Mastering Smoked Turkey: A Guide to Cook Times and Techniques for Pellet Smokers

There is something about smoked meat that makes it taste so much better. This is especially true when in comes to smoked turkey. The juiciness and deep flavor cant be beat! Cook time and serving size vary based on the size of the turkey. A smoked turkey has a distinct and irresistible taste that is sure to please any palate. The rich, smoky flavor is infused throughout the meat, creating a depth of flavor that is both robust and subtle. The turkeys natural flavors are heightened by the smoking process, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is infused with a delicious smoky taste. As you take your first bite, youll be greeted with a crisp, golden-brown skin that gives way to the succulent meat within. Each bite is a perfect balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spice, leaving a lingering, satisfying aftertaste that is sure to keep you coming back for more. By smoking a turkey, you will become a hero in the eyes of your friends and family. Not only is it a delicious and impressive centerpiece for any holiday meal, but it also takes some skill and expertise to do it just right. Your loved ones will be amazed by the rich, smoky flavors and perfect texture of the meat, and they will sing your praises as they savor every bite. As the aroma of the smoked turkey fills the room, youll be the center of attention, basking in the glory of your culinary masterpiece. So go ahead and take the plunge, because with every succulent bite, youll be reminded of the amazing feat you accomplished and the joy you brought to those around you. Smoking a turkey can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve a delicious and succulent bird that will impress your friends and family. Here are some tips to help you get started: Brine the turkey: Brining is a crucial step in smoking a turkey as it helps to keep the meat moist and infuses it with flavor. A basic brine consists of water, salt, brown sugar, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the turkey soak in the brine overnight for the best results. Let the turkey come to room temperature: Before smoking, take the turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for at least an hour. This helps the meat cook more evenly and reduces the risk of dryness. Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the bird. This ensures that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. Baste the turkey: Basting the turkey with a mixture of melted butter, honey, and spices helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor to the bird. Baste the turkey every hour or so during the smoking process. Use wood chips: Use wood chips to add smoky flavor to the turkey. Hickory, apple wood, and mesquite are popular choices. Soak the chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker. Dont over-smoke the turkey: Over-smoking the turkey can result in a bitter taste. Follow the recipes recommended smoking time and dont add too many wood chips. Let the turkey rest: After smoking, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful bird. By following these tips, youll be well on your way to smoking the perfect turkey that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. How long does it take to smoke a turkey? The smoking time for a turkey depends on its size and the smokers temperature. As a general rule, it takes about 30 minutes per pound to smoke a turkey at 225-250°F. A 12-pound turkey will take around 6 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey can take up to 10 hours. Should I stuff the turkey before smoking it? It is not recommended to stuff the turkey when smoking it. The stuffing can become contaminated with bacteria if it does not reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F. It is safer to cook the stuffing separately. What is the ideal temperature to smoke a turkey? The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225-250°F. This low and slow cooking method helps to infuse the turkey with smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Should I brine the turkey before smoking it? Yes, it is recommended to brine the turkey before smoking it. Brining helps to keep the meat moist and infuse it with flavor. A basic brine consists of water, salt, brown sugar, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the turkey soak in the brine overnight for the best results. How do I know when the turkey is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the bird. This ensures that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat. Can I use a gas grill to smoke a turkey? Yes, you can use a gas grill however a pellet grill is recommended to smoke a turkey. Follow the same steps as you would with a smoker, but use a smoker box filled with soaked wood chips to add smoky flavor to the turkey. Can I smoke a frozen turkey? No, it is not recommended to smoke a frozen turkey. The turkey must be completely thawed before smoking to ensure it cooks evenly and safely. Plan ahead and allow enough time for the turkey to thaw in the fridge before smoking.

Preheat pellet grill to high smoke. If your pellet grill does not have a pre-set smoke setting set it to 225°F with the highest smoke setting the pellet grill or smoker offers.

To prepare the turkey, remove giblets and neck. Rinse under water and pat dry with paper towels.

Using your hands, gently separate the skin from the breast and legs making sure to keep it attached and in one piece.

Slip the butter mixture underneath the skin and spread in an even layer. Season the exterior of the turkey with Camp Chefs Citrus Herb Blend of your favorite poultry seasoning.

