Cooking a turkey on a pellet grill is a fantastic way to infuse delicious smoky flavor into the meat, And spatchcocking the turkey (removing the backbone and flattening it out) allows it to cook more evenly while exposing more surface area to that sweet smoke But how long should you cook a spatchcock turkey on a pellet grill?
Quick Overview on Spatchcock Turkey Cook Times
Here’s a quick rundown on approximate cook times for spatchcock turkey on a pellet grill:
- 10-14 lb turkey: 1.5 – 2 hours at 325°F
- 14-18 lb turkey: 2 – 2.5 hours at 325°F
- 18-22 lb turkey: 2.5 – 3 hours at 325°F
Cook until the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving
But keep reading for more details on getting the perfect cook, plus timing for smoking and roasting.
How Pellet Grills Work for Turkey
Pellet grills are unique in that they burn small hardwood pellets to produce heat and smoke. The grill has an auger that feeds pellets from a hopper into the firepot, where they smolder and produce smoke. A fan then circulates the smoke and heat around the grill.
This gives you the convenience of an oven but with that delicious wood-fired flavor. Pellet grills allow you to cook using direct or indirect heat making them extremely versatile. You can grill roast, smoke, bake – pretty much anything.
For turkey, the indirect heat ensures the meat cooks evenly without burning or drying out. The smoke infuses right into the meat, taking your turkey from bland to beautiful.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
There are a few key factors that will determine the total cook time for your spatchcock turkey on a pellet grill:
Turkey weight – A smaller 10 lb turkey will cook faster than a 20 lb bird. Go for a turkey that fits your gathering.
Grill temperature – Setting the grill to a higher temp like 350°F will cook the turkey faster than smoking it slowly at 225°F.
Brining – A brined turkey may cook slightly faster than an unbrined bird. The salt and water help conduct heat.
Cooking method – Smoking low and slow will take longer than roasting at a higher temperature.
Weather conditions – Wind, cold temps, rain etc can increase cook time.
Smoking a Spatchcock Turkey on a Pellet Grill
For the most flavorful turkey possible, try smoking it low and slow on your pellet grill. Here are estimates for smoking times:
- 10-14 lb turkey: about 3 hours at 225°F
- 14-18 lb turkey: about 4 hours at 225°F
- 18-22 lb turkey: about 4.5-5 hours at 225°F
Follow these steps for smoking success:
- Spatchcock the turkey and pat dry.
- Season the bird heavily inside and out. Get flavor under the skin.
- Choose a fruit wood pellet flavor like cherry, apple, or pecan.
- Smoke the turkey at 225°F until the breast reaches 160°F.
- Crank up the heat to 375°F. Cook until the breast is 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest 20 minutes before slicing.
The low and slow smoking tenderizes the meat while the higher temp finishes the cooking and crisps the skin.
Roasting a Spatchcock Turkey on a Pellet Grill
For a faster cook time, you can roast your spatchcocked turkey on the pellet grill. Follow this method:
- Spatchcock, dry, and season the turkey.
- Preheating your pellet grill to 325 – 350°F.
- Roast the turkey for the estimated time below:
- 10-14 lbs: 1.5 – 2 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 2 – 2.5 hours
- 18-22 lbs: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Cook until the breast is 165°F and thighs are 175°F.
- Let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
The higher heat helps render the fat and crisp the skin without overcooking the breast meat.
Monitoring Temperature
A quality digital meat thermometer is crucial for perfectly cooked turkey. The MEATER Plus is an excellent option that allows you to monitor the real-time temperature of the turkey from your phone.
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to hit bone. Track the temperature as it smokes/roasts so you know exactly when it hits the ideal 165°F.
Resting & Carving the Turkey
Once your spatchcock turkey reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs, remove it from the grill and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. If you skip this step, the turkey will leak juices everywhere when you carve.
Use a sharp knife to carefully carve the turkey. Slice the breast meat and serve!
Troubleshooting Cook Time Issues
Here are some common issues you may run into with cook times, and how to troubleshoot:
Turkey cooking too fast – Brining helps retain moisture and prevents fast cooking. Make sure you aren’t cooking above 350°F. Tent with foil if needed.
Turkey cooking too slow – Double check the accuracy of your thermometer. Dial back the smoke by closing the vent slightly. Finish cooking at a higher temp.
Burnt outside, raw inside – Lower the grill temp and use a disposable foil pan for protection if needed.
Dries out quickly – Brine your turkey next time. Cook at a lower temperature and monitor it closely.
Delicious Spatchcock Turkey Pellet Grill Recipes
Here are some fantastic spatchcock turkey recipes perfect for the pellet grill:
Traeger Spatchcock Turkey – Herb-rubbed spatchcock turkey roasted to perfection.
