Smoking a Turkey in an Electric Masterbuilt Smoker: The Complete Guide

Smoking a turkey in an electric smoker like the Masterbuilt is a fantastic way to enjoy juicy, flavorful and moist turkey year-round. With the right technique, an electric smoker makes smoking turkey easy and foolproof.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about smoking a turkey in a Masterbuilt electric smoker.

Benefits of Smoking Turkey in an Electric Smoker

There are several advantages to using an electric smoker like the Masterbuilt to smoke your turkey:

• Moist and Juicy Meat – The low, indirect heat of an electric smoker cooks the turkey gently and evenly This prevents the meat from drying out and keeps it incredibly moist and juicy

• Infuses Delicious Smoky Flavor – Smoking infuses the turkey meat with delicious hints of smoky woody flavor from the wood chips unlike oven roasting.

• Easy Set-It-and-Forget-It Method – Electric smokers are designed for easy, hands-off smoking. Once you set the temperature and add wood chips, it smokes the turkey automatically without having to constantly tend to the smoker.

• Precise Temperature Control – Electric smokers allow you to precisely set and maintain a steady low temperature like 225-250°F which is ideal for smoking turkey. This gives you complete control over the smoking process.

Tips for Preparing Turkey for the Electric Smoker

Proper preparation is key to smoking juicy, flavorful turkey in your Masterbuilt electric smoker:

• Choose a Smaller Turkey – Opt for a turkey around 12-15 lbs that can fit comfortably in your Masterbuilt smoker. Very large turkeys don’t smoke well.

• Thaw Safely – Always thaw frozen turkey slowly in the refrigerator, never at room temperature. Place it in a pan to catch any juices.

• Remove Giblets and Neck – Check the cavity and remove the bag of giblets and neck. Reserve for making gravy or stock.

• Dry Thoroughly – Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Any moisture on the skin can make it rubbery.

• Season Generously – For the best flavor, rub the turkey all over with dry spices, herbs and oil. Get seasoning under the skin too.

• Truss for Even Cooking – Truss the legs and wings tightly against the body to ensure even cooking. Use kitchen string or silicone ties.

• Keep Skin On – Cooking with the skin on keeps the meat extra moist and adds crispiness. Remove it after smoking if you don’t want to eat it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Turkey in a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker

Follow these simple steps for smoking turkey to tender, juicy perfection:

1. Prep the Smoker

Assemble the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions if using for the first time. Remove cooking racks and water pan and spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Fill the wood chip tray with desired flavor wood chips – apple, hickory, pecan or cherry work great. Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes before use.

2. Season the Turkey

Pat turkey dry and generously season all over with dry rub. Get seasoning under the skin too. Useful spices include salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, sage and brown sugar.

For extra flavor, rub turkey with softened butter or oil before applying the dry rub. Insert herb sprigs or orange slices inside the cavity for aroma.

3. Load the Smoker

Preheat smoker to 225-250°F. Place turkey breast-side up directly on the bottom rack. Add water to the water pan – water, wine, cider, broth all work.

Insert a meat probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to touch the bone. Close the smoker door securely.

4. Smoke the Turkey

Maintain the smoker temperature at 225-250°F. Smoke the turkey for roughly 15-20 minutes per pound, until the breast reaches 165°F. Expect a 12 lb turkey to take 3-4 hours.

Replenish wood chips if smoke stops billowing. Check turkey temp periodically but avoid opening the smoker door frequently.

5. Rest, Carve and Serve

When done, carefully remove turkey and let rest 20-30 mins before carving to allow juices to absorb. Carve turkey and serve right away with your favorite sides.

Enjoy the amazingly juicy and flavorful smoked turkey! Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Tips for Best Results Smoking Turkey

Use these tips for moist, perfectly smoked turkey every time:

• Brine the turkey overnight before smoking for extra moisture and flavor. Make a simple brine with salt, sugar and water.

• Use a meat injector to inject flavorful broths and marinades deep into the turkey meat before smoking.

• Monitor the smoker temperature closely and add more wood chips if smoke stops billowing. Keeping it well-smoked is key.

• Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately monitor the internal temperature during smoking. Remove turkey immediately once it reaches 165°F.

• Let the smoked turkey rest tented with foil for at least 15-30 mins before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute thoroughly.

• Carve the turkey in thin slices across the grain of the meat. This gives you tender, juicy sliced turkey.

• Serve extra barbecue sauce, gravy and seasonings alongside to allow guests to customize each serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker?

Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes of smoking time per pound of turkey at 225-250°F. A 12 lb turkey takes about 3-4 hours, 15 lb turkey takes 5-6 hours.

What is the ideal smoked turkey temperature?

Aim to smoke the turkey until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check in multiple places with a meat thermometer.

Should you brine a turkey before smoking?

Brining is optional but highly recommended. It infuses extra moisture and flavor. Make a simple brine with 1 cup salt + 1 cup sugar per gallon of water. Submerge turkey for 8-12 hours.

What wood is best for smoking turkey?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan pair wonderfully with poultry. Hickory and maple also impart nice mild smoke flavor. Use wood chips or chunks.

Can you stuff a turkey before smoking?

It’s not recommended. Smoking an unstuffed turkey allows it to cook more quickly and evenly. Cook stuffing separately to prevent bacterial growth.

Smoking turkey in a Masterbuilt electric smoker results in unbeatably moist, tender and flavorful meat when done right. Follow these tips and enjoy the finger-licking goodness of smoked turkey!