Thawing a turkey properly is essential to ensure that it cooks evenly and safely. If a turkey is not thawed correctly, there is a risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness. To help you plan ahead, here is a handy Turkey Thaw Times Chart to guide you on how long it takes to thaw a turkey based on its weight.
Refrigerator thawing is the safest method for thawing a turkey. It is recommended to allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Here is a general guideline for refrigerator thaw times:
- 4-12 pounds: 1-3 days
- 12-16 pounds: 3-4 days
- 16-20 pounds: 4-5 days
- 20-24 pounds: 5-6 days
Cold Water Thawing
If you need to thaw your turkey more quickly, you can use the cold water thawing method. This method requires changing the water every 30 minutes to ensure that the turkey stays at a safe temperature. Here is a general guideline for cold water thaw times:
- 4-12 pounds: 2-6 hours
- 12-16 pounds: 6-8 hours
- 16-20 pounds: 8-10 hours
- 20-24 pounds: 10-12 hours