You should only rotisserie cook turkeys that weigh 12 lbs. or less.
- Remove the giblets and neck from a thawed fresh turkey. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking.
- Drain juices and blot with paper towels.
- Do not stuff your turkey. Cook stuffing separately in a casserole dish in the oven.
- Tie the wings and legs to the body to prevent flopping. Be sure the neck skin is pulled back and caught under string or skewered back.
- Place one spit prong on a spit. Insert the spit from the neck to the tail. Insert the second spit prong and secure it tightly. For the most secure balance, position one prong at a right angle to the other prong.
One Turkey | Balances best if the spit is slightly toward the backbone since the breast cavity is hollow. Place the turkey in the center of the spit. |
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Two Turkeys | Should be of similar size and shape for the best balance. Mount them on the spit by butting the two turkeys head to tail. |
- Test the balance by rotating the spit in your hands. If it’s unbalanced, re-thread it and tighten the prongs. The turkey must be balanced for even cooking.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thigh, but not touching the bone.
- Brush the turkey with vegetable oil or spray it with cooking spray for best appearance.
- Place the spit on the rotisserie and grill according to the type of rotisserie being used:
Covered Charcoal Grill | Arrange coals around the outer edge of the fire pan with the drip pan on the rack adjusted to the lowest position. Maintain medium heat (325° F). For square cookers, adjust the lid to half open. If the cover is closed, open vents. |
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Uncovered Charcoal Grill | Arrange coals around the outer edge of the fire pan with the drip pan on the rack at the lowest position. Maintain medium heat (325° F). |
Gas or Electric | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best to use the oven thermometer on the rack to determine the setting to maintain 325° F. |
- Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 180° F in the thigh and 170° F in the breast as measured with a meat thermometer.