How Long to Smoke a 22-Pound Turkey (Perfect Every Time!)

How Long to Smoke a 22-pound Turkey

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about smoking a turkey. If you’re new to smoking, or if you’re just not sure how long to smoke a 22-pound turkey, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect how long it takes to smoke a turkey, including the size of the turkey, the type of wood you use, and the temperature of your smoker. We’ll also provide a step-by-step guide to smoking a 22-pound turkey, so you can be sure to have a delicious and juicy bird for your holiday feast.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Temperature	Time	Notes
225 degrees Fahrenheit	10-12 hours	For a fully cooked turkey
250 degrees Fahrenheit	8-10 hours	For a juicy, flavorful turkey
300 degrees Fahrenheit	6-8 hours	For a faster-cooking turkey

How Long Do You Smoke a 22lb Turkey?

Preparing the Turkey

The first step to smoking a turkey is to prepare it properly. This includes choosing the right turkey, brining it, and drying it.

Choosing the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey for smoking, there are a few things to keep in mind.

* Size: The ideal size for a smoked turkey is between 12 and 16 pounds. A larger turkey will take longer to cook, and a smaller turkey may not be able to withstand the long smoking process.
* Grade: The grade of the turkey will affect the flavor and texture of the finished product. Choose a turkey that is at least USDA Grade A.
* Fresh vs. Frozen: You can smoke a turkey that is either fresh or frozen. However, a fresh turkey will typically have a better flavor.

Brining the Turkey

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution before cooking. This helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

To brine a turkey, you will need:

* 1 gallon of water
* 1 cup of kosher salt
* 1/2 cup of brown sugar
* 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup of garlic powder
* 1/4 cup of onion powder
* 1/4 cup of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)

To brine the turkey, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs in a large pot. Bring the brine to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.

Once the brine has cooled, place the turkey in a large container. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure that it is completely submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate the turkey for 12 to 24 hours.

Drying the Turkey

After brining the turkey, it is important to dry it thoroughly before smoking. This will help to prevent the turkey from becoming soggy.

To dry the turkey, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and let it air dry for several hours, or overnight.

Setting Up the Smoker

The next step is to set up the smoker. This will vary depending on the type of smoker you are using.

For a charcoal smoker, you will need to build a fire in the firebox. Once the fire is established, you can add the wood chips. The type of wood you use will affect the flavor of the turkey. Some popular choices for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and applewood.

For an electric smoker, you will simply need to turn on the smoker and set the temperature. The ideal temperature for smoking turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the smoker is set up, you can add the turkey. Place the turkey breast-side up on the smoker rack. You may need to use a roasting rack to keep the turkey from touching the bottom of the smoker.

Adding the Smoke

The final step is to add the smoke to the turkey. This can be done by adding wood chips to the firebox of a charcoal smoker, or by using a smoke generator in an electric smoker.

The amount of smoke you add will depend on the desired flavor of the turkey. For a mild smoke flavor, you will only need to add a small amount of smoke. For a stronger smoke flavor, you can add more smoke.

You will need to add smoke to the turkey for the entire cooking process. This will help to create a delicious, flavorful smoked turkey.

Conclusion

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these steps, you can smoke a perfect 22lb turkey every time.

Tips for Smoking a Turkey

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to firm up.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

How Long Do You Smoke a 22lb Turkey?

The length of time it takes to smoke a 22lb turkey will vary depending on the smoker you are using and the temperature you are smoking at. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to smoke a 22lb turkey for between 6 and 8 hours.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the smoking process:

* Smoking the turkey at a low temperature: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225F and 250F. Smoking at a low temperature will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and that the meat remains moist.
* Spritzing the turkey with liquid: Spritzing the turkey with liquid during the smoking process will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can use a variety of liquids, such as apple juice, white wine, or beer.
* Monitoring the temperature: It is important to monitor the temperature of the turkey during the smoking process to ensure that it does not overcook. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165F when it is done.

Once the turkey is cooked, you can remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a 22lb turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* 1 22lb turkey
* 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
* 1 cup of apple juice
* 1 cup of white wine
* 1 cup of beer
* Optional: Wood chips for smoking

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225F.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Apply the barbecue rub to the turkey, inside and out.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Spritz the turkey with apple juice, white wine, or beer every hour or so.
6. Smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
7. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

To carve a 22lb turkey, you will need the following tools:

* A sharp knife
* A carving fork
* A cutting board

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey on a cutting board.
2. Insert the carving fork into the breastbone of the turkey and lift up.
3. Use the knife to slice the turkey breast meat away from the bone.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 for the other breast.
5. Carve the legs and wings from the turkey.
6. Serve the turkey immediately or refrigerate for later.

Smoking a 22lb turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal for your family and friends. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked perfectly and that everyone will enjoy it.

How long do you smoke a 22lb turkey?

* 225 degrees F for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

What temperature should I smoke a turkey at?

* 225 degrees F is the ideal temperature for smoking a turkey.

How long do you brine a turkey before smoking it?

* Brining a turkey is optional, but it can help to add moisture and flavor. If you choose to brine, soak the turkey in a brine solution for 12-24 hours before smoking.

What wood should I use to smoke a turkey?

* There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular choices include hickory, oak, and apple.

What sides should I serve with smoked turkey?

* Smoked turkey is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Some popular choices include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

How do I store leftover smoked turkey?

* Leftover smoked turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat smoked turkey?

* To reheat smoked turkey, you can either bake it in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes per pound, or microwave it on high for 3-5 minutes per pound.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to smoke a 22-pound turkey. We covered the following topics:

* Choosing the right turkey
* Preparing the turkey
* Smoking the turkey
* Carving the turkey

We hope that this information has been helpful and that you will enjoy smoking your own 22-pound turkey this holiday season.

Here are a few key takeaways:

* Choose a turkey that is the right size for your smoker and that is free of giblets.
* Brine the turkey for at least 24 hours before smoking it.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-4 hours per pound.
* Carve the turkey immediately after it is done smoking.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!