How Long to Thaw a Turkey: Fridge and Cold Water Times
Part of the project planner: Planning the holidays: dinner, tree and lights.
Thaw a turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 16 pound turkey takes about 4 days, so for a dinner on Thursday you start on Sunday. In a hurry, thaw it in cold water at 30 minutes per pound: 8 hours for a 16 pound bird. Never thaw a turkey on the counter. The turkey size calculator gives the thawing and roasting time for your own bird.
Thawing time by weight
| Turkey weight | Refrigerator (24 hours per 4 to 5 lb) | Cold water (30 minutes per lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 lb | 2 days | 4 hours |
| 10 lb | 2 to 3 days | 5 hours |
| 12 lb | 3 days | 6 hours |
| 14 lb | 3 to 4 days | 7 hours |
| 16 lb | 4 days | 8 hours |
| 18 lb | 4 to 5 days | 9 hours |
| 20 lb | 4 to 5 days | 10 hours |
| 22 lb | 5 to 6 days | 11 hours |
| 24 lb | 5 to 6 days | 12 hours |
When to start thawing for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is on a Thursday. To have a turkey that is fully thawed by Thursday morning, the latest day to put it in the refrigerator is:
| Turkey weight | Refrigerator days | Start on |
|---|---|---|
| 12 lb | 3 days | Monday |
| 16 lb | 4 days | Sunday |
| 20 lb | 5 days | Saturday (the week before) |
| 24 lb | 6 days | Friday (the week before) |
Add a day as a margin: a turkey that is a little frozen in the middle on the big day can be finished in cold water, but one that is thawed early keeps for a day or two in the refrigerator.
Three safe ways to thaw
- In the refrigerator (the safest). Keep the turkey in its wrapper on a tray, on the bottom shelf, at 40°F or below. A thawed turkey is good for one or two more days.
- In cold water (faster). Put it in a leakproof bag, cover it with cold tap water and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook it right away once it is thawed.
- In the microwave if it fits and the manual gives a time. Cook it straight away, since parts may have started to cook.
You can also cook a turkey from frozen: it is safe, but takes at least 50% longer than a thawed one. See how long to cook a turkey.
Tips
- Buy a fresh turkey if you do not have the room or the time to thaw one. Cook it within two days.
- Check the refrigerator temperature with a thermometer, since many run warmer than 40°F.
- Put the turkey on a tray to catch drips and keep the juices off other food.
- The neck and giblets are in the cavity: take them out when the turkey is thawed enough.
- Wash your hands and clean the counters and the sink after handling raw turkey.
For the weight to buy, see the turkey size calculator and the Thanksgiving dinner calculator. These times follow the USDA guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?
Allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 12 pound turkey needs about 3 days and a 20 pound turkey about 5.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey in cold water?
Allow 30 minutes per pound: 8 hours for a 16 pound turkey. Keep it in a sealed bag, in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook it as soon as it is thawed.
When should I start thawing a turkey for Thanksgiving?
For a 16 pound turkey, put it in the refrigerator 4 days before, so on Sunday for a dinner on Thursday. Allow an extra day for a bigger bird.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. The outside warms to a temperature where bacteria grow while the inside is still frozen. Use the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave if the turkey fits, and cook it right away.
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the refrigerator?
A turkey that has been thawed in the refrigerator can stay there for one or two days before cooking. One thawed in cold water must be cooked immediately.
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