How Long to Rest a Turkey After Smoking – Letting It Sit Is the Key

As proud pitmasters, we can’t sit idly by while the turkey gets dried out and ruined in the oven. Not when we have a perfectly good smoker sitting right outside.

By following these tips for smoking a whole turkey, your guests will be begging you for your secret recipe (and if you want a detailed recipe, check out our smoked spatchcock turkey recipe).

You’ve spent hours carefully smoking the perfect turkey. The skin is crisp the meat is juicy and the aroma is heavenly. But don’t carve it yet! Resting the turkey after smoking is a crucial final step.

Proper resting locks in moisture and allows flavors to fully develop. Learn why resting makes a difference and how long you should let a smoked turkey rest before carving and serving.

Why Rest Smoked Turkey?

Resting gives the juices time to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. During smoking, proteins tighten and squeeze moisture out. As the turkey rests, the proteins relax and reabsorb these juices.

If you slice right away, the juices spill out onto the cutting board rather than staying inside the meat. Resting prevents this loss of moisture and flavor

Resting also allows the temperature to evenly distribute. The outer layers won’t be piping hot compared to the center, so you avoid overcooked edges.

Finally, resting completes the cooking process Internal temperature continues rising 5-10°F during rest time. Meat fibers relax for tenderness

How Long Should You Rest Smoked Turkey?

For ideal moisture and texture, rest your smoked turkey at least 20 minutes. The larger the bird, the longer the recommended rest time.

Whole turkeys under 12 pounds: Rest 20 minutes
12-18 pound turkeys: Rest 25-30 minutes
18+ pound turkeys: Rest 30-40 minutes

Turkey breasts, legs, thighs or wings can rest for 15-20 minutes. Stuffing inside the turkey cavity should rest too.

If holding for longer, tent foil loosely over the turkey to prevent cooling too quickly. Place dishes over stuffing.

Step-By-Step Guide to Resting Smoked Turkey

Follow these simple steps for perfect rested turkey:

Remove turkey from smoker once internal temp reaches 160°F in thickest part.
Place turkey breast-side down on a cutting board or pan.
Leave uncovered, or tent breast area very loosely with foil.
Let sit for recommended time based on weight.
Check temperature to ensure it has risen to 165°F.
Slice, serve and enjoy!

Resting Tips

Resist repeatedly piercing meat to check doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer after resting time ends.
Add a pat of butter on the breast before resting for extra moisture and flavor.
Save resting juices to make gravy or add back into the sliced meat.
If holding longer than 2 hours before serving, carve turkey and store meat and juices separately.

The Importance of Patience

After spending hours smoking a turkey to perfection, it’s tempting to dive right in. But showing a little patience will pay off in tender, succulent meat that makes you proud.

So let that bird sit a while once it comes off the smoker! Resting completes the cooking process and gives you juicy, fully flavored smoked turkey.

how long to rest a turkey after smoking

Allow enough time and smoke hotter than usual

No matter which exact method or temperature you cook at, your bird must reach an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest point.

Cooking low and slow will result in rubbery skin that is unpleasant to eat.

Keep your smoker between 275 – 350°F, but if it dips higher or lower it’s not a huge deal.

Just make sure it doesn’t stay that way for too long.

At this temperature, the turkey may take as long as 45 minutes to an hour per pound. Plus about 45 minutes in the oven to crisp up the skin (not necessary if you are smoking above 325°

Refer back to our smoking times and temperatures chart.

This method is good for keeping your turkey moist and delicious, though you may need to finish it in the oven to get a good skin color.

Don’t stuff your bird

When you stuff a turkey, it takes longer for heat to travel to the center of the bird. This results in the breast drying up before the center is cooked.

Plus if you take our advice and spatchcock your bird, there won’t be anywhere to put the stuffing!

It’s much better to make pan stuffing which will taste better than soggy stuffing from inside the bird while cutting down the overall cooking time.

how long to rest a turkey after smoking

How long should a turkey breast rest after smoking?

FAQ

How long should a turkey rest after smoking?

So how long should a smoked turkey rest? We suggest giving the turkey at least 30 minutes to an hour before carving it up. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.

How long should I let my turkey rest after cooking?

When your turkey has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, set the extra oven’s temperature as low as it will go. After your turkey is done resting, cover it with foil and place it back in the oven.

How long can turkey sit out after smoking?

Refrigerate meat and poultry within 2 hours of removing it from a smoker. Cut the meat or poultry into smaller portions or slices, place it in shallow containers, cover, and refrigerate. Use it within 4 days or freeze for later use.

How long to smoke a 12 lb turkey at 225 degrees?

Set the smoker to 225° F. Place the turkey on a cooking rack and cook for 8 to 12 hours or until the inner thigh temperature reaches 180° F. Check the temperature of your turkey after 3½ hours. Your turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less.