When it comes to thawing the star of your holiday meal—the turkey—you want to make sure you do it safely Many of us grew up watching our families leave frozen turkeys on the kitchen counter overnight to thaw But is this traditional method actually safe?
The short answer is no Leaving a frozen turkey out on the counter all night to thaw is not recommended by food safety experts Here’s a look at why thawing turkey on the counter can be risky and the safer ways to properly thaw your holiday bird,
Why You Shouldn’t Thaw Turkey on the Counter
Thawing frozen meat on the kitchen counter used to be pretty common practice. So why have food safety recommendations changed?
The main risk with thawing foods at room temperature is bacteria growth. In the temperature danger zone between 40°F and 140°F, bacteria can multiply quickly. A frozen turkey left out overnight will likely reach these unsafe temperatures on its outer surfaces.
Even though the inner areas may still be partially frozen, the outer layer of the turkey is warm enough for bacteria like salmonella to rapidly grow and spread. And since you can’t see, taste, or smell this harmful bacteria, you have no way of knowing it’s there.
Foodsafety.gov recommends never thawing foods at room temperature for more than two hours. After two hours in the danger zone, bacteria levels can rise to unsafe amounts.
So while you may have eaten turkey thawed on the counter with no issues, it’s not considered safe practice today. The risks include possible food poisoning and stomach issues after the holiday meal.
The Safest Ways to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
Luckily there are a couple of easy, safe ways to thaw your frozen bird. The USDA and food safety experts recommend thawing turkey in the fridge or in cold water.
Fridge Thawing
This “hands-off” approach lets you thaw the turkey gradually in the refrigerator. Simply place the wrapped frozen turkey on a tray or pan (in case of leaks) and put it in the fridge breast side up.
- Allow about 24 hours of fridge thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
- A 12 pound turkey will need 3 days in the fridge.
- A 20 pound turkey will need 4-5 days.
The turkey will safely thaw over time as the fridge keeps it chilled at 40°F or below. Once thawed, you can keep the turkey refrigerated for 1-2 more days before cooking.
Cold Water Thawing
If you’re short on time, cold water thawing rapidly defrosts a frozen turkey in a matter of hours.
Place the sealed turkey in a sink or large container. Cover with cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. The water needs to cover the turkey fully and remain cold. Allow about 30 minutes thawing time per pound of turkey.
- A 12 pound turkey will thaw after 6-7 hours in cold water.
- A 20 pound turkey may need 10 hours submerged.
Once the turkey is thawed using this method, cook it immediately since it’s been sitting at unsafe temperatures.
Tips for Safely Thawing a Frozen Turkey
Here are some important tips to ensure your turkey thaws safely:
- Only thaw turkey in the fridge or cold water method—never at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Cook thawed turkey right away and don’t refreeze raw turkey once it’s thawed.
- Place the turkey on a tray or in a pan to catch leaks and thaw breast side up for even thawing.
- Remove giblets from the cavity as soon as you start thawing. Cook giblets separately.
- Change water every 30 minutes if thawing in cold water. Use ice to keep water extra cold.
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw turkey to avoid cross-contamination.
- Allow 1 day fridge thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
Answering Common Frozen Turkey Thawing FAQs
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions many home chefs have about getting a frozen turkey ready to cook.
Can you leave a turkey out overnight to thaw?
No, you should never leave a frozen turkey out on the counter overnight. This puts the turkey in the danger zone for too long, allowing bacteria to grow.
Can you put a frozen turkey directly in the oven?
You can bake a frozen turkey without thawing first. But it will require 50% more cooking time. Since the turkey thaws unevenly, this can lead to uneven cooking.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the fridge?
In the refrigerator, allow roughly 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. So a 15 pound turkey will need about 4 days in the fridge.
What is the fastest way to thaw turkey?
The fastest, safest way is in cold water, changed every 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes per pound. For a 20 pound turkey, that may take 10 hours.
Can you leave turkey in the fridge after thawing?
Yes, keep thawed turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. Cook within 48 hours for food safety.
Should you rinse a frozen turkey before cooking?
No, do not rinse raw poultry. Washing can spread bacteria. Cooking to a safe internal temperature kills any germs.
At what temperature is turkey no longer frozen?
Turkey is considered thawed when it reaches an internal temperature of 40°F or higher. The inner areas thaw last after outer areas reach this temperature.
Can you refreeze turkey once thawed?
Never refreeze raw turkey after it has been thawed. Cooked turkey leftovers can be safely frozen.
The Takeaway on Safely Thawing Frozen Turkey
Don’t take risks with thawed poultry. For a foolproof turkey that won’t give your guests tummy trouble, skip the counter and use the fridge or cold water method instead.
Proper thawing might take a bit more time and planning, but it’s worth it to serve up holiday dishes that are safe as well as delicious. Follow these turkey thawing recommendations to protect your family and guests from harmful bacteria.
