How Long to Smoke a 22-lb Turkey on a Traeger? (The Ultimate Guide)

How Long to Smoke a 22-Pound Turkey on a Traeger?

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about smoking a turkey. If you’re planning on smoking a 22-pound turkey on your Traeger, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about smoking a turkey, including how long it takes, what temperature to cook it at, and what wood to use. We’ll also provide you with a step-by-step guide to smoking a 22-pound turkey on your Traeger.

So if you’re ready to learn how to smoke a delicious, juicy, and flavorful turkey, keep reading!

Time	Temperature	Notes
225 degrees F	6-8 hours	For a fully cooked turkey
325 degrees F	4-5 hours	For a smoked turkey breast
275 degrees F	5-6 hours	For a smoked turkey thigh

Preparation

Brining the turkey is an essential step in smoking a turkey. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and it also helps to evenly distribute the smoke. To brine a turkey, you will need:

* A large container that is large enough to hold the turkey
* Cold water
* Salt
* Sugar
* Garlic cloves
* Fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage
* Whole black peppercorns

To brine the turkey, combine the water, salt, sugar, garlic cloves, herbs, and peppercorns in a large container. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Place the turkey in the brine, making sure that it is completely submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for 24-48 hours.

After the turkey has been brined, rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry.

Seasoning the turkey is the next step. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include:

* Salt and pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Cayenne pepper
* Brown sugar
* Dijon mustard

To season the turkey, simply rub the seasonings all over the turkey, inside and out.

Setting up the Traeger is the final step in the preparation process. To set up the Traeger, you will need:

* Traeger pellets
* Traeger wood chip tray
* Traeger probe

To set up the Traeger, follow these steps:

1. Fill the pellet hopper with Traeger pellets.
2. Place the wood chip tray in the firebox.
3. Insert the Traeger probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast.
4. Turn on the Traeger and set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Traeger will take about 15 minutes to come up to temperature. Once the Traeger is at temperature, you can place the turkey in the smoker.

Smoking the Turkey

Smoking the turkey is the most important step in the process. The smoking process will take about 6-8 hours, depending on the size of the turkey.

To smoke the turkey, you will need:

* Traeger pellets
* Traeger wood chip tray
* Traeger probe

To smoke the turkey, follow these steps:

1. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast side up.
2. Close the lid and smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Baste the turkey every hour with Traeger chicken or turkey stock.

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Smoking Temperature

The ideal smoking temperature for a turkey is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will help to create a moist and flavorful turkey.

If you are smoking a turkey at a higher temperature, you will need to reduce the cooking time. For example, if you are smoking a turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to cook it for about 4-5 hours.

Smoking Time

The smoking time for a turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 22-pound turkey will take about 6-8 hours to smoke.

If you are smoking a turkey at a higher temperature, you will need to reduce the cooking time. For example, if you are smoking a turkey at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to cook it for about 4-5 hours.

Wood Chips to Use

The type of wood chips you use will affect the flavor of the turkey. Some popular options for smoking turkey include:

* Hickory wood chips
* Apple wood chips
* Cherry wood chips
* Pecan wood chips

You can also use a combination of wood chips to create a unique flavor profile.

When choosing wood chips, it is important to use a high-quality brand. This will help to ensure that the wood chips are clean and free of impurities.

Smoking a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to smoke a perfect turkey every time.

How Long to Smoke a 22 lb Turkey on Traeger?

The length of time it takes to smoke a 22 lb turkey on Traeger will vary depending on the temperature of your smoker and the desired doneness of your turkey. However, you can generally expect to smoke a 22 lb turkey for between 6 and 8 hours.

To smoke a 22 lb turkey on Traeger, you will need:

* A 22 lb turkey
* A Traeger smoker
* Wood chips for smoking (hickory, apple, or cherry are all good options)
* A meat thermometer
* Aluminum foil
* Butcher’s twine

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Truss the turkey by tying the legs together and the wings to the body.
4. Season the turkey inside and out with your favorite dry rub.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
6. Smoke the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey has rested, you can begin carving it. To carve a whole turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on the cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the breastbone to remove the breast meat.
3. Cut each breast half in half crosswise.
4. Cut the wings off at the joint.
5. Cut the legs off at the joint.
6. Carve the thigh meat from the bone.
7. Carve the drumstick meat from the bone.

Storing Leftover Turkey

If you have any leftover turkey, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To store leftover turkey in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. To store leftover turkey in the freezer, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for smoking a 22 lb turkey on Traeger:

* To avoid dry turkey, make sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* To make the skin crispy, baste the turkey with melted butter or oil every hour or so.
* If you are smoking a frozen turkey, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%.
* If you are smoking a turkey breast, you will need to reduce the cooking time by about 25%.

Smoking a 22 lb turkey on Traeger is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips and tricks, you can be sure to produce a perfectly smoked turkey that everyone will enjoy.

How long does it take to smoke a 22 lb turkey on a Traeger?

It takes about 6-7 hours to smoke a 22 lb turkey on a Traeger. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the temperature of your Traeger and the size and shape of your turkey.

What temperature should I cook a turkey on a Traeger?

You should cook a turkey on a Traeger at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

What wood should I use to smoke a turkey on a Traeger?

You can use any type of wood to smoke a turkey on a Traeger, but some woods are better suited for smoking turkey than others. Some of the best woods for smoking turkey include applewood, hickory, and oak.

How do I prepare a turkey for smoking on a Traeger?

To prepare a turkey for smoking on a Traeger, you will need to:

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey.
4. Truss the turkey.
5. Brush the turkey with a mixture of melted butter and your favorite seasonings.

How do I smoke a turkey on a Traeger?

To smoke a turkey on a Traeger, you will need to:

1. Preheat your Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
3. Smoke the turkey for 6-7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

What are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Traeger?

Here are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Traeger:

* 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 every hour or so with melted butter or your favorite barbecue sauce. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
* Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

What are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey on a Traeger?

Here are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Not using a meat thermometer. The only way to know for sure if the turkey is done is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
* Overcooking the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the turkey will dry it out and make it tough.
* Not letting the turkey rest. Letting the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

smoking a 22 lb turkey on a Traeger is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your turkey turns out perfectly. First, make sure to brine your turkey for at least 24 hours before smoking it. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Second, use a good quality wood for smoking, such as hickory or apple. Third, smoke the turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-4 hours per pound. Finally, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of your next Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

* Brining your turkey before smoking it will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Use a good quality wood for smoking, such as hickory or apple.
* Smoke the turkey at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-4 hours per pound.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.