Fill Turkey Cannon Infusion Roaster with 1/2 cup of liquid and lemon. Place turkey on Turkey Cannon Infusion Roaster and Smoke for 1 hour on high smoke. Turn the pellet grill up to 350° F. and cook until internal temperature reaches 165° F.

Smoking a turkey in a pellet grill results in delightfully juicy, tender meat infused with delicious smoky flavor. However, determining the right cook time can be tricky. Pellet smoking relies on indirect lower heat compared to other cooking methods. This means your smoked turkey will need ample time to cook through while absorbing the wood smoke.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about smoking times for whole turkeys, turkey breasts, and other cuts when using a pellet smoker. You’ll learn how to estimate cook times based on size and temperature settings. I’ll also share tips to ensure perfect doneness and maximum flavor every time. Let’s get started!

Factors That Influence Pellet Smoker Turkey Cook Times

The major factors that determine how long your turkey will need to smoke are:

Weight/size of the turkey
Smoking temperature setting
Whether it is fully thawed
If it was brined or not

Taking these key factors into account will help you dial in the right cook time for tender, juicy, smoked turkey.

Average Smoking Times for Whole Turkey

Whole turkeys require extensive cook times in a pellet smoker due to their large size and the fact that the innermost meat needs time to come up to temperature. Here are some general time ranges:

8 to 12 lbs: Approximately 5 to 7 hours
12 to 15 lbs: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
16 to 20 lbs: Approximately 8 to 9 hours
20 to 24 lbs: Approximately 9 to 11 hours

A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes per pound at 225°F For example, a 15 lb turkey will need about 75 hours in the pellet smoker. Increase temp to 275°F and it reduces to 20 minutes per lb.

Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than cook time alone to determine doneness Smoke until the breast and thighs reach 165°F internally

Average Smoking Times for Turkey Breasts

Since turkey breasts are thinner cuts of white meat they require less time in the pellet smoker than a whole bird. Estimate

2 to 4 lbs: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
4 to 6 lbs: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
6 to 8 lbs: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Average Smoking Times for Turkey Legs or Thighs

The dark meat of turkey legs and thighs stays moist during smoking, but the connective tissue needs time to break down. Figure:

1 to 2 lbs: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
2 to 3 lbs: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Cook until internal temperature reaches 175°F before resting and serving.

How Temperature Settings Impact Cook Time

Using lower temperature settings between 225 to 250°F will result in better smoke penetration but increased cook times. Higher temperatures around 275°F will decrease total smoking time, but may produce less smoke flavor.

For most turkey smoking, 225 to 250°F provides the best balance of cook time and deep smoke infusion. Turkey can dry out easily with prolonged exposure to heat over 300°F.

Account for Thawing and Brining

Always factor in thawing time if using a frozen turkey. And note that brining, while highly recommended for flavor and moisture, will tack on 12-24 hours before smoking.

You can reduce the brining period to just a few hours if using a quick brine rather than a full overnight brine. But for maximum impact, go for the full 12 to 24 hour turkey brine.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Foolproof Doneness

While the turkey smoking timelines provided are useful guidelines, the only way to definitively determine when your turkey is perfectly cooked is to use a good digital meat thermometer.

Test the temperature in the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and wing, ensuring it reaches 165°F throughout. This guarantees all the meat is fully and safely cooked without overdrying.

Relying solely on smoking times risks undercooked or overcooked turkey if your particular smoker runs hotter or colder than expected. A thermometer takes out the guesswork for perfect turkey every time.

Mastering the Art of Smoked Turkey

It may take some trial and error dialing in the right cook times for your particular pellet smoker. As you get to know your grill, keep notes on temperatures and smoking durations to refine your process.

Here are some extra tips for smoked turkey success:

Allow the turkey to rest before carving – this retains juiciness.
Use apple, cherry, or maple wood pellets for milder flavor.
Injecting a spiced marinade adds moisture and flavor.
Rub the skin with brown sugar, salt, and pepper for crispiness.
Smoke to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slice the breast meat across the grain for tenderness.
Serve with savory gravy or cranberry sauce.

With the right techniques, your pellet smoker turkey will turn out incredibly juicy, tender and full of smoky goodness. Smoked turkey makes for amazing sandwiches plus beautiful main courses for holidays or family meals. Once you’ve mastered the perfect pellet smoked turkey, you’ll want to do it again and again!

