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I'll show you how to thaw turkey safely in as little time as possible for Thanksgiving! (Or, just whenever you want turkey.) Plus, I'll share my best turkey recipes and classic side dishes with you so you have plenty of inspiration for your holiday meal!
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How Long to Defrost Turkey
If you're in a rush, you can thaw turkey in cold water. However, if you're defrosting the turkey in cold water, keep in mind you will need to change the water out as necessary to keep it cold, which could be as frequently as every 30 minutes. See my expert tips below on the best ways to thaw turkey.
There are three foolproof methods you can follow to defrost a frozen turkey safely. For the safest, best results, thaw your turkey in the refrigerator. Defrosting a turkey in the fridge takes several days depending on its weight.
- Refrigerator thawing: In the refrigerator, a turkey will take 1 day per 4 to 5 pounds of weight to thaw. For example, a 20 pound turkey will take about 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
- Cold water thawing: If thawing in a cold water bath, turkey will take 30 minutes per pound. For example, a 14 pound turkey would take 7 hours or so to thaw in a water bath.
Scroll below for in-depth tips and instructions on the safest ways to thaw turkey.
| Turkey Weight | Days to Thaw in Refrigerator | Time to Thaw in Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 pounds | 2 days | 3 to 5½ hours |
| 12-15 pounds | 3 days | 6 to 7½ hours |
| 16-20 pounds | 4 days | 8 to 10 hours |
| 21-24 pounds | 5 days | 10½ to 12 hours |
Note: For food safety, it is extremely important to thaw your turkey safely using one of the methods above. Never, ever thaw your turkey on the counter. This encourages bacterial growth and is very dangerous, because the inside of the turkey thaws much less quickly than the outside.
No matter which method you use, I will show you how to defrost a turkey safely and effectively and make the most amazing roast turkey!
How Long to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
How Long to Thaw a Turkey in the Refrigerator
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging while it thaws; don't unwrap it.
- Place the bird breast-side up in a baking pan. This prevents any juices from dripping out into the refrigerator as it thaws.
- Add to the refrigerator and thaw for 1 day per 5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 20-pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw using this method.
Turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be kept for up to 2 days after thawing.
Thawing a Turkey in Cold Water Method
- Fill a sink or large bucket with cold water. The water must be cold! Never thaw in warm or hot water.
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging and add it to a large plastic bag that won't leak or take in any water. Push any extra air out of the bag and seal it tightly.
- Add the bagged turkey to the cold water bath. It may need to be weighed down; you can do this using anything heavy, like cans or a heavy plate.
- Change the cold water as necessary to keep it cold - generally, every 30 minutes.
For safety, turkey thawed in a cold water bath should be cooked immediately after thawing. Only use this method if you're in a rush!
How Long to Thaw a Turkey FAQs
Turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be kept for 2 days in the fridge after thawing before it should be cooked. If you defrost turkey in a cold water bath, it should be cooked immediately. Only use this method on Thanksgiving morning.
Add the number of days of thawing time to 2 days refrigerated time. For example, if you have a 20-pound bird, thaw it for 4 days in the refrigerator, then keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days after thawing; this gives you 6 days before Thanksgiving to thaw your turkey in the refrigerator.
Never leave a turkey out at room temperature to thaw. Turkey takes a long time to thaw and needs to be thawed safely using one of the three methods above. Thawing turkey at room temperature is very likely to make you and your family sick.
Turkey Temperature
Top tip for cooking turkey: No matter what method you use, the internal temp for turkey will read 180°F with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh and 170°F when inserted into the breast without touching the bone. When measuring internal turkey temperature, always use a meat thermometer.
Always use an instant-read thermometer when checking turkey doneness. For more info on turkey cooking times and temps, take a look at our Turkey Temperature Chart!
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
- Turkey roast
- Cajun-style turkey
- Air fried turkey
- Pressure cooker turkey
- Spatchcock turkey
- Turkey in the deep fryer
- Turkey on the grill
- My favorite Thanksgiving turkey
- Turkey in the smoker
No turkey dish is complete without my incredible Turkey Rub! This easy rub makes a world of difference. Try it out along with my Compound Butter, Butter Injection, and Dry Brine!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Turkey gravy
- Extra creamy mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole Southern-style
- Stuffing in the instant pot
Which method do you use to thaw your turkey? What's on your Thanksgiving menu this year? I love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below!
Updated 8/28/2024 with new and revised information.
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