Maple Brined Spatchcock Turkey – Sweet and savory maple brined spatchcock turkey.
Bacon Wrapped Spatchcock Turkey – Crispy bacon flavor!
Citrus Herb Spatchcock Turkey – Brined in citrus for fresh flavor.
Get the Most Out of Your Pellet Smoked Turkey
With proper technique, a quality pellet grill, and a good meat thermometer – you can achieve turkey perfection this year. Aim for juicy, tender meat with crispy smoked skin by following the guidance above.
The pellet grill really shines when you want to infuse deep hardwood flavor into turkey with minimal effort. Ditch the oven and wow your guests with your smoky, mouthwatering spatchcock turkey.
How to Spatchcock a Turkey Like a Pro
Spatchcocking looks intimidating, but its not just for pitmasters. Once you know the steps, even a beginner griller can do it.
How to Roast a Spatchcocked Turkey
Roasting a spatchcocked turkey is a very similar process. The prep, and seasoning will be the same, but you will preheat your pellet grill to 350°F and roast until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the bird reaches165°F, which should take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the bird’s size.
- Prep the bird: Spatchcock the turkey by removing the backbone and flattening it. Pat it dry to get that skin nice and crispy.
- Season thoroughly: Rub olive oil over the bird and season with your favorite Traeger rub or a mix of herbs, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to season under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Traeger: Set your pellet grill to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting, giving you a balance of crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Roast it up: Place the turkey breast side up directly on the grill grates. Roast until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F, which should take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the bird’s size.
- Rest before carving: Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing and serving.
If you need a good recipe to try, this Traeger spatchcock turkey is the best out there.
How to Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey on a Pellet Grill | Heath Riles BBQ
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a spatchcock turkey on a pellet grill?
Place the spatchcocked turkey skin side up and let it smoke cook for about 4 hours at 240°F.
How long do you cook a Spatchcock turkey per pound?
- Cook until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F in the innermost part of the thigh, breast, and wing
- A 12-pound turkey cooked at 450°F can take 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours
- A 16-pound turkey smoked at 225°–275°F can take about 11–13 minutes per pound
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
- Crispy skin: Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 250°F promotes crispier skin on the turkey compared to 225°F where the skin might become rubbery.
- Cooking time: Smoking at 225°F will take significantly longer than at 250°F.
- Smoke flavor: If you want a more intense smoky flavor, opt for the lower temperature of 225°F.
How many minutes per pound to cook a turkey on a pellet grill?
Place the turkey on the smoker and smoke for 6 hours or about 30 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for the breast and 170-175°F for the thighs. If you prefer, you can baste it with chicken broth every hour during the smoking time to keep it moist.
How do you cook a Spatchcock Turkey on a pellet grill?
Sprinkle the rub onto the spatchcocked turkey and rub into the skin. Prep the pellet grill and preheat to 225 degrees F. Place the spatchcocked turkey on a pellet grill grate. Close the lid and let the turkey cook until the internal temperature of the spatchcock turkey breast meat registers at 150 degrees F. This can take a little over 3 hours.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey on a pellet grill?
The prep, and seasoning will be the same, but you will preheat your pellet grill to 350°F and roast until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the bird reaches165°F, which should take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the bird’s size. Prep the bird: Spatchcock the turkey by removing the backbone and flattening it.
How long do you cook a Spatchcock Turkey?
Close the lid, cook the spatchcocked turkey for about 2.5 to 3 hours, monitoring the temperature as it may cook faster or take longer. When the internal temperature of the breast has reached 165°F, and the internal temperature of the thigh hits 175°F, remove the turkey from the pellet grill.
How do you cook a Traeger Spatchcock Turkey?
This Traeger spatchcock turkey is given a double dose of flavor with a Traeger rub and an aromatic herb paste, then slow-roasted on your pellet grill for a turkey that’s gorgeously golden, tender, and juicy. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 400°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
How long does a Spatchcock Turkey take to smoke?
Cook time depends on several factors including how cold your turkey is at the start of the smoke (room temperature or fridge temperature), the size of the turkey, how many times you open your smoker, and how consistent the heat on your pellet grill is. A spatchcocked turkey will take around 13 minutes per pound to smoke at 275°F.
How do you cook a turkey breast on a pellet grill?
When the internal temperature of the breast has reached 165°F, and the internal temperature of the thigh hits 175°F, remove the turkey from the pellet grill. Let the turkey rest for 25 minutes before carving to allow the juices to distribute. Carve, plate, and serve immediately. Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was!