Are you tired of dry, bland turkey that leaves your guests yawning? Get ready to revolutionize your holiday cooking with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender, and irresistibly crispy turkey recipe you've ever tasted! Our Crispy Skin Slow Cooker Turkey is a game-changing method that combines the magic of slow cooking with a final oven crisp that will have everyone begging for your culinary secrets. Imagine serving a turkey so juicy and flavorful that it becomes the star of your dining table, with a golden, crackling skin that's absolutely Instagram-worthy!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your turkey. Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a flavorful rub. If you have fresh herbs, chop them finely and add them to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Rub the olive oil mixture all over the turkey, ensuring to cover the breast, legs, and wings. Don’t forget to rub some of the mixture inside the cavity of the turkey as well. This will help to enhance the flavor throughout the meat.
- Place the turkey in the slow cooker, breast side up. If your slow cooker is large enough, you can add some fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme around the turkey for added aroma and flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low. Cook the turkey for approximately 6 hours. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
- Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Be cautious as it will be very tender and may fall apart easily. Place the turkey on a roasting pan or a large platter.
- To achieve crispy skin, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). While the oven is heating, let the turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- After the resting period, place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast it for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Once the skin is crispy to your liking, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for another 10 minutes before carving. This will ensure that the juices remain inside the meat.
- Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious, crispy skin slow cooker turkey!
Tips
- Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness
- Don't skip the final oven crisping step - it's crucial for achieving that golden, crackling skin
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the perfect internal temperature of 165°F
- Let the turkey rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture
- Choose a turkey that fits comfortably in your slow cooker without overcrowding
- Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile - don't be afraid to experiment
- If possible, season the turkey the night before for deeper flavor penetration
- Baste the turkey occasionally during the last hour of slow cooking for extra moisture
- Save the cooking liquid for an incredible, rich gravy
- Handle the cooked turkey gently, as it will be extremely tender and can fall apart easily
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 159kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 66mg