For anyone looking to master cooking turkey in a pellet grill, there are some standout recipes that should not be missed. The Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast offers a quick way to enjoy tender smoked white meat. For those who love a whole bird, the Easy Pellet Smoked Turkey provides a simple brine and rub for incredible flavor. If you like a spicy kick, the Jalapeño Pepper Smoked Turkey brings the heat. Lastly, the Brown Sugar & Bourbon Smoked Turkey uses sweet flavors for a unique taste. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy enough for both beginner and expert grillers.

Want to learn more about using pellet smokers? Join our Grilling Techniques forum to get tips from barbecue aficionados. With the right techniques, you’ll be able to smoke unforgettable turkey on your pellet grill!

how long to cook turkey in a pellet smoker

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how long to cook turkey in a pellet smoker

1 whole turkey (ours was 12-14 lbs)

1 stick of butter, softened

Camp Chefs Somethin Southern Seasoning (or your favorite poultry rub)

1/2 cup of white wine, chicken broth or liquid of choice

Preheat pellet grill to high smoke. If your pellet grill does not have a pre-set smoke setting set it to 225°F with the highest smoke setting the pellet grill or smoker offers.

To prepare the turkey, remove giblets and neck. Rinse under water and pat dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, mix the butter with salt and pepper.

Using your hands, gently separate the skin from the breast and legs making sure to keep it attached and in one piece.

Slip the butter mixture underneath the skin and spread in an even layer. Season the exterior of the turkey with Camp Chefs Citrus Herb Blend of your favorite poultry seasoning.

Let turkey rest for 20 minutes.

Recipes you might be interested in

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving (on a Pellet Grill!)

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a turkey on a pellet smoker?

Put the turkey on the bottom rack of the pellet grill for about 3 – 5 hours.

Is it better to smoke turkey at 225 or 325?

325-350. It’s not a low and slow like a brisket or pork shoulder. Poultry soaks up the smoke flavor so you run the risk of having way too much smoke flavor if you go 225. Also 225 will never give you crispy skin.

How long to cook a 20 lb turkey at 225 degrees?

I typically smoke it at about 4 hours at 225 F. That should bring the bird to about the 150 F range.Apr 25, 2021

How long to smoke a 10 lb turkey on Traeger?

Place turkey on the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours. Check the internal temperature, the desired temperature is 175°F in the thigh next to the bone, and 160°F in the breast. Traeger smoked turkey will continue to cook once taken off grill to reach a final temperature of 165°F in the breast.

How long to smoke a Turkey on a pellet grill?

To smoke a turkey on a pellet grill, plan on around 2 to 2 1/2 hours. This assumes a temperature of 325°F and a 12-14 lb bird. The weather outside, your grill thermometer, and a dozen other things can affect your cooking time. Cooking times are an estimate.

How long does it take to smoke a 12 lb Turkey?

When smoking at 225°F, it can take about 30 to 45 minutes to cook one pound of turkey. That means a 12-pound turkey should take at least six hours to cook in a smoker. To smoke your turkey faster, increase the smoker’s temperature to 250°F to 275°F. How long to smoke a 15 lb turkey on a pit boss pellet grill?

Can you smoke a Turkey on a pellet smoker?

Smoking a turkey on a pellet smoker is a great way to prepare a centerpiece for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The smoked turkey comes out tender and juicy with a delicious hint of wood smoke flavor. But getting the cook time right is key to success. Undercook the bird and it will be unsafe to eat.

How do you smoke a turkey breast in a pellet smoker?

Insert your meat probe thermometer into the lower part of the breast. Place the turkey in the pellet smoker and smoke the turkey at 325°F for three hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can spray the turkey periodically with cooking oil or spritz with melted butter to enhance the flavor and texture of the turkey skin.

How long should you smoke a Turkey before grilling?

Always smoke to temperature, not time. Time is listed to help you plan your day. Give yourself a safety of 1-2 hours for differences in outdoor climate and differences in pellet grills. Remove the turkey and rest uncovered for 1 hour. Carve with an electric knife or sharp knife and serve.

How do you cook a Turkey on a pellet grill?

Bring the large turkey out to the pellet grill and place it inside, not touching the water pan. Make sure the turkey is not exposed to any direct heat, only indirect heat (which is how all pellet grills are set up but I know some readers smoke turkeys on a charcoal grill over indirect heat with wood chips.)