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 Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer is a revolutionary way to cook a juicy, delicious turkey without the hassles or dangers of deep frying Using infrared heat, it locks in moisture and cooks the turkey evenly for optimal tenderness But how long does it actually take to cook a turkey in the Big Easy?
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors impact the cooking time when using the Big Easy turkey fryer. including
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Turkey size – A small 10 lb turkey will cook faster than a large 20+ lb bird. The bigger the turkey, the longer the cook time.
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Cooking temperature – The set temperature affects cooking speed. Higher heat around 350°F cooks faster than lower 275°F heat.
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Frozen vs. thawed – A frozen turkey will take 50-100% longer to cook than a thawed one. Only cook fully thawed birds.
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Stuffing – A stuffed turkey takes longer to cook than an unstuffed one because stuffing is denser than meat.
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Cooking method – Using a roasting basket or vertical poultry roaster can reduce cook time slightly.
Average Big Easy Cooking Times
As a general guideline, the average Big Easy cooking times for whole turkeys are:
- 10-12 lb turkey – 1.5 to 2 hours
- 12-14 lb turkey – 2 to 2.5 hours
- 14-16 lb turkey – 2.5 to 3 hours
- 16-18 lb turkey – 3 to 3.5 hours
- 18-20 lb turkey – 3.5 to 4 hours
- 20-24 lb turkey – 4 to 4.5 hours
These times are based on cooking at a temperature of 325°F. Larger turkeys over 20 lbs often require using a lower temp of 275°F to prevent overcooking the outer areas before the inside is done.
For every increase in temperature of 25 degrees, the cooking time will be reduced by approximately 30 minutes.
Exact Cook Times
To determine the precise cook time, always use a meat thermometer and cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
For estimate purposes, you can calculate cook times at 325°F as follows:
- Unstuffed or lightly stuffed turkey – Cook 10-12 minutes per pound
- Heavily stuffed turkey – Cook 12-15 minutes per pound
So a 15 lb unstuffed turkey will take about 2.5 to 3 hours (15 x 12 to 15 minutes per lb).
During the last 30-60 minutes, closely monitor the temperature and use a remote meat thermometer if needed. Cook until 165°F is reached.
Safety Tips
To safely cook a turkey in the Big Easy:
- Always thaw turkey fully in the fridge before cooking
- Cook at 325-350°F for best results
- Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness
- Never cook a frozen turkey or reuse oil
- Allow turkey to rest 20+ minutes before carving
Moist and Delicious Results
The Big Easy makes cooking turkey so much easier. By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a tender, juicy bird with crispy skin every time. Share your Big Easy turkey tips and recipes in the comments!
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 do you cook a turkey in the Big Easy?
How long does it take to cook a 15 pound turkey in an oilless fryer?
How to cook turkey breast in big easy oil-less fryer?
Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy?
How long do you cook a Turkey in the Big Easy cooker?
Carefully lower the basket into The Big Easy Cooker and set the timer based on the weight of your turkey. 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.
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 long does it take to cook a Turkey?
To minimize sticking, coat the wire frame of the cooking basket with oil before inserting turkey. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 hours. Cook time varies based on weather conditions and the size of your turkey.