Turkey Thawing Time Calculator
Are you trying to find out when you should pull your turkey out of the freezer? Use this calculator to estimate how long it will take to thaw your turkey.
Estimated Thawing Time:
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Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.
Chef Shannon is a menu and recipe developer, food stylist, private chef, and author of the book The All-American Lemonade Stand.
How Long Does It Take to Thaw a Turkey?
Cooking a turkey before it’s fully thawed is a recipe for disaster (pun intended). But what’s the best way to get that holiday bird roasting-ready? Cooking times and methods vary, but we have three of the best ways to thaw a turkey (chef-approved)!
Thawing a Turkey in Cold Water
The cold water method is fast and simple. Submerge your bird in clean, cold water for 30 minutes (use a large pot or sink) for every pound, and don’t forget to change the water every 30 minutes for the best results.[1]
| Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lbs | 2 – 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lbs | 6 – 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 8 – 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 10 – 12 hours |
Thawing a Turkey in the Refrigerator
You can thaw your turkey in the refrigerator if space is not an issue. Allow one day for every 4 pounds of turkey for a thorough thaw. This requires some pre-planning (start your Thanksgiving countdown!), but it’s a surefire method that avoids extreme temperature fluctuations that could invite foodborne illness.[2]
| Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lbs | 1 – 3 days |
| 12 to 16 lbs | 3 – 4 days |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 4 – 5 days |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 5 – 6 days |
Thawing a Turkey in the Microwave
Lastly, don’t leave out the miracle of the microwave oven to thaw your turkey quickly. Just make sure your turkey has enough space on all sides to do its thing.
More importantly, check the owner’s manual to see if your model can safely defrost a turkey. Plan on around 6 minutes per pound and rotate that bird frequently. This may take some active attention on the cook’s part, but the result will be a fully thawed bird that’s ready to cook.[3]
Quick note: there’s a chance your turkey will actually start to cook, so again, be watchful. If this happens, however, simply let the turkey rest for about 5 minutes before hitting that restart button.
| Turkey Size | Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lbs | 24 – 72 minutes |
| 12 to 16 lbs | 72 – 96 minutes |
| 16 to 20 lbs | 96 – 120 minutes |
| 20 to 24 lbs | 120 – 144 minutes |
How NOT to Thaw a Turkey
Don’t run afoul (pun intended) of these food safety hazards in the making. Just because the outside looks ready to cook doesn’t mean the inside isn’t still a frozen cavity.
When a protein reaches 40 °F (4.4 °C), bacteria start to grow rapidly even while the inside is still thawing. Worse, bacteria can continue to thrive even after cooking. It’s not a good look for any cook!
- Do NOT thaw a turkey on the counter
- Do NOT thaw a turkey outside on the porch
- Do NOT thaw a turkey in hot water[4]
- Do NOT thaw a turkey using a flamethrower (or other forms of heat)
Need help planning the right size turkey for the perfect portions? Try our turkey size calculator.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture, Turkey Basics: Safe Thawing, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/poultry/turkey-basics-safe-thawing
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Meat and Poultry Charts, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/meat-poultry-charts
- Farmers' Almanac, How To Safely Thaw A Frozen Turkey, https://www.farmersalmanac.com/how-to-safely-thaw-a-frozen-turkey-33573
- Emma Christensen, All the Wrong Ways to Thaw a Turkey, https://www.thekitchn.com/all-the-wrong-ways-to-thaw-a-turkey-225711