How Long Do You Need to Thaw Your Turkey? Here’s the main rule of thumb for thawing your turkey: Allow at least 24 hours of thawing for every 5 pounds of turkey. So for a 12-pound turkey that would imply at least three days of thawing, ideally with a bonus day thrown in.
How long does it take to defrost a 12-pound turkey?
Allow 30 minutes of thawing time for each pound of turkey, which translates to two to six hours for a 4- to 12-pound turkey. A 12- to 15-pound bird will thaw in six to eight hours.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
Here is a general rule of thumb on when to move your turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator, according to the USDA:
- 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days.
- 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days.
- 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days.
- 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days.
Can you leave a turkey out to thaw?
Never thaw at room temperature. To thaw your turkey in the refrigerator: … Leave turkey in your refrigerator until fully thawed. It may be kept in the fridge up to 4 days after thawing before cooking, but the sooner you cook it, the better for freshness—and so you can reclaim some space in your fridge.
Can I leave turkey out to thaw overnight?
Do not thaw your turkey on the counter.
It will be totally fine chillaxing on the counter overnight.
How long does it take for a turkey to defrost at room temperature?
Defrosting times will vary – as a guide: in a fridge around four degrees celsius allow 10 to 12 hours per kg; in a cool room (below 17.5ºC) allow three to four hours per kg; at room temperature (about 20ºC, 68ºF) allow approximately two hours per kg.
What do I do if my turkey is not fully thawed?
If There’s No Time to Thaw
If you’re up against the clock and have no time left for even the “quick” cold-water thaw, then just cook the turkey as it is. It’s perfectly safe to cook a frozen or partially frozen turkey — you just need to allow some extra cooking time.
How long does it take a 20 pound turkey to thaw in the refrigerator?
First, How Long to Thaw Turkey
| Turkey Weight | Refrigerator | Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
| 12 lbs | 3 days | 6 hours |
| 16 lbs | 4 days | 8 hours |
| 20 lbs | 5 days | 10 hours |
| 24 lbs | 6 days | 12 hours |
When should I thaw my turkey 2020?
According to the experts, you should thaw a turkey in a refrigerator set to 40°F or below for about 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds. If your bird weighs more than 20 pounds, you should start thawing in the fridge on Friday, Nov. 20.
How can I speed up thawing a turkey?
If you’re running short on time, you can speed up the thawing process with the cold water method: Simply submerg the frozen turkey, still in its packaging, in cold tap water. Change out the water every 30 minutes, and estimate roughly 30 minutes for every pound of turkey.