Traeger Turkey Smoke Time: The Ultimate Guide

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Traeger Turkey Smoke Time Per Pound: A Guide

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 turkey, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about smoking a turkey on a Traeger, including the best temperature, wood, and time per pound.

We’ll also provide tips for getting the perfect smoked turkey, so you can impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. So, whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know about smoking a turkey on a Traeger.

Weight (lbs) Smoke Time (hours) Internal Temperature (F)
3 3 165
4 4 170
5 5 175
6 6 180
7 7 185
8 8 190

Factors Affecting Turkey Smoke Time

The following factors will affect the amount of time it takes to smoke a turkey on a Traeger:

* Weight of the turkey: The larger the turkey, the longer it will take to smoke. A 10-pound turkey will take about 4 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 6 hours.
* Temperature of the smoker: The higher the temperature, the faster the turkey will smoke. A smoker set to 225 degrees Fahrenheit will smoke a turkey more slowly than a smoker set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Type of wood used: The type of wood you use will also affect the smoking time. Hardwoods, such as hickory and oak, will produce a stronger flavor and smoke than softer woods, such as maple and apple.
* Humidity level: The humidity level in the smoker will also affect the smoking time. A smoker with a higher humidity level will produce more steam, which will help to keep the turkey moist.
* Airflow: The airflow in the smoker will also affect the smoking time. A smoker with good airflow will allow the smoke to circulate evenly around the turkey, which will help to produce a more evenly cooked turkey.

How to Smoke a Turkey on a Traeger

To smoke a turkey on a Traeger, you will need the following ingredients:

* A Traeger smoker
* A 10- to 20-pound turkey
* A brine or dry rub (optional)
* Wood chips for smoking (hickory, oak, maple, or apple)
* Oil or cooking spray
* Thermometer

Instructions:

1. Prepare the turkey. If you are using a brine, soak the turkey in the brine for 8 to 24 hours before smoking. If you are using a dry rub, rub the turkey with the rub all over.
2. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using wood chips, add them to the smoker.
3. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up. If you are using a water pan, add it to the smoker.
4. Smoke the turkey for 2 hours per pound. Baste the turkey with melted butter or cooking spray every hour or so.
5. Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Conclusion

Smoking a turkey on a Traeger is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these tips, you can smoke a perfect turkey every time.

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

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or cooking spray to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
* Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Traeger Turkey Smoke Time Per Pound

The amount of time it takes to smoke a turkey on a Traeger depends on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired degree of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to smoke a turkey for 30 minutes per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the factors listed above.

To determine how long to smoke your turkey, you can use the following formula:

Total cooking time (in minutes) = 30 minutes per pound + 1 hour

For example, if you are smoking a 10-pound turkey, the total cooking time would be 300 minutes (10 pounds x 30 minutes per pound + 1 hour).

Once the turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Here is a table that provides more specific cooking times for different sizes of turkeys:

| Turkey Weight (lbs) | Total Cooking Time (in minutes) |
|—|—|
| 10 | 300 |
| 12 | 360 |
| 14 | 420 |
| 16 | 480 |
| 18 | 540 |
| 20 | 600 |
| 22 | 660 |
| 24 | 720 |

Note that these cooking times are for a turkey that is smoked at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are smoking your turkey at a higher temperature, the cooking time will be shorter.

Troubleshooting Tips for Smoking a Turkey on a Traeger

If you are having trouble smoking a turkey on your Traeger, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

The turkey is not cooking evenly

If the turkey is not cooking evenly, it is possible that the smoker is not calibrated correctly. To check the calibration, place a meat probe in the thickest part of the turkey and set the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in about 3 hours. If the turkey is not cooking evenly, you may need to adjust the smoker’s temperature.

The turkey is drying out

If the turkey is drying out, it is possible that you are smoking it at too high of a temperature. The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are smoking the turkey at a higher temperature, it will cook faster but it will also dry out more quickly.

To prevent the turkey from drying out, you can baste it with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so. You can also wrap the turkey in aluminum foil after it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to keep the turkey moist and juicy.

The turkey is not getting crispy

If the turkey is not getting crispy, it is possible that you are not smoking it for long enough. The skin of the turkey will not get crispy until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are smoking the turkey for less than 3 hours, the skin will not have enough time to become crispy.

To make the turkey skin crispy, you can smoke it for longer than 3 hours or you can broil it for a few minutes after it has finished smoking.

The turkey is taking too long to cook

If the turkey is taking too long to cook, it is possible that you are using a too large of a turkey for your smoker. A general rule of thumb is to use a turkey that is no larger than 15 pounds for a Traeger smoker. If you are using a larger turkey, it will take longer to cook.

You can also try smoking the turkey at a higher temperature. This will cook the turkey faster but it will also dry out more quickly.

Recipes for Smoking a Turkey on a Traeger

Here are some delicious recipes for smoking a turkey on a Traeger:

* Smoked Turkey Breast

Ingredients:

* 1 (6-pound) turkey breast
* 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
* 1/2 cup of melted butter
* 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon of onion powder
* 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon

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

The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the Traeger, and the desired doneness. A good rule of thumb is to allow 30 minutes per pound of turkey at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 10-pound turkey will take approximately 3 hours to smoke.

What temperature should I smoke a turkey on a Traeger?

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is 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?

There are many different woods that can be used to smoke a turkey, but some of the most popular choices include applewood, hickory, and oak. 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 baste a turkey while smoking it?

Basting a turkey while it smokes will help to keep it moist and juicy. To baste a turkey, simply brush or spritz it with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so.

How do I know when a turkey is done smoking?

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

What should I do if my turkey is overcooked?

If you accidentally overcook your turkey, you can try to salvage it by shredding the meat and using it in a soup or casserole. You can also make turkey pot pie or turkey chili.

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

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

* Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
* Baste the turkey regularly to keep it moist.
* Smoke the turkey for a longer period of time at a lower temperature for a more flavorful bird.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it.

By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy turkey on your Traeger.

the ideal Traeger turkey smoke time per pound is between 2 and 3 hours. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the smoking time, including the size and shape of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the type of wood used. It is important to experiment with different smoking times and techniques to find what works best for you. With a little practice, you will be able to smoke a delicious and juicy turkey every time.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when smoking a turkey on your Traeger:

* The ideal smoking temperature for a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
* The cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 2 to 3 hours per pound.
* It is important to use a high-quality wood for smoking, such as apple, cherry, or hickory.
* Be sure to baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or olive oil to keep it moist.
* Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

With these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy turkey on your Traeger that will impress your guests.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!