How Long To Cook A Turkey In A Pellet Grill: The Complete Guide

Cooking a delicious turkey in a pellet grill is a fantastic way to enjoy moist, smokey flavor for your holiday meals. However, knowing exactly how long to cook a turkey in a pellet grill can be tricky since pellets distribute heat differently than a traditional oven.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook the perfect pellet grill turkey every time.

How Long Does It Take To Smoke A Turkey On A Pellet Grill?

The time it takes to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill depends on a few factors:

• The size/weight of your turkey. Plan for 15-20 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey will take 3-4 hours.

• The temperature you are cooking at Lower temp (180°F) smoking takes longer than high heat finishing (325°F+)

• Whether you stuffed your turkey or not. Stuffed turkeys take longer.

• Adjust for altitude. At higher altitudes you may need to add 5-10% cooking time.

For an unstuffed 12 lb turkey at average altitude, plan on:

• 2 hours smoking at 180°F
• 1.5 – 2 hours finishing at 325°F+
• Total time: 3.5 – 4 hours

For a rule of thumb, use 15-20 minutes per pound, adjusting up if stuffed/high altitude. Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.

Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Times

Here is a step-by-step guide to smoking times for turkey on a pellet grill:

1. Remove giblets and neck from cavities and pat dry. Brine turkey 12-24 hrs.

2. Preheat pellet grill to 180°F with apple, cherry, or pecan pellets.

3. Place turkey directly on grill grates, no pan. Smoke at 180°F for 2 hours.

4. Increase temp to 325°F. Cook until breast reaches 165°F. Calculate approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.

5. For a 12 lb turkey, cook 1.5 – 2 hours at 325°F until breast is 165° internal temp.

6. Rest turkey 10-15 minutes before carving.

The low and slow smoking gives you delicious flavor. The high heat at the end ensures the breast meat is cooked through fully and the skin gets beautifully crispy.

Monitor with a meat thermometer for best results. Resting lets juices settle back into the meat.

Tips For Cooking Times

Here are some tips when estimating cook times:

• The size of your turkey matters most. Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound.

• Stuffing adds time. An unstuffed 12 lb turkey may take only 3.5 hrs. Stuffed 12 lb turkey may take 4.5.

• Higher altitudes require added time. Go up 5-10% over sea level time.

• Use a thermometer! Temperature is more reliable than timers. Cook until 165°F breast temp.

• Let it rest 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.

• Cook at 180°F smoke until halfway done, then 325°F to finish.

• An unstuffed 12 lb turkey may take only 3.5-4 hrs. A stuffed 18 lb turkey may take up to 5.5-6 hrs.

Why Pellet Grills Are Great For Turkey

Cooking turkey in a pellet grill has several advantages over the traditional oven method:

• Moist and tender meat – The slow smoke followed by hot crisping gives you moisture locked in but with crisp skin.

• Infused with delicious smoke flavor – Hardwood pellets impart a wonderful smokey taste. Apple, pecan, cherry are perfect for poultry.

• More capacity – Save your oven space for all the sides! Pellet grills can hold even very large turkeys.

• Set it and forget it – Pellet grills are very simple to use. Load pellets, set temp, and relax!

• Adds uniqueness – Smoked turkey makes your holiday meal extra special and memorable.

The combination of smoky flavor, crispy skin, and juicy meat makes pellet grilled turkey an amazing centerpiece. It takes a little longer than the oven but delivers incredible results.

Step-By-Step Smoked Turkey Process

Here is an overview of the full process start to finish:

1. Remove giblets & neck – Check inner cavities and remove bag of giblets and neck.

2. Brine turkey – Soak in a saltwater brine 12-24 hrs to enhance moisture & flavor.

3. Pat dry – Remove from brine and pat skin dry with paper towels. Allow to air dry too.

4. Start pellet grill – Preheat to 180°F with apple, pecan, or cherry pellets.

5. Smoke turkey – Place turkey directly on grill grates, no pan. Smoke 2 hours.

6. Increase temp – Turn up heat to 325°F+ to crisp skin and finish cooking breast meat.

7. Check temp – Cook until 165°F in breast area. About 15-20 mins per lb.

8. Rest turkey – Remove turkey and let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.

9. Carve and enjoy! – Time to serve your delicious smoked turkey masterpiece!

FAQs

What if my turkey is stuffed?

• Stuffed turkeys take longer to cook. Add approximately 30-45 minutes to the cook time to ensure the center of stuffing reaches safe temperature.

What temperature should I cook the turkey to?

• Cook until the breast meat (thickest part) reaches 165°F. Thighs and legs can go up to 175°F-180°F.

Can I speed up the cook time?

• Cook at a higher finishing temp (350°F) to decrease time slightly. But don’t rush it too much or breast meat may dry out.

What is the best wood pellet for turkey?

• Milder fruit woods like apple, pecan, cherry impart a delicate smoky flavor. Oak or hickory can overpower.

Cooking the perfect smoked turkey on your pellet grill just takes a little planning. Now that you know approximate times, temperatures, and tips, you can relax knowing your holiday bird will turn out juicy, smokey, and delicious.