Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 12- to 16-pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.
- In the fridge
- About 24 hours per 4-5 lb Safest; plan ahead
- Cold water
- About 30 minutes per lb Change water every 30 min
- Microwave
- YesCook right away
- Cook from frozen
- YesAbout 50% longer
Thawing times from USDA FSIS. Checked .
How to thaw a whole turkey: every safe method
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | About 24 hours per 4-5 lb (4-12 lb: 1-3 days; 12-16 lb: 3-4 days; 16-20 lb: 4-5 days; 20-24 lb: 5-6 days) | Use within 1-2 days after thawing |
| Cold water | About 30 minutes per lb (4-12 lb: 2-6 hours; 12-16 lb: 6-8 hours; 16-20 lb: 8-10 hours; 20-24 lb: 10-12 hours) | Wrap so water can't leak in, keep it in its wrapper, change the water every 30 minutes, cook immediately, and don't refreeze. |
| Microwave | OK | Only if it fits; check the oven manual for minutes per pound and power level, then cook immediately. Don't refreeze or refrigerate after microwave thawing. |
| Cook from frozen | OK | Safe; cooking takes at least 50% longer than for a thawed turkey (FSIS). |
Turkey thawing chart by weight
| Turkey weight | In the fridge | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4-12 lb | 1-3 days | 2-6 hours |
| 12-16 lb | 3-4 days | 6-8 hours |
| 16-20 lb | 4-5 days | 8-10 hours |
| 20-24 lb | 5-6 days | 10-12 hours |
USDA FSIS times. Thaw breast-side up in its wrapper on a tray.
After it's thawed
Fridge-thawed: use within 1-2 days after thawing. A turkey thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen; one thawed in cold water or the microwave must be cooked first.
Never thaw it this way
- On the counter / at room temperature: The outer layer warms into the 40-140°F (4-60°C) danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, while the center is still frozen.
- In hot water: Same problem: the surface sits in the danger zone. FSIS's cold-water method uses cold tap water changed every 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
How long does a 20-lb turkey take to thaw in the fridge?
FSIS lists 4 to 5 days for a 16- to 20-lb bird and 5 to 6 days for 20 to 24 lb, at 40°F (4°C) or below.
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?
A refrigerator-thawed turkey can stay refrigerated 1 to 2 days before cooking.
Can I cook a turkey that's still frozen?
Yes. FSIS says it's safe, but expect it to take at least 50% longer than a fully thawed bird.
How long to thaw a turkey?
Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 12- to 16-pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.
How long to defrost a turkey?
Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 12- to 16-pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds, so a 12- to 16-pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days. In cold water, allow about 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes.