to serve your guests immediately, a toaster oven or air fryer can reheat the turkey at the same temperature within 15 minutes. If you prefer reheating your turkey on a stove or grill, keep the heat medium to keep it from drying.

Most people would like to prepare Whole Turkey a day before so that they don’t spend the entire festive morning in the kitchen. Leftovers from the party can also be stored in the fridge and eaten the day after. All you need is to pick the best reheating technique so that your Thanksgiving turkey tastes just as good even a couple of days later.

Sources:

Taste of Home

Healthy Kitchen

The Infinite Kitchen