CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thanksgiving is almost here, and many people may be cooking a turkey for the very first time.
When it comes to making the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, there are many methods. Whether it's a traditional oven-roasted recipe or delicious deep-fried turkey, there are several ways to go about cooking your bird.
One question VERIFY has received is whether you can cook a full-sized Thanksgiving turkey in the microwave. According to Google Trends, the search "How to cook a turkey" spikes every year at this time.
THE QUESTION
Can you cook a turkey in the microwave?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, you can cook a turkey in the microwave; however, there are a few limitations.
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the USDA, turkeys can actually be successfully cooked in the microwave either whole or in parts. The experts at Butterball agree.
"It can be done, and it actually is delicious," Nolan said.
Due to the size of the turkeys and the size of the microwaves, you have to keep it to a smaller size turkey in order to cook it in there. The USDA states most microwaves can accommodate turkeys that are 12-14 pounds. However, there is a process in doing it correctly.
"You have to vary the amount of power that you are using," Nolan said. "You need to put it in at so many minutes per pound at 30% power and then 50% power and then full power."
Nolan also says you should thaw your turkey first, just like you would if cooking in the oven. He said you should check the temperature of your turkey before serving to make sure it's safe to eat. Butterball recipes suggest a temperature of 180-185 degrees in the thigh and 170-175 degrees in the breast.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.