How long should you cook an 18lb turkey in a convection oven?

Cooking times may vary depending on the specific type of convection oven and the features it offers, so it's essential to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or instructions provided with your oven. However, here's a general guideline for cooking an 18lb turkey in a convection oven:

1. Thaw the Turkey Properly:

Before cooking, ensure that your turkey is completely thawed. Improperly thawed meat can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety hazards.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your convection oven to the recommended temperature specified in the oven manual or recipe instructions. Convection ovens typically operate at a lower temperature than conventional ovens. It might be around 325°F (163°C) to 350°F (177°C).

3. Prepare the Turkey:

Clean the inside and outside of the turkey thoroughly and remove any giblets or excess fat. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure even browning of the skin. You may choose to season the turkey with your preferred spices and herbs.

4. Cooking Time Estimation:

Use the following formula to estimate the approximate cooking time:

- 15 minutes per pound (0.45kg) for the first 4 to 5 hours

- 10 minutes per pound (0.45kg) thereafter

For an 18lb (8.2kg) turkey, the estimated cooking time would be:

- 4 hours x 15 minutes/pound = 60 minutes

- (18lb - 4 x 4lb) x 10 minutes/pound = 140 minutes

So, the total estimated cooking time in the convection oven would be around 3 hours and 20 minutes (60 minutes + 140 minutes).

5. Monitor Temperature:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (usually the thigh) without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Tent the Turkey:

For the last 20 minutes or so of cooking, loosely tent the turkey with foil to prevent the skin from over-browning.

7. Let it Rest:

Once the turkey is done, let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent turkey.

Remember that cooking times can vary due to factors such as oven performance and the size and shape of the turkey. It's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.