How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoking a turkey on a Traeger grill leads to incredibly moist, flavorful meat with a delicious smoky flavor. While smoking a turkey takes some time and preparation, the payoff is well worth the effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to smoke a turkey on a Traeger grill.

Selecting and Preparing the Turkey

When selecting a turkey to smoke on your Traeger, opt for a smaller bird, 10-16 pounds. Larger birds can be difficult to properly smoke all the way through. Make sure the turkey does not have the pop-up temperature indicator, as this can interfere with inserting a meat thermometer.

It is important to thaw the turkey completely before smoking. Place the wrapped frozen turkey in the refrigerator 2-3 days before you plan to smoke it. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this can cause bacterial growth.

Once thawed, pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Be sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Trim off any excess skin or fat. Rub the skin with butter or oil prior to applying your choice of rub – this helps the rub adhere and creates a flavorful crispy skin. Apply your favorite poultry rub all over the turkey inside and out. Get into all the nooks and crannies.

Some people like to brine or inject their turkey prior to smoking for added moisture and flavor. An overnight brine in a salt, sugar and spice solution will infuse the meat with flavor and keep it from drying out. Injecting broth or marinade deep into the breast and thighs will also boost moisture. This step is optional but can lead to a more flavorful end product.

Setting Up the Traeger Grill

Smoking a turkey requires lower, indirect heat. Set up your Traeger grill for smoking by putting the probe end of the dual meat thermometers in each breast, making sure the probes reach the deepest part of the breast and are not touching any bone. Place a drip pan lined with aluminum foil on one side of the grill. Fill halfway with water, stock, wine or cider – this will add flavorful steam and moisture.

Set the temperature dial to 225-250°F to start. Use a hardwood pellet flavor like hickory, oak or apple which pair well with poultry. Depending on outdoor temperature, it may take 15-20 minutes for the Traeger to preheat to the set temp. Make sure the Grill is heated before putting the turkey on.

Smoking the Turkey

Once preheated place the turkey breast side up on the side of the grill opposite the drip pan. Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast ensuring it does not touch bone. Close the lid and monitor the temperature.

Maintain a consistent temperature between 225-250°F for the duration of the smoke. Smoking times will vary based on the size of the turkey, but plan for about 2.5-3 hours of smoking time for a 12-15 lb bird.

During smoking, monitor the internal temp periodically. You want the breast to reach 165°F and the thighs 175°F. The USDA recommends turkeys reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.

After the first hour of smoking, start checking the turkey every 30 minutes. Lightly tent the breast with foil if it starts to overcook or get too dark. Add more liquid to the drip pan if needed to keep moist.

Once the breasts and thighs reach the target internal temp, remove the turkey from the grill and let rest 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, delicious meat.

Tips for Perfectly Smoked Turkey

Here are some tips and tricks for getting the best results when smoking a turkey on your Traeger:

• Brining or injecting adds moisture, flavor and tenderness. An overnight brine makes a huge difference.

• Apply a rub generously under and on top of the skin for maximum flavor.

• Use a lower smoking temp (225-250°F) to allow the smoke to properly penetrate. Avoid going over 300°F.

• Place a drip pan filled with liquid on the grill beside the turkey to add steam and moisture.

• Monitor temperatures closely once internal temp reaches 140°F. Breasts and thighs cook at different rates.

• Lightly tent breasts with foil if they start to overcook in relation to thighs.

• Allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute.

• Use a quality poultry thermometer to ensure safe minimum internal temperatures are reached.

• Hardwood pellets like hickory, apple and cherry impart the best flavor when smoking poultry.

• Smaller turkeys (10-16 lbs) smoke and cook more evenly than large birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Traeger?

Smoking times will vary based on the size of the turkey, but plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 225-250°F. For example, a 12-15 pound turkey will take 2.5-3 hours to smoke. Monitor internal temperatures closely once it reaches 140°F.

What temperature do you smoke a turkey at on a Traeger?

Use a lower smoking temperature between 225-250°F to allow the smoke flavor to properly penetrate the meat. Avoid going over 300°F. Higher heat can cause the turkey to cook unevenly and dry out.

Should you brine a turkey before smoking?

Brining is highly recommended as it leads to a moister, more flavorful turkey. An overnight brine in a salt, sugar and spice solution will get great results. Injecting broth deep into the meat also adds moisture and flavor.

How do you keep a smoked turkey moist?

• Brine or inject the turkey
• Apply rub under and on top of skin
• Use a water pan during smoking
• Spritz or mop turkey with broth during smoking
• Lightly tent breast with foil if overcooking
• Allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving

What wood pellets are best for smoking turkey?

For poultry, nutty, fruity woods like hickory, apple, cherry and pecan work very well. The slightly sweeter fruit woods complement turkey nicely. Mesquite can be overpowering.

Smoking a turkey on a Traeger grill results in tender, juicy meat with tremendous smoky flavor. With proper preparation, temperature control and cooking times, you can enjoy delicious homemade smoked turkey off your Traeger. Just follow these tips for smoking success!