How Long to Cook a Turkey in a Pellet Grill (The Ultimate Guide)

How Long to Cook a Turkey in a Pellet Grill

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking a turkey. If you’re planning on using a pellet grill, you’re in luck! Pellet grills are a great way to cook a turkey, and they produce some of the most delicious turkey you’ll ever taste.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to cook a turkey in a pellet grill. We’ll also provide tips on how to cook a perfect turkey, so you can impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to cook a turkey in a pellet grill, read on!

Weight (lbs)	Cooking Time (hours)	Temperature (F)
12	4-5	325
15	5-6	325
18	6-7	325
20	7-8	325
22	8-9	325
24	9-10	325

Introduction

Pellet grills are a popular choice for cooking turkeys because they produce a consistent, indirect heat that results in a moist and flavorful bird. However, it can be difficult to know how long to cook a turkey in a pellet grill, as cooking times can vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the grill, and the type of wood pellets used.

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect cooking time, provide recommended cooking times for different types of turkeys, and offer tips for cooking a perfect turkey on a pellet grill.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

The following factors will affect the cooking time of a turkey in a pellet grill:

* Weight of the turkey: The larger the turkey, the longer it will take to cook. A general rule of thumb is to cook a whole turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes per pound.
* Temperature of the grill: The higher the temperature of the grill, the faster the turkey will cook. However, it is important to avoid cooking the turkey at too high of a temperature, as this can dry out the meat.
* Type of wood pellets used: The type of wood pellets used can also affect the cooking time of a turkey. Hardwood pellets, such as hickory or oak, will produce a stronger flavor than softer woods, such as maple or apple.
* Whether the turkey is stuffed or not: A stuffed turkey will take longer to cook than an unstuffed turkey. This is because the stuffing absorbs heat and slows down the cooking process.

Recommended Cooking Times

The following are recommended cooking times for different types of turkeys:

* For a whole turkey, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes per pound.
* For a breast, cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound.
* For a thigh, cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes per pound.

Tips for Cooking a Perfect Turkey on a Pellet Grill

Here are a few tips for cooking a perfect turkey on a pellet grill:

* Start by brining the turkey. Brining will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
* Preheat the grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Place the turkey on the grill, breast side up.
* Cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and moist turkey on your pellet grill that will be enjoyed by everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner.

Pellet grills are a great way to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. By following the tips in this article, you can cook a moist and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal.

How Long to Cook a Turkey in a Pellet Grill?

The cooking time for a turkey in a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the grill, and the desired degree of doneness. However, as a general rule, you can expect to cook a turkey in a pellet grill for about 30 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here is a table that provides the estimated cooking times for turkeys of different sizes cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit:

| Turkey Weight (lbs) | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|—|—|
| 10-12 | 3-4 hours |
| 12-14 | 4-5 hours |
| 14-16 | 5-6 hours |
| 16-18 | 6-7 hours |
| 18-20 | 7-8 hours |
| 20-22 | 8-9 hours |
| 22-24 | 9-10 hours |

Note that these are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the turkey is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Tips for Cooking a Turkey in a Pellet Grill

Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey in a pellet grill:

* Make sure to preheat the grill to the desired temperature before adding the turkey. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly.
* 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 30 minutes to help keep it moist.
* Rotate the turkey every 30 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly.
* Cover the turkey with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey will be more tender.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems that you may encounter when cooking a turkey in a pellet grill and some solutions to help you troubleshoot:

* The turkey is not cooked evenly.
* Make sure to rotate the turkey every 30 minutes to ensure that it cooks evenly.
* Cover the turkey with aluminum foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
* The turkey is dry.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every 30 minutes to help keep it moist.
* Cook the turkey at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.
* The turkey is overcooked.
* Reduce the cooking time by 5-10 minutes per pound.
* Cook the turkey at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

Cooking a turkey in a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked perfectly every time.

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a pellet grill?

The cooking time for a turkey in a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the grill, and the desired degree of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time up or down depending on the factors mentioned above.

What temperature should I cook a turkey in a pellet grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking a turkey in a pellet grill is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

What is the best way to baste a turkey when cooking it in a pellet grill?

The best way to baste a turkey when cooking it in a pellet grill is to use a spray bottle filled with melted butter or olive oil. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

How do I know when a turkey is done cooking in a pellet grill?

There are a few ways to tell when a turkey is done cooking in a pellet grill. The first is to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another way to tell when a turkey is done cooking is to look at the color of the meat. The meat should be white and opaque throughout. If there is any pink meat visible, the turkey is not done cooking.

Finally, you can also check to see if the juices run clear when you poke the turkey with a fork. If the juices are clear, the turkey is done cooking.

What are some tips for cooking a turkey in a pellet grill?

Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey in a pellet grill:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or olive oil to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

cooking a turkey in a pellet grill is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that your turkey comes out perfectly cooked and juicy. First, make sure to brine your turkey for at least 24 hours before cooking to help keep it moist. Second, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to make sure that it is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, let your turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey in your pellet grill that will impress your family and friends.