How Long Will It Take to Thaw a Frozen Turkey?
Here's what to know ahead of Thanksgiving.
How Long Will It Take to Thaw a Frozen Turkey?
Everyone has their own approach to planning for Thanksgiving dinner. Ree Drummond, for example, prefers to start early, while others thrive on the last-minute rush. But one thing that should never be overlooked on Turkey Day is thawing your turkey. So, how long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
Before the big day, you’ll need to purchase your turkey, either from the frozen section at your local store or as a mail-order bird. The USDA says a turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but it’s essential to follow the pound-by-pound thawing guidelines below for safe thawing. We’ll guide you through the best methods to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator, cold water, or even in the microwave. These simple methods will help ensure a stress-free turkey cooking experience. Just follow the formula based on your turkey’s size!
Tip: Before you start thawing, keep the packaging on your turkey. This will help you determine its weight and calculate the thaw time. Once your turkey is thawed, you’ll need to brine and cook it. Plan your turkey recipes ahead of time so you have all the ingredients ready.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?
Here’s a quick overview of thawing times for your turkey, according to the USDA:
- In the fridge (slow method): Allow at least 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, with the fridge temperature set to 40°F or lower.
- In cold water (faster method): Allow about 30 minutes per pound, and be sure to change the water every 30 minutes.
- In the microwave (quickest method): Allow 6 minutes per pound, rotating the turkey often.
- Forgotten turkey? You can also cook the turkey directly from frozen.
How to Thaw a Turkey in the Refrigerator
This method requires at least 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. (This recommendation is based on a refrigerator temperature of 40°F or lower.) For example, if you have a 16-pound frozen turkey, you’ll need to start thawing it on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. If you’re cooking a larger bird, such as a 20-pound turkey, plan for even more time to thaw.
Here’s the thawing breakdown for various turkey sizes:
- 8 pounds: 2 days to thaw
- 12 pounds: 3 days to thaw
- 16 pounds: 4 days to thaw
- 20 pounds: 5 days to thaw
When using this method, place the turkey (still in its packaging) in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any juices that may leak as it thaws.
How to Thaw a Turkey in Cold Water
If you’re short on time, the cold water method is your best option. It’s faster than thawing in the fridge, but it still requires some planning. Keep in mind that this method needs active attention, as you’ll need to change the water every 30 minutes.
Keep the turkey in its original packaging, or if you’ve removed it, place it in a large resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly. Submerge the turkey in a sink or a large container filled with cold water, placing a heavy pie plate or baking dish on top to keep it submerged. The hard part is changing the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. Expect this method to take 30 minutes per pound. For a 15- to 16-pound turkey, this process will take about eight hours and 16 water changes.
How to Thaw a Turkey in the Microwave
Believe it or not, you can thaw a turkey in the microwave—provided your microwave is big enough! While this isn’t the best method, it is the quickest. Check your microwave’s manual to ensure the turkey will fit and to find the recommended power level. Remove all wrapping and place the turkey on a microwave-safe dish. According to the USDA, use the defrost function and allow 6 minutes per pound. Be sure to rotate and flip the turkey regularly during the process.
Can You Leave a Turkey Out to Thaw?
Absolutely not! The USDA strongly advises against leaving a frozen turkey out at room temperature to thaw, whether it’s on the countertop or in the sink. This is because the outer layers of the turkey will thaw faster than the center, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. While a thawed turkey can sit at room temperature for up to two hours, anything beyond that is unsafe.
If you forget to thaw your turkey, don’t panic! You can cook it from frozen—just keep in mind that it will take about 50 percent longer to cook.
