Turkeys can be thawed using one of two methods. The safest method for thawing a turkey is to defrost in your refrigerator. The key to this method is to plan ahead and allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every five pounds of bird weight. Keep bird in its original packaging on a shallow baking sheet in refrigerator.
If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, place bird, in its original packaging, in a clean sink or container filled with cold water. The water must be changed every 30 minutes to keep cold enough for safe thawing. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound using this method. Never leave turkey unattended for more than 1 hour.
The following charts provides guidelines for thawing times:
Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time (40°F)
Turkey Weight -> Days to Allow for Thaw
to 12 Pounds -> 1 to 2 Days
to 16 Pounds -> 2 to 3 Days
to 20 Pounds -> 3 to 4 Days
to 24 Pounds -> 4 to 5 Days
COLD Water Turkey Thawing Times:
Turkey Weight -> Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey
