How To Reheat Turkey

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many of us are already thinking about all the delicious food we're going to eat. One of the best things about Thanksgiving is leftovers, and one of the best things about leftovers? Turkey! But sometimes, reheating turkey can be tricky.

Here are a few tips on how to do it so that your turkey is just as juicy and delicious as it was the first time around.

Preparing Your Turkey For Reheating

First, make sure your turkey is completely thawed. If it's even a little frozen, it won't heat evenly and will end up dry.

If you stored your turkey in the fridge, simply take it out and let it reach room temperature before reheating. If it is frozen, thaw it in the fridge for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey.

Once your turkey is thawed, cut it into smaller pieces. This will help it heat evenly and prevent drying out.

How To Reheat Turkey? 3 Best Methods!

You can use three different methods to reheat your turkey: oven, stove, or microwave. Let's review each method below.

1. In The Oven

The best way to cook a turkey is in the oven. Similarly, the best way to reheat turkey is also in the oven. The result is always a juicy and flavorful turkey; unless, of course, you overcook it.

• Preheat your oven to 350° F.
• Place your turkey pieces on a baking sheet or an oven-safe plate.
• Pour some chicken or turkey stock, just enough to cover the bottom of the dish.
• You can also add butter on top (optional).
• Then, cover the plate tightly with aluminum foil.
• Cook for about 30 minutes until your turkey is piping hot.
• Use a meat thermometer if needed. The internal temperature of your turkey should be 167° F.
• Once heated, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Finally, add any additional seasonings and herbs, and serve immediately.

1. In The Microwave

This is the quickest way to reheat turkey, but it's also the least effective. That's because microwaves tend to dry out food, so your turkey might end up a little dry.

If you're going to reheat your turkey in the microwave, make sure to do it in short intervals and add some moisture. The right way to do it:

• Cut your turkey into small pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Add some chicken/turkey stock.
• Cover the plate with a damp paper towel or lid (make sure there's a little space for steam to escape).
• Microwave your turkey for 2 minutes.
• If needed, continue reheating in 30-second intervals until heated through.

1. On The Stovetop

If you don't have a reheating appliance or the time to heat the oven, you can reheat your turkey on the stovetop. Besides, reheating your leftover turkey on the stovetop allows you to add even more flavor to it.

Here's how to do it:

• Pour some chicken or turkey stock into a pot or skillet.
• Bring the stock to a simmer over medium heat.
• At this point, you can add any spices, herbs, or seasonings of your liking.
• Add your turkey pieces to the pot.
• Cover it and cook until heated through or until the meat has soaked in most of the stock.
• Enjoy!

If you're looking for a simple way to reheat your turkey without adding additional flavors, you can simply sauté it in a pan with oil or butter.

Can You Reheat Turkey In The Air Fryer?

Yes, you can reheat turkey in the air fryer. This is a great way to reheat your turkey if you're looking for a quick and easy method, especially if you're only reheating a single serving.

To reheat your turkey in the air fryer, simply place your turkey slice in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 325° F and cook for about 3-5 minutes.

Reheating Turkey - Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you reheat your turkey perfectly:

• If you're reheating a whole turkey, remove the stuffing first. The stuffing will take longer to heat up and might not heat through properly.
• For best results, always slice your turkey before reheating. Sliced turkey reheats much faster and more evenly. For the thighs, legs, and wings, you can reheat them whole.
• To avoid overcooking your turkey, heat it slowly over low heat.
• Always reheat turkey until it's piping hot; not warm.
• When carving your turkey, most of the juice might ooze out of the meat. You can collect all the juices and use them to moisten your turkey while reheating. Simply pour the juices over your turkey before reheating.
• If your turkey has dried out, you can try to add moisture by wrapping it in damp paper towels or foil or by spraying it with oil/water before reheating.
• It's recommended to reheat your turkey only once. Reheating it multiple times can make the meat dry and tough.