Hey there, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, were diving into the smoky world of Pit Boss smoked turkey – a mouthwatering delight thatll have your taste buds dancing in delight! So, grab your apron, fire up that Pit Boss pellet grill, and lets get cookin!
Smoking turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill results in incredibly moist flavorful meat infused with delicious smoky flavor. But with a large bird like turkey getting the smoking time right is critical. Undercook it and you risk food safety issues. Smoke it too long and you’ll end up with dry, overcooked turkey.
Follow this guide to learn exactly how long you need to smoke a turkey on your Pit Boss grill for ideal doneness. We’ll cover how cook times vary based on size target internal temperatures resting, carving, and more.
Factors That Affect Smoking Time
Several variables impact how long it takes to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill:
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Size of the Turkey – Smaller birds cook faster. Allow 30 minutes per pound for a 12-15 lb turkey.
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Brining – Wet or dry brining adds time as it increases moisture. Factor in about 30 extra minutes.
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Pellet Temperature – Lower pellet temps (225°F) make for longer cook times versus hotter (325°F).
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Weather Conditions – Cold or windy days can lengthen the smoking time.
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Stuffing – Skip stuffing the cavity to reduce overall cook time.
Monitoring Internal Temperatures
The only way to reliably test doneness for smoked turkey is to monitor the internal temperature in multiple spots using a good digital meat thermometer.
Target temperatures are 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thighs. Once it hits these temps, the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
During the last hour of smoking, insert an instant-read thermometer into both the breast and thighs every 20-30 minutes to check progress. This prevents overcooking.
How Long to Smoke an Average Turkey
For a 12-15 lb turkey smoked at 225°F, you can estimate about 30 minutes per pound of cooking time, or 6-8 hours total including a rest period.
Here are general time estimates based on turkey weight:
- 12 lb turkey: 6-7 hours
- 14 lb turkey: 7-8 hours
- 16 lb turkey: 8-9 hours
- 18 lb turkey: 9-10 hours
If smoking at a higher 275°F temperature, deduct about 5 minutes per pound. Always rely on internal temps, not just cook times.
Resting, Carving and Serving
After smoking, let the turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute. Slice turkey and serve it up hot with your favorite barbecue sides and sauces.
Leftovers hold up very well. Slice off meat for amazing smoked turkey sandwiches the next day too!
Tips for Smoking Turkey on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Follow these tips for the very best results when smoking turkey on your Pit Boss:
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Dry brine the turkey in the fridge for 12-24 hours before smoking to ensure a juicy bird.
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Cook at a steady 225-275°F temp. Higher temps speed up cook time but can dry out the breast.
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Use apple, cherry, pecan, or almond wood pellets for best flavor.
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Check the internal temp early and often. Stop smoking at 165°F breast/175°F thighs.
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Let the turkey rest before carving. This crucial step locks in the juices.
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Serve smoked turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides and sauces. It’s fantastic!
With the right technique, your Pit Boss pellet grill can turn out an incredible smoked turkey with juicy meat and amazing flavor. Enjoy your new go-to cooking method for holiday feasts and backyard barbecues!
Common Pit Boss Turkey Smoking Questions
If you’re new to smoking turkey on a pellet grill, you likely have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked smoking turkey queries:
What temperature do you smoke a turkey at on a Pit Boss?
225-275°F is ideal. Lower temperatures result in more even cooking and a moister bird.
How long per pound to smoke a turkey at 225°F?
Figure around 30 minutes per pound at 225°F for the total cook and rest time.
Should you brine before smoking a turkey?
Absolutely! Brining keeps the meat very moist and adds tons of flavor. It’s highly recommended.
What is the target internal temperature for smoked turkey?
165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs ensures the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Do you need to rest smoked turkey before carving it?
Yes, resting for 20-30 minutes after smoking allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.
What wood pellets work best when smoking turkey?
Blends of apple, almond, pecan, cherry, or maple all pair wonderfully with poultry.
