How Long to Smoke a Turkey in an Electric Smoker (Perfect Every Time!)

How Long Do You Smoke a Turkey in an Electric Smoker?

Smoked turkey is a delicious and festive main course for any occasion, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to a backyard barbecue. But how long do you smoke a turkey in an electric smoker?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and your personal preference. In general, you can expect to smoke a turkey for anywhere between 3 and 5 hours.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect how long to smoke a turkey, as well as provide some tips for smoking a perfect turkey every time.

We’ll also share some recipes for smoked turkey, so you can get started on your own delicious holiday feast.

Weight of Turkey (lbs)	Approximate Smoking Time (Hours)	Temperature
10-12	4-5	225F
12-14	5-6	225F
14-16	6-7	225F
16-18	7-8	225F
18-20	8-9	225F

How Long Do You Smoke a Turkey in an Electric Smoker?

The length of time it takes to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired degree of doneness. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to smoke a turkey for between 3 and 4 hours per pound.

For example, a 10-pound turkey will take between 30 and 40 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take between 60 and 80 hours.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the turkey is more important than the cooking time. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the internal temperature of the turkey, you can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Preparing the Turkey

Before you can smoke a turkey, you need to prepare it properly. This involves thawing, rinsing, drying, seasoning, and optionally injecting and brining the turkey.

Thawing the Turkey

If you are using a frozen turkey, you will need to thaw it before you can smoke it. The best way to thaw a turkey is to place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours per pound.

You can also thaw a turkey in a sink full of cold water. To do this, place the turkey in a large sink and fill it with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that the turkey stays cold.

Rinsing the Turkey

Once the turkey is thawed, you will need to rinse it inside and out. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be present on the turkey.

To rinse the turkey, place it in a large sink and fill it with cold water. Use your hands to gently rinse the turkey inside and out. Be sure to rinse under the wings and around the neck.

Patting the Turkey Dry

After you have rinsed the turkey, you will need to pat it dry with paper towels. This will help to create a better crust when you smoke the turkey.

Seasoning the Turkey

The next step is to season the turkey. You can use any seasonings that you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

To season the turkey, simply rub the seasonings all over the turkey. Be sure to season the inside of the turkey as well as the outside.

Injecting the Turkey

If you want to add extra flavor to your turkey, you can inject it with a flavorful liquid. Some popular options for injecting liquids include broth, wine, or marinade.

To inject the turkey, use a meat injector to inject the liquid into the turkey. Be sure to inject the liquid into the thickest parts of the turkey, such as the breast and thigh.

Brining the Turkey

Brining is an optional step that can help to make your turkey more moist and flavorful. To brine a turkey, you will need to soak it in a brine solution for several hours or overnight.

To make a brine solution, you will need to dissolve salt in water. The amount of salt you use will depend on the size of the turkey. For a 10-pound turkey, you will need to use 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of salt.

Once you have made the brine solution, place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine solution over it. Be sure to cover the turkey completely with the brine solution.

Refrigerate the turkey for several hours or overnight.

Setting Up the Electric Smoker

Once the turkey is prepared, you can start setting up the electric smoker.

To set up the electric smoker, you will need to:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the wood chips in the smoker.
3. Place the turkey in the smoker.

Preheat the Smoker

To preheat the smoker, turn it on and set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the smoker to preheat for at least 30 minutes before adding the turkey.

Place the Wood Chips in the Smoker

Once the smoker is preheated, you will need to add the wood chips. You can use any type of wood chips that you like, but some popular options include hickory, apple, and cherry.

To add the wood chips, simply open the door of the smoker and place the wood chips in the chip tray. Be sure to close the door of the smoker after

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a turkey in an electric smoker, you will need the following ingredients:

* A turkey (thawed and at room temperature)
* A brine (optional)
* Wood chips (apple, cherry, or hickory)
* An electric smoker
* A meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. If using a brine, soak the turkey in the brine for 8-12 hours, or overnight.
3. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry.
4. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Add wood chips to the smoker.
6. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Rest the turkey for 30 minutes before carving.

Tips:

* To ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly, baste it every hour or so with melted butter or olive oil.
* If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
* You can also smoke the turkey at a higher temperature (275-300 degrees Fahrenheit), but it will take less time to cook.

Carving the Turkey

To carve a turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey on a cutting board breast-side up.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut through the skin between the breast and the thigh.
3. Cut the thigh away from the body.
4. Cut the leg away from the thigh.
5. Cut the wings away from the body.
6. Cut the breast in half.
7. Carve the breast meat into slices.
8. Carve the thigh meat into slices.
9. Carve the leg meat into slices.

Tips:

* To make it easier to carve the turkey, let it rest for 30 minutes after it has been cooked.
* Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.
* Carve the turkey against the grain of the meat.

Smoking a turkey in an electric smoker is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these instructions, you can be sure to produce a perfectly smoked turkey that your family and friends will love.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker?

The length of time it takes to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired degree of doneness. However, a general rule of thumb is to smoke a turkey for 2-3 hours per pound at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I set my electric smoker to for smoking a turkey?

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey in an electric smoker is 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird.

What wood should I use for smoking a turkey?

There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular options include hickory, oak, and apple. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the turkey, so experiment with different woods until you find one that you like.

How do I know when my turkey is done smoking?

The best way to tell if your turkey is done smoking is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the turkey is cooked through.

What should I do if my turkey is dry?

If your turkey is dry, there are a few things you can do to help moisten it. You can try adding a little bit of water or broth to the smoker, or you can baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so. You can also wrap the turkey in foil after it has smoked for a few hours to help lock in the moisture.

What are some tips for smoking a turkey in an electric smoker?

Here are a few tips for smoking a turkey in an electric smoker:

* Start with a well-thawed turkey. A frozen turkey will take longer to cook and is more likely to dry out.
* Rub the turkey with a flavorful rub. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the turkey.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out.
* Bast the turkey regularly. This will help to keep the turkey moist.
* Let the turkey rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

In this blog post, we discussed how to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker. We covered everything from choosing the right turkey and smoker to preparing the bird and smoking it to perfection. We also provided tips for troubleshooting and ensuring that your turkey is cooked evenly and safely.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you now feel confident in your ability to smoke a turkey in an electric smoker. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Here are a few key takeaways from this blog post:

* The best turkeys for smoking are young, fresh turkeys that weigh between 10 and 12 pounds.
* To prepare the turkey for smoking, you will need to rinse it inside and out, remove the giblets, and pat it dry.
* You can smoke a turkey in an electric smoker at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours per pound.
* The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is considered safe to eat.
* You can baste the turkey with melted butter or apple cider vinegar during smoking to help it retain moisture.
* Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird for your family and friends.