Best answer: How long do I cook a frozen turkey?

Can turkey be cooked from frozen?

Yes, cooking a turkey from frozen or partially frozen is totally safe and is even USDA-approved. … Oven-roasting is the only truly safe way to cook a frozen turkey. Do NOT deep-fry or grill a frozen turkey. Also, it’s best to cook the stuffing separately.

How long does it take to cook a 15 pound turkey from frozen?

For instance, the typical roasting time for a 15-pound fully thawed unstuffed turkey would be about 3 to 3 ½ hours (assuming an oven temperature of 325° F). The same-sized frozen turkey would take about 4 ½ to 5 hours to cook.

How long does it take to cook a frozen 13 pound turkey?

Taking a 12- to 13-pound turkey from the frozen state to the table take 5 to 5-1/2 hours; don’t be tempted to rush the process by using oven temperatures higher than proven safe by Dr.

Is it better to cook a turkey frozen or thawed?

Cooking a frozen turkey will take around 50 percent longer than cooking one that’s already been thawed. … This will ensure that the turkey stays above any liquid that may drain out, which would cause it to steam rather than roast. And it will cook more evenly on a shallow pan than one with high sides.

What if my turkey isn’t 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.

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.

Should you unwrap a turkey to thaw?

When the turkey has partially defrosted, you can unwrap it and remove the giblet bag from the cavity. … According to the USDA, a 4- to 12-pound turkey will take two to six hours to defrost; a 12- to 16-pound turkey six to eight hours; a 16- to 20-pound turkey eight to 10 hours and a 20- to 24-pound turkey 10 to 12 hours.

Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight?

Can you leave a turkey out to thaw overnight, perhaps? The short answer is no. Here are the wrong ways to thaw your bird and the safest way to thaw a turkey.

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:

1. 4 to 12 pounds — 1 to 3 days.
2. 12 to 16 pounds — 3 to 4 days.
3. 16 to 20 pounds — 4 to 5 days.
4. 20 to 24 pounds —5 to 6 days.

What temperature do you cook a frozen turkey at?

Heat the oven to 325°f. Unwrap the frozen turkey and place it breast side down on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Roast for 2-1/2 hours. Use kitchen tongs to find and remove the giblets and neck inside the bird.

How do you cook a 13 pound frozen turkey?

General Cook Times for A Frozen Turkey (total):

1. 8- to 12-pound turkey: 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
2. 12- to 14-pound turkey: 4 1/2 to 5 3/4 hours.
3. 14- to 18-pound turkey: 5 3/4 to 6 1/4 hours.
4. 18- to 20-pound turkey: 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 hours.
5. 20- to 24-pound turkey: 6 3/4 to 7 1/2 hours.

Can I cook a turkey with the neck still in?

A whole turkey usually has a package with the giblets and neck tucked inside. If the giblets are wrapped in paper, there is no safety concern if they cook inside the bird. If the giblets are wrapped in plastic, however, they need to be removed.