Smoking turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill results in the juiciest, most flavorful holiday bird you’ve ever tasted. Follow these tips and cook times for amazing results.
How to make Pit boss smoked turkey
Lets start with a quick rundown of the recipe. Now, I must say, the process might seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, its a breeze once you get the hang of it!
Step 1: Get your hands on a beautiful turkey! Im talkin fresh, plump, and ready for some smokin action. Invite your buddies over, cause this turkeys gonna be the star of the show!
Step 2: Preheat your Pit Boss pellet grill to around 225°F (thats approximately 110°C for our British pals). Slow and steady wins the race, remember that!
Step 3: Now, pick your pellet flavor. Mesquite? Hickory? Applewood? The choice is yours, my friends! Load em up and let the smoky magic begin!
Step 4: Season your turkey to perfection! A little salt, some pepper, and your favorite rub – go wild with those flavors, folks! Dont be shy; this is where the real taste adventure starts.
Step 5: Place that bird on the grill grates, close the lid, and let it work its smoky wonders for about 30 minutes per pound. Time to relax and let the Pit Boss work its magic!
Step 6: Use a meat thermometer to check if your turkeys cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (about 75°C). Safety first, my friends!
Do I need to brine before smoking
Now, thats a tough call, my friends. Brining your turkey can infuse it with moisture and flavor, making it incredibly juicy. On the flip side, some folks believe that letting the natural turkey flavors shine without brining is the way to go. My advice? Try both methods and see which tickles your taste buds!
Smoked Turkey On A Pit Boss Pellet Smoker
FAQ
How long to smoke a turkey at 225 on a pit boss?
Cook time at 225°F is 30 minutes per pound, or when the temperature internally reaches 165°F.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
325-350. It’s not a low and slow like a brisket or pork shoulder. Poultry soaks up the smoke flavor so you run the risk of having way too much smoke flavor if you go 225. Also 225 will never give you crispy skin.
How long to smoke a 20lb turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoke the turkey until it hits 165 degrees, about 30-40 min per pound. Always smoke to temperature, not time. Time is listed to help you plan your day.
How long does it take to smoke a 15 lb turkey?
Place the turkey directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke the turkey. At 225 degrees F, you can plan on approximately 30 minutes per pound for your turkey to smoke. For example, this 15 pound turkey will take 7 and 1/2 hours at 225 degrees F. I always plan an extra 30 minutes, just in case.
What temperature do you smoke a Turkey on a pit boss?
The ideal temperature for smoking turkey on a Pit Boss is between 325-350°F. This allows the skin to get crispy while fully cooking the meat without drying it out. How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss grill?
Can you smoke a Turkey on a pit boss pellet grill?
Smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill is a great way to prepare your holiday meal, or to easily add a second turkey when the oven is already full with your first one! In this article, we’ll show you how we prepare our turkey with a simple overnight dry brine oy get crispy skin and juicy meat.
How do you smoke a Turkey on a pit boss?
If you want a milder smoky flavor, set the smoke setting to low. Once you have prepared your Pit Boss and your turkey, you can start smoking it. * Place the turkey on the smoker: You can either place the turkey directly on the grill grates or you can use a roasting rack.
How long should a pit boss smoked turkey rest before carving?
If the skin starts to get too dark before the turkey is fully cooked, tent it with foil. Monitor the temp in several places to ensure even doneness. Once your Pit Boss smoked turkey reaches the target temp, let it rest 15-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
What size Turkey to smoke on a pit boss?
When selecting a turkey to smoke on your Pit Boss, smaller birds around 12-15 lbs tend to work best. Larger birds take much longer to cook and the breast meat can dry out before the legs and thighs are finished. A smaller turkey will cook more evenly from top to bottom. You’ll also want to make sure you have a thawed turkey.
Can you smoke a Turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoking a turkey on a pellet grill is a fantastic way to prepare a juicy, flavorful bird for your holiday feast Pellet grills like the Pit Boss are ideal for smoking turkey, as they provide even, consistent heat and smoky wood flavor that you just can’t achieve in a traditional oven