Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.
I’ve roasted a ton of turkeys in my Char-Broil Big Easy. It’s why I originally bought the oil-less fryer. I loved it so much the first time that I bought two more, keeping one at my parents house for a fantastic holiday turkey. This time I set out to keep the process as absolutely simple as possible. No brines. No fancy rubs. Just a 16 pound turkey, a little oil, and some seasoning and 10 minutes per pound.
The Char-Broil Big Easy is a game-changing outdoor cooker that makes preparing moist flavorful turkey incredibly simple. With its infrared cooking technology, the Big Easy evenly cooks turkey without the hassles of deep frying or constant monitoring. But how long does it actually take to cook a turkey in the Big Easy? Here’s a complete guide to cooking times based on turkey size.
Overview of the Char-Broil Big Easy
The Char-Broil Big Easy is an oil-less infrared turkey fryer and smoker. It uses radiant heat to cook food quickly while keeping it incredibly juicy There are no hot spots or burnt edges; the infrared waves thoroughly penetrate meat to cook it from the inside out.
The Big Easy eliminates the need for oil, so you avoid the mess and danger of deep frying. It also requires minimal monitoring since there’s no chance of burning. Just set the desired cook time and let the Big Easy do all the work.
Big Easy Turkey Cooking Times
Cooking time in the Big Easy depends on two factors
- Turkey weight
- Whether it is fresh or frozen
Follow this simple guide for perfect Big Easy turkey every time:
Fresh Turkey
For fresh, unfrozen turkeys, the basic rule is 10 minutes per pound.
So a 12 lb turkey takes about 120 minutes, while a 20 lb turkey takes 200 minutes. Check the thickest part of the breast and thigh for doneness. It should register 165°F on a meat thermometer when finished.
Here are estimated cooking times for various fresh turkey weights:
- 8 lb turkey: 80 minutes
- 10 lb turkey: 100 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 120 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 140 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 160 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 180 minutes
- 20+ lb turkey: 200+ minutes
Frozen Turkey
For frozen turkeys, extend the cook time to 15 minutes per pound. The frozen bird takes longer to heat through to the safe 165°F internal temperature.
Cooking times for frozen turkeys:
- 10 lb turkey: 150 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 180 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 210 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 240 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 270 minutes
Check the internal temp in multiple places before removing from the Big Easy. If it hasn’t reached 165°F, continue cooking until fully thawed and cooked.
Tips for Big Easy Turkey Success
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, flavorful Big Easy turkey every time:
- Completely thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. Do not cook a partially frozen turkey.
- Dry thoroughly and lightly coat with oil or rub. This helps crisp the skin.
- Use a turkey cooking bag to self-baste the bird. Use cooking spray if cooking bagless.
- Insert a probe thermometer in thickest part of breast and thigh. Remove when it hits 165°F.
- Let turkey rest 15+ minutes before slicing for juicy results.
- Carve turkey and serve immediately for maximum juiciness.
More Big Easy Turkey Recipes
The Char-Broil Big Easy makes cooking moist, delicious turkey foolproof. Try these tasty turkey recipes:
- Big Easy Brined Turkey with Herb Butter – for juicy, seasoned turkey
- Cajun Fried Turkey – with blackened seasoning
- Apple Cider Brined Turkey – infused with sweet apple flavor
The Char-Broil Big Easy takes the guesswork out of cooking moist, delicious turkey. Follow the guidelines above for perfect results every time. With the Big Easy, you’ll enjoy stress-free holidays with turkey that impresses your guests.
Easy Every Single Time
There’s really nothing easier than cooking poultry on the Big Easy. It really is as easy as fire it up, put it in, walk away and come back later. Unless the weather conditions are really adverse, you can count on 10 minutes per pound for a turkey.
I cooked a nice big 16 pound turkey in exactly 160 minutes. That’s in 30 degree weather with a very light breeze. I kept the lid off the Big Easy until the last 30 minutes to then add a little color.
I started with a pre-brined turkey. You can certainly get a natural, un-brined turkey and go thru that process, and I have. But for this cook it was about easy, and easy means getting a turkey that’s already in a solution that brined the bird for me. You can also inject your turkey for even more flavor, like my Cajun-injected bird on the Big Easy. Or try my buttermilk-marinated turkey.
You can use the basket that comes with your Big Easy, but I admit it’s a bit challenging getting a big bird in/out of it. If you’re going to do any amount of cooking on the Big Easy (and you should) I recommend that you at least get the hinged basket like you see in the picture above. It really makes getting the turkey in or out very simple indeed. See my thoughts on the accessories for the Big Easy here.
Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!
How to Cook Turkey in the Big Easy Fryer
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Big Easy?
Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy?
How to cook turkey breast in big easy oil less fryer?
How long do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy?
Season the turkey liberally inside and out. Place the turkey into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker. Cook for 10 minutes per pound. Check for doneness, 180°F in the thighs and legs, and 170°F in the breast. Always check in multiple locations. Remove the basket from the Big Easy and let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 325?
As a rough guideline, cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). For a more precise cooking time, refer to the instructions that come with The Big Easy Cooker. While your turkey is cooking, it’s important to keep an eye on it.
How long does it take to cook a 16 pound turkey?
Just a 16 pound turkey, a little oil, and some seasoning and 10 minutes per pound. There’s really nothing easier than cooking poultry on the Big Easy. It really is as easy as fire it up, put it in, walk away and come back later. Unless the weather conditions are really adverse, you can count on 10 minutes per pound for a turkey.
How do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy cooker?
Cooking the turkey Drop the turkey and basket into the cooker. Make sure your propane is on, turn the cooker to “on”, then turn the rotary igniter to light The Big Easy burner. That’s it! Now you just have to wait. The Big Easy cooker comes with a wire mesh lid.