How long
Take the thawed time from the timetable and add at least half again. Kentucky Extension's example: a 19-pound turkey that needs 4½ hours thawed needs 6¾ hours frozen.[1][4][5]
| Weight | Thawed | From frozen, about |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2¾ to 3 hours | 4¼ to 4½ hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 3¾ hours | 4½ to 5¾ hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 3¾ to 4¼ hours | 5¾ to 6½ hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 4¼ to 4½ hours | 6½ to 6¾ hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 4½ to 5 hours | 6¾ to 7½ hours |
Our calculation. Sources say at least 50 percent longer, so it can take more; the thermometer decides.[1]
Step by step
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Take the turkey out of its packaging and set it on a rack in a roasting pan. Don't try to pull out the giblets yet; they won't come out.[3][7]
- Let it cook undisturbed for 2 hours.[8]
- After 2 hours, take the temperature at the legs and thigh with a food thermometer. Kentucky Extension says to expect around 90 to 95°F at this point.[9]
- Kentucky Extension says that after 3 hours in the oven you should be able to remove the giblet bag. Take it out carefully with tongs or a fork.[10][11]
- Keep roasting until the thermometer reads 165°F in the innermost thigh, the innermost wing and the thickest part of the breast.[12]
The giblet bag
If the giblets were wrapped in paper at the plant, which is the case with most whole birds, there is no safety concern if they cook inside the bird. A plastic bag has to come out. If a plastic bag has melted or changed shape in the heat, throw out the giblets and the turkey.[13][14][15]
Never from frozen
Oven roasting is the only method recommended for a frozen turkey. No oven bag, no deep fryer, no smoker, no grill, no microwave.[16]
This page covers an unstuffed whole turkey. The frozen procedures we cite don't include stuffing, so we give no method for stuffing a frozen bird. A commercially frozen pre-stuffed turkey is a different product: it is kept frozen until cooking, and the times on this page don't apply to it.[7][17]
Deep frying needs a completely thawed bird: water and hot oil can cause an explosion.[18][19]
Sources
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It is safe to cook a turkey from the frozen state. The cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey.
The cooking time will take at least 50 percent longer than recommended for a fully thawed turkey and less if it is partially frozen.
Start the process by preheating the oven to 325°F.
For example, a 19-pound thawed turkey needs 4 ½ hours to cook whereas a frozen 19-pound turkey needs 6 ¾ hours to cook.
Frozen tur- 8-24 lb. Add 50% additional time to oven times
Unstuffed Turkey Cooking Times Size Time 4 to 8 pounds (breast) 1½ to 3¼ hours 8 to 12 pounds 2¾ to 3 hours 12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3¾ hours 14 to 18 pounds 3¾ to 4¼ hours 18 to 20 pounds 4¼ to 4½ hours 20 to 24 pounds 4½ to 5 hours
Remove the turkey from its packaging and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Don’t try to remove the bag of giblets. You won’t be able to yet.
Place the turkey in the oven and let it cook undisturbed for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, take the temperature using a food thermometer at the legs and thigh. The temperature should be around 90 to 95°F.
After 3 hours in the oven you should be able to remove the bag of giblets.
If cooking from frozen, remember to remove the giblet packages during the cooking time. Remove carefully with tongs or a fork.
A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
If the giblets were paper wrapped before being inserted into the turkey cavity at the plant-which is the case with most whole birds-there is no safety concern if they cook completely inside the bird.
If the bag is plastic, you need to remove it.
If giblets were packed in a plastic bag, and the bag has been altered or melted by the cooking process, do not use the giblets or the turkey because harmful chemicals may have leached into the surrounding meat. If the plastic bag was not altered, the giblets and turkey should be safe to use.
Oven baking/roasting is the only method recommended for cooking a frozen turkey. Don’t use an oven bag or cook the frozen turkey in the deep fryer. You should also never smoke, grill or use the microwave to cook a frozen turkey.
Frozen Pre-Stuffed: Allow 1 1/4 lbs. per person. buy any time. Keep frozen until ready to cook. DO NOT THAW .
The turkey should be no larger than 12 pounds – or you can fry parts instead, such as breasts, wings or legs. It should be fresh, completely thawed and not stuffed.
Use a completely thawed bird. Read more about thawing. A mixture of water and oil can cause an explosion.