There's a lot that goes into planning a Thanksgiving menu, but between rolling out pie dough and making the many side dishes, the last thing you want to do is forget to thaw the Thanksgiving turkey! So, before the panic sets in, let us explain just how long it will take to thaw a frozen turkey. The answer all depends on the size of your turkey and how you plan to thaw it. Not sure where to begin? We've laid out a few different thawing methods ahead, including thawing a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave.
Whether it's your first year hosting the family feast or you're a seasoned veteran, a little turkey prep can go a long way. Before the big day arrives, you'll want to buy your bird either from the freezer aisle of your local supermarket or as a mail-order turkey, then don't forget to add thawing to your Thanksgiving cooking schedule. Just follow the formula below!
Tip: Before you begin, keep the packaging for your turkey intact. You'll need to know the weight to calculate its thaw time. Then, once the turkey is thawed, you'll need to brine it and cook it. Land on your preferred turkey recipes early so you have all the ingredients in place.
How do you thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?
The easiest, safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator—but this method will also take a few days for the average-size bird. According to the USDA, the formula for defrosting a turkey in the fridge is as follows: Allow for at least 24 hours for every four to five pounds. (FYI: This is specific to refrigerators at temperatures 40 degrees and below.) So, here's how it breaks down:
- 8 pounds: 2 days to defrost
- 12 pounds: 3 days to defrost
- 16 pounds: 4 days to defrost
- 20 pounds: 5 days to defrost
When using this method, place the turkey—still in its original packaging—in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet in case juices leak as it thaws.
How do you thaw a turkey in cold water?
If you're short on time, thawing a turkey in cold water is the best method to try. It's quicker than thawing in the fridge, but not quick enough to start on Thanksgiving morning, so be sure to still plan ahead. You should also keep in mind that the water-thawing method isn't exactly hands-off. In fact, it requires constant attention.
Keep the bird in its original packaging, or, if you've already removed it, place the turkey in an extra-large resealable plastic bag and seal it. Submerge the packaged turkey in a sink or large-enough bin filled with cold water, using a heavy pie plate or baking dish placed on top of the turkey to keep it submerged. Now here's the hard part: You'll have to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold so that the bird stays at a safe temperature. Expect this method to take most of the day. For a 15- to 16-pound bird, this process will take about eight hours and 16 changes of water.
Can you thaw a turkey in the microwave?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes—that is, if your microwave is big enough! While it’s not the best method for thawing your bird, using your microwave is a quick method for thawing in general. You'll want to read the owner's manual to see if your size bird will fit and the recommended power level, then remove all the wrapping on your turkey and place it on a microwave-safe dish. According to the USDA, using the defrost function, "allow 6 minutes per pound when thawing a turkey in the microwave." You'll also want to rotate and flip it multiple times throughout.
When should you start thawing a turkey?
Definitely not Thanksgiving morning! Considering the formula recommended by the USDA, a 16-pound frozen turkey should thaw in the refrigerator for at least four days before it's showtime—which means the Sunday before Thanksgiving would be the right time to start the thawing process. If you are cooking a larger bird (Ree Drummond has been known to cook a 20-pound turkey), plan on extra time for thawing.
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw?
Don't even think about it! The USDA does not recommend leaving a frozen turkey out at room temperature to thaw, whether it's on your kitchen countertop or in the sink—the outside of the turkey will thaw long before the center of the bird does, making it a ripe scenario for bacteria. A thawed turkey, however, may sit at room temperature for up to two hours—anything longer than that, and you're taking on a food-safety risk that just isn't worth it.
If all else fails and you forget to thaw your turkey, you can always roast your turkey from frozen—just note that it'll take at least 50 percent longer to cook.
