Do you want to learn how to smoke a turkey in a propane gas smoker? Smoking can be a great way to prepare the turkey whole and ensure you get an even cook and delicious flavor. However, if you’ve never done it before, it might seem like a daunting task. Where do you begin and how can you ensure you do it correctly?
The good news is, it’s actually very easy to smoke a great turkey in a gas smoker once you learn how. So, that’s what we’re going to discuss here in this post. You will absolutely love the flavor of this delicious smoked turkey!
Smoking a turkey in a propane smoker is a great way to get moist, flavorful meat with a delicious smoky flavor. While it may seem daunting if you’ve never done it before, smoking a turkey is easier than you think with the right techniques. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step.
Why Smoke a Turkey in a Propane Smoker?
There are a few key benefits to using a propane smoker rather than a traditional oven
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You’ll infuse incredible smoky flavor into the meat that you can’t get from roasting, The smoke permeates the turkey and adds rich depth
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Propane smokers cook the turkey gently at a low temperature, keeping it incredibly moist and juicy without drying out.
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The skin gets beautifully crispy and golden brown from the propane flame.
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It frees up your oven for sides on a busy holiday!
Picking the Right Turkey
When selecting a turkey to smoke. keep these tips in mind
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Stick to a small to medium bird around 12-15 lbs. Larger birds take too long to cook through.
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Get a frozen turkey. The long defrost time helps the smoke flavor fully penetrate.
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Avoid pre-basted or self-basting turkeys, which can interfere with smoke absorption.
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Make sure the turkey will fit inside your smoker with some room to spare.
Brining is Crucial
Brining the turkey before smoking helps ensure juicy, well-seasoned meat. Here’s an easy brine recipe:
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 gallon water
- Herbs, spices, citrus (optional)
Submerge the thawed turkey in the brine for 8-12 hours. Rinse and pat dry before smoking.
Setting Up Your Propane Smoker
Properly setting up your propane smoker is key for good results. Follow these tips:
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Place a drip pan on the bottom rack to catch drippings. Fill with 1-2 inches of water.
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Add soaked wood chips to the smoker box. Use apple, cherry, hickory, etc. Refill every 45-60 minutes.
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Preheat the smoker to 275°F. This low temperature is ideal for gently smoking.
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If your smoker doesn’t have separate burners, place foil over the flame to disperse heat.
Prepping the Turkey
Before placing the brined turkey in the smoker, prepare it by:
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Patting dry completely with paper towels
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Rubbing the skin with oil or butter
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Generously seasoning inside and out with a smoked turkey seasoning
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Trussing the legs together with twine so they don’t overcook
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Inserting a probe thermometer into the breast to monitor temp
Time to Smoke That Bird!
Once your propane smoker is preheated and set up, place the seasoned turkey directly on the bottom grate.
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Maintain the temperature at 275°F, replenishing wood chips regularly.
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Smoke the turkey until the probe reads 165°F in the breast, about 3.5-4 hours.
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If the skin isn’t crisping up, increase the heat to 300°F.
Letting it Rest
Once the turkey reaches 165°F, immediately remove it from the smoker. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
This resting time allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat. Loosely tent foil over the turkey as it rests.
Carving and Serving
After the turkey has rested, it’s time to carve and serve!
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Carve the breast meat first by slicing along both sides of the breastbone.
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Remove the legs and thighs. The joints are easier to find once breast meat is gone.
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Arrange white and dark meat on a platter, topping with wings, legs and thighs.
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Pour juices from resting over the sliced turkey. Serve with classic sides!
Smoking Turkey Safety Tips
When handling raw turkey and smoking, follow these safety guidelines:
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Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F in breast and thigh. Use a probe thermometer.
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Don’t leave a smoking turkey unattended. Monitor temperature and wood chips.
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Allow smoker to fully preheat before adding turkey.
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Maintain temperature as close to 275°F as possible.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days.
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Wash any surfaces and utensils that touched raw turkey to prevent cross-contamination.
Mastering the Propane Smoker Turkey
With the right techniques, you can make a perfectly smoked turkey in your propane smoker. The keys are using a small turkey, brining, maintaining low heat, getting ample smoke and letting the bird rest. Follow this guide and you’ll have delicious, juicy propane-smoked turkey for your next holiday meal!
Smoking a Turkey in a Gas Smoker FAQ
Here are some common questions people often have about smoking a turkey in a gas smoker.
Cooking Temperature and Time
When you’re cooking a whole turkey, time and temperature are going to be very important. Different turkey recipes will call for different cook times and the type of stuffing you use and the glaze you use can also impact cook time. The exact temperature and cooking time also depend on the size of the bird.
If this is part of your Thanksgiving feast then chances are, it’s a very big turkey and that’s going to take longer to cook. A gas grill will cook differently than a charcoal grill, also.
You will be cooking the turkey at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This ensures a good, thorough cook without drying out the bird. You can also get nice, crispy skin when you use this method and smoke it.
How to Smoke Turkey on the Masterbuilt Propane Smoker!
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a propane smoker?
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.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
When you’re ready to smoke your turkey, aim to keep the smoker between 225°F and 275oF. The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is low and slow at 250oF, but even the best smokers will have temperature fluctuations in the five- to six-hour cooking time.
How to smoke a turkey on a masterbuilt gas smoker?
Tuck the wing tips tightly beneath the turkey. Place the seasoned turkey on the middle rack of the smoker, close the door, and set a timer for approximately 6.5 hours. The turkey should smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, until the inside temperature reaches 165 ̊F.
How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?
- Brining helps prevent the turkey from drying out
- You can use a dry brine or wet brine
- Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with salt or a spice rub and letting it sit in the fridge
- Brining helps season the turkey evenly and thoroughly
How long do you smoke a Turkey in a smoker?
Preheat smoker to 275F. Coat turkey with olive oil and pat with salt and pepper to taste. Place turkey directly onto bottom rack of smoker. Smoke for 3.5-4 hours or until internal temp reaches 165F. MASTER IT. There’s an app for that. Serve up adventurous Traditional Smoked Turkey with Masterbuilt’s range of grills and versatile accessories.
Can a Turkey be smoked in a propane smoker?
Yes, you can smoke a turkey in a propane smoker. To ensure the turkey stays moist, use wet wood chips like hickory and applewood. For a crispy turkey, put it in the smoker for about two hours at 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you smoke a turkey breast in a propane smoker?
You’re ready to get smoking! Place the seasoned turkey straight on the bottom rack of the preheated propane smoker. Maintain the temperature at 275°F and smoke the turkey until the internal temperature in the breast reaches 165°F, about 3.5-4 hours. Monitor the temperature using your probe thermometer.
Can you smoke a whole Turkey in a gas smoker?
Sharing is caring! There is nothing better than smoking a turkey in a gas smoker. You always get crispy golden skin with juicy, succulent meat. You also get rich, smoky flavors that will have all your guests returning for seconds. But smoking a whole turkey can be pretty intimidating for those of you who have never done it before.
How do you smoke a Turkey on a gas grill?
Brush the cooking grates clean. Drain 2 handfuls of the wood chips, add to the charcoal briquettes or the smoker box of a gas grill, and close the lid. When smoke appears, place the pan with the turkey on the cooking grates and cook over indirect medium-low heat, with the lid closed.
How do you cook a smoked turkey?
After brining the turkey, dry it with a paper towel. Apply a 50/50 mix of kosher salt and black pepper, as well as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the turkey. Preheat your smoker to 325° F and use apple, cherry, or pecan wood. After 1 1/2 hours, check the color of the turkey. Once it is dark, tent the turkey in aluminium foil.