Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during “the big thaw.” While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.
Immediately after grocery store checkout, take the frozen turkey home and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basement, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 °F — at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave oven.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it’s time to start preparing for the big meal. If you plan to roast a turkey one of the most important steps is taking the frozen bird out of the freezer to thaw in time. Knowing exactly when to transfer that turkey from freezer to fridge can ensure it thaws safely and completely.
Here is a complete guide to determining the best time to remove your frozen turkey from the freezer for Thanksgiving dinner.
Why Thawing is Essential
Frozen turkeys can take quite a long time to thaw. Thawing is a necessary step before cooking your turkey, for a few important reasons:
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A frozen turkey will take much longer to roast. The oven has to first defrost the bird before cooking it through extending roasting time.
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The turkey may cook unevenly if still frozen. The outer areas could overcook while the inner areas are still frozen.
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Frozen portions may still be raw or undercooked. This poses a food safety risk.
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Ice crystals can damage the turkey meat. Large frozen ice crystals can puncture cell walls in the meat when thawed.
So for food safety, doneness, and quality purposes, you absolutely want to thaw your turkey fully before roasting.
Thawing Timeline
The timeline for thawing a turkey depends on both the size of the turkey and the thawing method. Here are some general guidelines:
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In the refrigerator: Allow 24 hours of thaw time per 4-5 pounds of turkey. So a 12 lb turkey would need 3 days in the fridge.
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In cold water: Allow 30 minutes of thaw time per pound of turkey when submerged in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. A 12 lb turkey would need 6 hours.
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Thawed in packaging: Turkeys thawed in their original watertight packaging need an additional day compared to the timelines above.
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Small turkeys: Allow 1-2 days in the fridge for turkeys under 12 lbs.
The most foolproof thawing method is in the refrigerator. For a 16 lb turkey, you would want to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge at least 4 days before Thanksgiving.
Top Tips for Thawing
Follow these tips for safe, effective thawing:
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Use the refrigerator method whenever possible. This prevents bacterial growth.
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Place the turkey on a tray or in a pan to catch any drips as it thaws.
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Avoid thawing turkeys at room temperature or in warm water. This can lead to bacterial growth.
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Cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Do not refreeze a raw turkey once thawed.
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If short on time, thaw in cold water in the packaging, changing the water every 30 minutes.
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Cook frozen turkey immediately if you run out of time. Add 50% more cook time.
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Once thawed, the turkey is safe in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking.
Thawing Large Frozen Turkeys
For extra large birds, you may need to start the thawing process even earlier. Here are some tips:
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Allow roughly 5 days to thaw a 20 lb turkey in the refrigerator.
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Allow 1 week in the fridge for turkeys larger than 20 lbs.
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Use the cold water method if you’re short on time. A 20 lb turkey will need 10 hours submerged.
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You can keep the turkey in its packaging if water thawing. Change water every 30 minutes.
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Cook as soon as possible after the turkey is thawed. Do not refreeze.
With extra large birds, it’s prudent to plan thawing even further in advance in case your fridge’s temperature fluctuates. This ensures the turkey has plenty of time to defrost fully before Thanksgiving Day.
Signs Turkey is Thawed Properly
Here are a few ways to check that your turkey is fully thawed before roasting:
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The meat feels soft throughout when pressed.
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The cavity and neck feel completely soft and pliable.
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A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest parts reads 40°F or below.
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The giblet packets are easy to remove.
Emergency Thawing Options
Hopefully you accounted for the thawing timeline ahead when purchasing your turkey. But if you find yourself short on time, here are some emergency thawing options:
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Submerge in cold water, changing every 30 minutes. A 12 lb turkey will thaw in about 6 hours.
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Place breast-side down in the sink and run cold water over it continuously.
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Thaw smaller turkeys for 2 hours in a cold brine solution.
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Cook the turkey straight from frozen, adding 50% more cook time. Use a meat thermometer.
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Cut the turkey into parts and thaw parts individually in cold water if possible.
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Purchase smaller thawed turkeys from your grocery store as a backup.
With some advance planning, you should be able to pick an appropriate timeframe to transfer your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw. This will set you up for a delicious and safe Thanksgiving turkey!
Call Our Hotline For help with meat, poultry, and egg products, call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline:
Turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature during “the big thaw.” While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. However, as soon as it begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again.
Immediately after grocery store checkout, take the frozen turkey home and store it in the freezer. Frozen turkeys should not be left on the back porch, in the car trunk, in the basement, or any place else where temperatures cannot be constantly monitored.
A package of frozen meat or poultry left thawing on the counter more than 2 hours is not at a safe temperature. Even though the center of the package may still be frozen, the outer layer of the food is in the “Danger Zone” between 40 and 140 °F — at a temperature where foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly.
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave oven.
When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator:
- Plan ahead: allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 °F or below.
- Place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.
Whole turkey:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.
Allow about 30 minutes per pound.
First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product.
Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.
- 4 to 12 pounds — 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds — 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds — 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds — 10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.
Follow the microwave oven manufacturers instruction when defrosting a turkey. Plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldnt have been destroyed.
A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a 10 lb turkey?
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Turkey Weight
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How Long to Thaw in the Fridge
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How Long to Thaw in Cold Water
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10 to 18 pounds
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2 to 3½ days
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5 to 9 hours
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18 to 22 pounds
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3½ to 4½ days
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9 to 11 hours
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22 to 24 pounds
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4½ to 5 days
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11 to 12 hours
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24 to 29 pounds
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5 to 6 days
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12 to 15 hours
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How do you defrost a Turkey?
There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven. The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 – 5 pounds of weight.
Can you freeze a Turkey?
But before the big day arrives, you’ll 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.
How long can a frozen turkey stay in the fridge?
Since fresh/unfrozen turkeys can only sit in the refrigerator for 2 days, buying a frozen one is usually the best option (unless you don’t mind doing your shopping last minute). It will keep in the freezer long-term, up to a year or more. Wondering how long it takes to defrost that turkey?
Can you cook a frozen turkey after thawing?
Cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Remember that thawing a frozen turkey on the kitchen counter — or in a garage during the wintertime (the most common misconception shared by callers) — is not safe. Leaving any frozen package of meat or poultry for more than 2 hours at room temperature is dangerous.