Learn how to defrost a turkey safely with our essential cookery advice. Try our top tips, different defrosting methods and safety guidance.
If you’re opting for a frozen turkey to celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving this year, defrosting it properly and safely is very important. We examine the different ways to defrost a whole turkey in time for your festive dinner.Ad
A frozen turkey is a good-value option and means you can opt for a higher welfare bird for less money. It also means you can get ahead and buy your turkey sooner to spread the cost. But, it’s also a massive block of frozen meat that can be a bit daunting to deal with. There are several options when it comes to defrosting a whole turkey depending on your time, space and the size of the bird.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about defrosting the star of the show – the turkey! Properly thawing your turkey is one of the most important steps to ensure it cooks evenly and tastes delicious on Thanksgiving day. The fridge is the safest place to slow thaw your turkey, but it’s important to plan ahead and know exactly when you need to move the bird from freezer to fridge.
How Far in Advance Should You Defrost Your Turkey?
The general rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey weight when defrosting in the refrigerator. So for a 16 pound turkey, you’ll want to move it into the fridge about 4 days before Thanksgiving day.
Here’s a handy defrosting timeline based on turkey size
- 8-12 pound turkey: Defrost in fridge 2-3 days before Thanksgiving
- 12-16 pound turkey: Defrost in fridge 3-4 days before Thanksgiving
- 16-20 pound turkey: Defrost in fridge 4-5 days before Thanksgiving
- 20-24 pound turkey: Defrost in fridge 5-6 days before Thanksgiving
The key is allowing ample time for the ice crystals to melt and the turkey to fully thaw. Rushing the process with a still partially frozen bird can lead to uneven cooking.
Why Defrost in the Fridge vs. Counter or Cold Water?
The refrigerator is the safest method because it keeps the turkey at a constant, cool temperature throughout the defrosting time. Leaving a frozen turkey to thaw at room temperature breeds bacteria and can lead to food poisoning.
Likewise, thawing in cold water speeds up the process, but requires vigilance to keep changing the water so it stays cold. The fridge method is hands-off once you pop that bird in there on the recommended day.
Step-By-Step Guide to Fridge Thawing
Defrosting a turkey in the fridge is simple if you follow these steps:
- Check the turkey’s weight. This allows you to calculate the right defrosting timeline.
- Clear out fridge space. Turkeys are bulky so make room on a bottom shelf.
- Place the turkey in a pan or rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips or leaks.
- Put the turkey in the fridge based on its weight and the defrosting time chart.
- Let that turkey chill in the back of the fridge! Don’t open the door too often.
- Check daily and remove any thawed juices so they don’t spread bacteria.
- Once thawed, cook within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze a defrosted turkey.
Signs Your Turkey is Fully Thawed
Checking the progress of your turkey is important to know exactly when it’s ready for all your Thanksgiving prep. Signs it’s fully defrosted:
- The meat is soft throughout when pressed
- The cavity is no longer icy or frozen solid
- A thermometer reads 40°F or below throughout
The thigh joint should also twist easily when the bird is thawed. If you hit any stubborn ice or frozen areas, let it defrost another day to be safe.
Defrosting Times for Other Poultry
The 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of weight rule applies to all frozen poultry:
- Chicken: 1 day per 4 pounds
- Duck: 1 day per 4 pounds
- Cornish hens: 1-2 days per 1-2 pounds
Adjust your fridge defrosting timeline for other birds accordingly.
Safely Handle and Cook Your Thawed Turkey
Once your turkey is fully defrosted, be sure to handle it safely before roasting:
- Cook within 1-2 days
- Don’t wash raw turkey which can spread germs
- Keep it chilled below 40°F until ready to cook
- Use separate cutting boards, dishes, utensils when handling
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
With proper fridge thawing well in advance, your turkey will be ready for all your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and traditions. Just make sure to check that bird and calculate the right defrosting days ahead of the big feast.
How to defrost a turkey in the fridge
Pros: its the safest and easiest way to defrost a turkey.Cons: its also the longest way to defrost a turkey and takes up lots of fridge space.
How to do it This is as easy as taking the frozen turkey in its packaging, sitting it in a large roasting tin or dish and putting it in the fridge to defrost slowly. If you can set the temperature of your fridge, set it to 4C. This is the safest method, as the turkey will stay at a constant low temperature.
How long does it take? The size of your turkey will affect how long it takes to defrost completely, but, as a rough guide, allow about 24hrs for every 2kg of turkey. Most of our turkey recipes call for a 5-6kg turkey, which will take about three full days to defrost in the fridge.
How to defrost a turkey in the kitchen
Pros: it’s easy to do.Cons: it’s not as safe, as a kitchens temperature fluctuate. It also takes up lots of room in a small kitchen.
How to do it From a food hygiene perspective, this method isn’t advised, as a warm kitchen is the perfect temperature for bacteria to breed on the bird. But, if you’re careful and you’re going to be cooking the turkey as soon as it’s defrosted, we can’t dismiss this as an option. Simply sit the frozen turkey in a dish or baking tray in an ambient part of your kitchen (away from ovens or radiators).
How long does it take? Leave it to defrost for 24 hrs.
How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey
FAQ
How far in advance should I defrost a turkey?
Plan ahead: allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 °F or below.
How many days does it take to defrost a 15 lb turkey in the refrigerator?
It takes 24 hours for every four to five pounds of weight for a turkey to thaw in the refrigerator (a 15-pound turkey will take three days to thaw in your refrigerator). A completely thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for one or two days before cooking.
When to remove frozen turkey from freezer for Thanksgiving 2024?
16 to 20 pounds = 4 to 5 days; Sunday is a good day to start thawing. 20 to 24 pounds = 5 to 6 days; Saturday is probably your day. 24 to 28 pounds = 6 to 7 days; you’ll want to start no later than Friday.
Can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for 5 days?
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen.