Put the turkey into the smoker and smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer (or stay-in-the-bird probe thermometer) reads 160°F in the thickest part of the breast meat.
How long does it take to smoke a 20-pound turkey?
Generally, though, you should allow for about 30-40 minutes of smoking per pound. So, if you have a 20-pound turkey, it’ll probably take 10-12 hours to completely smoke it.
Is it safe to smoke a 20 lb turkey?
For a faster cooking time, you can smoke at 250 or even 275 degrees, but for a regular-sized turkey, we like 225 for about 30 minutes per pound. In fact, it might be best to avoid smoking big birds (say, 20 pounds), because the increased time required could increase your risk of the bacteria issues we noted above.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it’s much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. … I prefer to smoke whole turkeys at the 250 to 275 degree range. The skin gets good color, the turkey gets a good dose of smoke flavor and doesn’t take forever to finish cooking.How long does it take to smoke a 18 lb turkey?
A: A small bird (8 to 12 pounds) requires 2-1/2 to 3 hours at 325 degrees F; a medium (12 – 18 pounds) will need 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours; and a large bird (over 18 pounds) could take up to 6 hours.
How long do I cook a 19 pound turkey?
In an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking an 18- to 20-pound unstuffed thawed or fresh turkey will take between 4 1/4 and 4 1/2 hours, according to the USDA. This amounts to about 14 minutes of cooking time per pound. For a 19-pound turkey, this comes to about four hours and 26 minutes.
How long does it take to smoke a 17 lb turkey?
How Long to Smoke a Whole Turkey. The rule of thumb is to smoke the turkey at 300 degrees, 15 minutes for each pound. This is the FASTER method for smoking a whole turkey. We used a 17 pound turkey for this recipe, and smoked it at 275-300 degrees for just under 4 hours.
How long does take to cook a 20 pound turkey?
Turkey WeightServingsCooking Time15 to 18 lb10 to 123 1/4 to 4 hours18 to 20 lb12 to 144 to 4 1/4 hours20 to 22 lb14 to 164 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours23 to 24 lb16 to 205 to 5 1/4 hoursHow long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 350 degrees?
8. Increase grill temperature to 350℉ and cook for 3-1/2 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ in the thickest part of the breast.
How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 225 degrees?At 225 degrees, a 20-pound turkey should cook at a rate of 30 to 40 minutes per pound. If you increase the temperature to 250, it will take 25 to 30 minutes per pound. It’s best to keep the smoker temperature above 225 when smoking a bird this large.
Article first time published onHow long does it take to smoke a 20 pound turkey at 250 degrees?
How long does it take to smoke a 20lb turkey at 250 degrees? Typically, a 20 lb bird will take around 6 hours to reach 165* when cooking at 250-260*.
What wood is best for smoking turkey?
Hickory is a classic hard wood choice for smoking turkey for several reasons. It has a distinct flavor that is robust and very forward and is familiar to those who enjoy smoky flavors. Maple wood gives off a sweeter smoke and can add a lovely golden hue to anything you smoke with it.
Can you smoke an 18 pound turkey?
Electric Smoker Prepare an 8 to 18 lb. thawed or fresh turkey by removing the giblets and neck draining the juices, and drying with paper towels. The turkey should be completely thawed for even, safe cooking. Do not stuff your turkey.
Can I smoke a 22 pound turkey?
Low & Slow Smoked Turkey – Smoke your turkey at the low temperature of 225 degrees F for approximately 6-8 hours for a 22 pound turkey. Remove turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels (this is an important step, don’t skip it). … Add wood when needed to maintain the temp for even cooking.
How long do I smoke a 15 pound turkey?
Smoke the turkey. At 225 degrees F, you can plan on approximately 30 minutes per pound for your turkey to smoke. For example, this 15 pound turkey will take 7 and 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F. I always plan an extra 30 minutes, just in case.
How long does it take to smoke a 20 pound turkey at 275?
At 275 F/135 C, your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound.
Should I wrap my turkey in foil while smoking?
The turkey should cook for about 45 to 60 minutes before you check it. … He wraps the turkey in heavy duty aluminum foil and finishes the cooking in the smoker until the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Once the turkey is cooked through, allow it to rest for five to 10 minutes before carving.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.
How long do you cook a 19 pound Butterball turkey?
- 6-10 pounds: 1½ -2 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 2-2½ hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 2½-3 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 3-3½ hours.
How many people will a 19 pound turkey feed?
For turkeys smaller than 16 pounds, estimate 1 pound per serving (this accounts for bone weight). For larger birds, a bit less is fine; they have a higher meat-to-bone ratio. But if your goal is to have ample leftovers, aim for 1½ pounds per person whatever the turkey’s size. For 8 people, buy a 12-pound turkey.
How long does it take to smoke a 20 lb turkey at 325?
If you’re cooking a 20-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, you should plan for a cooking time from 4 ½ hours to 4 ¾ hours. The exact length of time you’ll need to cook your bird depends on whether it’s stuffed, though. An unstuffed 20-pound turkey will naturally cook faster, so it will take around 4 ½ hours.
How long should an 18 lb turkey cook?
- 425°F for 3½ to 3¾ hours.
- 400°F for 3¾ to 4 hours.
- 350°F for 4 to 4¼ hours.
- 325°F for 4¼ to 4½ hours.
How long does it take to cook a 21 pound turkey?
Expect it to take 4.5 to 5 hours to cook a 21.5-pound turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit — if your turkey is unstuffed. If it’s full of your favorite stuffing, add at least 15 minutes to the total cooking time. Determine when the turkey is done by internal temperature only.
How long does a 20 pound turkey need to defrost?
Make some room in the bottom of your fridge and have a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan nearby. Here’s the calculation: plan on 24 hours of fridge thawing for every 5 pounds of frozen turkey (for example: budget 4 full days of thawing in the fridge for a 20-pound turkey).
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark. Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.
Should I smoke my turkey breast up or down?
Place the turkey, breast side down, directly on the smoker grate. Smoke for 1 hour, maintaining the proper temperature in the smoker. If using a gas grill, wrap a handful of unsoaked wood chips in foil, poke a few holes in the foil, and toss it on one side of the grill grate.
What is the best pellets for smoking a turkey?
Cherry. For many, cherry wood is the best choice for smoking a whole turkey. The naturally bland and lean nature of turkey is perfectly complemented by the deep, rich, smoky flavor that cherry can impart to the meat.
Should I brine my turkey before smoking?
Don’t let the flavor fall flat by skipping on a vital step of preparing your turkey: brining. Use a brine before smoking to help keep meat moist while cooking and to add flavor. Brines can be simple with salt and water, or you kick things up a notch with spices, fresh herbs, or powerful aromatics like lemon and garlic.
