So, you bought a frozen turkey. Congrats! That’s one thing you can mark off your Thanksgiving checklist. But remembering to thaw your turkey is something you wont want to forget! Luckily were here to help answer the question: How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Whether youre short on time or planning ahead, we’ve broken down the best ways to thaw a frozen turkey. So, even first-time hosts (or seasoned veterans) can master the Thanksgiving turkey without any stress. All it takes is a foolproof formula based on the size of your turkey and some various thawing methods ahead. Learn how to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave. But before the big day arrives, youll want to buy your bird either from the freezer aisle of your local supermarket or as a mail-order turkey. The USDA states that a turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but you should always plan to follow the pound-by-pound guidelines for safely thawing below.
Tip: Before you begin, keep the packaging for your turkey intact. Youll need to know the weight to calculate its thaw time. Then, once the turkey is thawed, youll need to brine it and cook it. Land on your preferred turkey recipes early so you have all the ingredients in place.
The centerpiece of many Thanksgiving feasts is a golden juicy roasted turkey. But before you can roast up the perfect bird, you need to properly thaw it first. Knowing exactly when to pull your turkey from the freezer is crucial for ensuring it thaws completely and cooks evenly on Turkey Day.
Follow this complete guide for tips on safely thawing your turkey and timing it just right so your Thanksgiving meal goes off without a hitch
Why Proper Thawing is Essential
Thawing is a critical first step when cooking a frozen turkey. Attempting to roast a turkey that is still icy in the cavity and center will likely yield disastrous results. An improperly thawed turkey will:
-
Take much longer to roast, putting you at risk of drying out the meat and overcooking the outer portions.
-
Cook very unevenly, resulting in dangerous partial cooking where bacteria can still thrive.
-
Possibly still contain frozen areas even when fully roasted preventing the meat from reaching a safe minimum internal temperature.
Thawing gives you a head start on bringing the entire turkey up to an appropriate and food-safe temperature for roasting. Doing it correctly ensures even cooking, juicy meat, and a bird that is delicious and safe to consume.
Thawing Timelines Based on Turkey Size
The timeline for thawing your turkey depends primarily on its size and weight. Here are some general guidelines based on typical turkey sizes:
-
12-16 pound turkey – Plan for it to spend 3 to 4 days thawing in the refrigerator.
-
16-20 pound turkey – Allow 4 to 5 days for thawing in the fridge.
-
20-24 pound turkey – You’ll need about 5 to 6 days to thaw a turkey of this size.
-
Larger than 24 pounds – A huge turkey may require a full week or longer in the refrigerator to thaw completely.
Thawing Methods
There are three main ways to safely thaw a frozen turkey:
Refrigerator Thawing
This is the preferred method. Place your wrapped frozen turkey on a tray or pan to catch any drips, then put it in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of thawing for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey weight. Keep the temp at 40°F or below.
Cold Water Thawing
Submerge your sealed turkey in a sink or tub of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing time per pound. This speeds things up but requires diligence.
Microwave Thawing
A microwave can thaw a turkey rapidly, but it’s easy to start unintentionally cooking the outer areas. Check often and allow 6 minutes of defrosting per pound, rotating occasionally.
Never thaw at room temp or in hot water, which puts you at risk for bacterial growth. And don’t refreeze a thawed turkey!
Accounting for Other Factors
Turkey weight isn’t the only consideration for thawing time. A densely frozen bird or an ice-glazed turkey wrapped in multiple layers may require additional thawing time. And a thawed turkey kept in the fridge for more than 2 days before roasting should not be refrozen – cook it immediately instead.
Safety First When Handling Thawed Turkey
Proper food safety is crucial when thawing and handling raw poultry. Keep your thawed turkey refrigerated until ready to cook. Don’t rinse it, which can spread bacteria. Clean surfaces, utensils, and hands thoroughly after contact. Your thawing method and timeline can make all the difference in safely prepping the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Thawing
When it comes to thawing the star of your Thanksgiving meal, it’s important to have all the right information. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about getting your turkey ready to roast:
What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
Thawing in the refrigerator is always the safest method. Allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Thawing in cold water in a sealed bag also works if changed every 30 minutes.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
Plan for 24 hours per every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey weight. A 12 pounder will need about 3 days, while a 20+ pound bird may need 6 days or more.
Can you thaw a turkey at room temperature?
No, do not leave a frozen turkey to thaw at room temp! This puts you at high risk for bacterial growth. Always thaw in the fridge or cold water.
Is it safe to cook a partially frozen turkey?
Absolutely not. Thawing ensures even cooking. Partial thawing leads to dangerous uneven cooking and bacteria growth.
Can you refreeze a thawed turkey?
Never refreeze a thawed turkey or any thawed raw meat or poultry unless it was thawed in the refrigerator and has been held for less than 2 days before refreezing.
What temperature should I set the refrigerator during turkey thawing?
The fridge should stay at a temperature of 40°F or below during the thawing process for food safety.
Can I speed up thawing in warm water or a microwave?
You can use cold water (changed every 30 mins) or a microwave to thaw faster but take precautions. Warm water is unsafe and promotes bacteria.
Putting it All Together
-
Choose your thawing method several days before Thanksgiving based on the size of your turkey. Fridge thawing is ideal.
-
Clear space in your refrigerator and allow ample time for safe, gradual thawing.
-
Check your turkey periodically as it thaws.
-
Keep thawed turkey refrigerated until ready to cook, no more than 1-2 days.
-
Cook thoroughly to 165°F once thawed.
The key is planning ahead and allowing enough time to thaw your turkey completely in the fridge or cold water. With proper handling and food safety, your perfectly thawed turkey will cook to golden brown perfection just in time for a delicious Thanksgiving feast.
How long does it take to thaw turkey?
There are three easy methods for thawing a turkey. If you plan to thaw it in the refrigerator, then you definitely dont want to wait until Thanksgiving morning! Considering the formula recommended by the USDA below, a 16-pound frozen turkey should thaw in the refrigerator for at least four days before its showtime—which means the Sunday before Thanksgiving would be the right time to start the thawing process. If you are cooking a larger bird (Ree Drummond has been known to cook a 20-pound turkey), plan on extra time for thawing. Or, check out the quicker thawing methods (in cold water or in the microwave) when youre in a pinch.
Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator
The easiest, safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator—but this method will also take a few days for the average-size bird. According to the USDA, the formula for defrosting a turkey in the fridge is as follows: Allow for at least 24 hours for every four to five pounds. (FYI: This is specific to refrigerators at temperatures 40 degrees and below.) So, heres how it breaks down:
- 8 pounds: 2 days to defrost
- 12 pounds: 3 days to defrost
- 16 pounds: 4 days to defrost
- 20 pounds: 5 days to defrost
When using this method, place the turkey—still in its original packaging—in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet in case juices leak as it thaws.