Turkey Cooking Time Calculator (Oven + Air Fryer)

Q: How long to cook a turkey per pound?

At 325°F in a conventional oven: unstuffed turkey takes about 13 minutes per pound for birds 12–16 lbs. A 14-lb turkey takes roughly 3 to 3.75 hours. Stuffed turkeys add 30–45 minutes. Always cook to 165°F internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh.

Q: How long to cook a turkey in an air fryer?

An air fryer turkey cooks at 360°F for approximately 10–11 minutes per pound. A 10-lb whole turkey takes about 100–110 minutes (1 hour 40–50 minutes). Most air fryers fit turkeys up to 12 pounds only. Always verify 165°F internal temperature.

Q: What temperature should a turkey be cooked to?

Turkey must reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. If the turkey is stuffed, the stuffing must also reach 165°F — it often takes longer than the bird itself.

Q: How long to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?

Allow 24 hours of refrigerator thawing time for every 4–5 pounds of turkey. A 12-lb turkey needs 2–3 days. A 20-lb turkey needs 4–5 days. Thaw breast-side up in the original wrapper on a tray in the coldest part of the fridge.

Q: How long to thaw a turkey in cold water?

The cold water method takes 30 minutes per pound. Keep the turkey in its original sealed wrapper, submerge in cold water, and change the water every 30 minutes. A 12-lb turkey takes 6 hours; a 16-lb turkey takes 8 hours. Cook immediately after thawing this way.

Q: How long should a turkey rest before carving?

Rest a whole turkey for 30–45 minutes after removing from the oven. During rest the internal temperature rises another 5–10°F and the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Do not skip the rest — it makes a significant difference in moisture and ease of carving.

Q: What size turkey do I need?

Plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds of whole turkey per person. For a group of 8 people, a 10–12 lb turkey is ideal. For 12 people, choose a 14–16 lb bird. For leftovers, add 1–2 extra pounds. Large turkeys over 20 lbs can cook unevenly — consider two smaller birds instead.

🦃 Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Enter your turkey weight and cooking method — get exact cook time, thaw time, and the perfect time to put it in the oven for any serving time.

OvenAir FryerSlow CookerUSDA guidelines

Turkey Weight

Stuffed or Unstuffed?

Serving time (optional): → tells you when to put it in the oven

🧊 Turkey Thaw Time Calculator

Refrigerator (safest)

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24h per 4–5 lbs · start thawing —

Cold Water Bath (fast)

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30 min/lb · change water every 30 min

Turkey Cooking — Quick Answers

How long does it take to cook a turkey per pound?

At 325°F in a conventional oven: plan approximately 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey in the 12–18 lb range. A 14-lb turkey takes about 3 to 3.75 hours. Stuffed turkeys add 30–45 minutes. Larger birds (over 18 lbs) need slightly less time per pound because the cavity is proportionally smaller. Always verify 165°F in the thigh.

How long to cook a turkey in an air fryer?

Air fryer turkey cooks at 360°F for about 10–11 minutes per pound. A 10-lb turkey takes roughly 100–110 minutes. Most air fryers hold turkeys up to 12 lbs only — for larger birds, use the oven. Air fryer turkey gets exceptionally crispy skin. Always check 165°F in the thigh.

What temperature should turkey be cooked to?

Turkey must reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. If stuffed, the stuffing must also reach 165°F — it typically lags behind the bird. Check multiple spots. Remove from heat when the thigh reads 160–162°F — it will reach 165°F during the 30-minute rest.

How long to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?

Allow 24 hours per 4–5 pounds in the fridge. A 12-lb turkey needs 2–3 days; a 16-lb turkey needs 3–4 days; a 20-lb turkey needs 4–5 days. Keep it breast-side up in the original packaging on a tray. A thawed turkey stays safe in the fridge 1–2 days before cooking.

Turkey Cooking Times Reference Chart (USDA)

All oven times at 325°F for a thawed turkey, breast-side up, uncovered. Times are ranges — start checking the lower bound. Always verify 165°F internal temperature in the thigh.

Turkey Weight	Oven Unstuffed (325°F)	Oven Stuffed (325°F)	Air Fryer (360°F)	Servings
8–10 lbs	2.5–3 hours	3–3.5 hours	80–110 min	5–7 people
10–12 lbs	2.75–3.25 hours	3.25–3.75 hours	100–130 min	7–9 people
12–14 lbs	3–3.75 hours	3.5–4 hours	Max 12 lbs	9–11 people
14–18 lbs	3.75–4.25 hours	4–4.25 hours	Oven only	11–15 people
18–20 lbs	4.25–4.5 hours	4.25–4.75 hours	Oven only	15–17 people
20–24 lbs	4.5–5 hours	4.75–5.25 hours	Oven only	17–21 people

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook a turkey per pound?+

At 325°F: approximately 13 min/lb for an unstuffed 12–18 lb turkey. Stuffed: add 30–45 minutes. Larger birds need slightly less per pound. Always verify 165°F in the thigh — time is an estimate, temperature is the only reliable check.

What temperature should a turkey be cooked to?+

165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. If stuffed, the stuffing must also reach 165°F. Pull the turkey at 160–162°F — it will reach 165°F during the 30-minute rest.

How long to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator?+

24 hours per 4–5 lbs in the fridge. A 16-lb turkey needs 3–4 days. Keep breast-side up in original wrapper on a tray. Can stay in the fridge 1–2 days after thawing.

How long to thaw a turkey in cold water?+

30 minutes per pound. Keep sealed in original wrapper, fully submerged, and change the cold water every 30 minutes. A 12-lb turkey takes 6 hours; a 16-lb turkey takes 8 hours. Cook immediately after thawing this way.

How long should a turkey rest before carving?+

30–45 minutes for a whole turkey. The internal temperature rises 5–10°F and the juices redistribute. Tent loosely with foil. Do not skip — resting makes a major difference in moisture when carving.

What size turkey do I need?+

Plan 1 to 1.5 lbs per person. For 8 people: 10–12 lbs. For 12 people: 14–16 lbs. For leftovers, add 2 lbs. Birds over 20 lbs can cook unevenly — consider two smaller turkeys instead.

Cook times are based on USDA Food Safety guidelines. Actual times vary by oven, starting temperature, and turkey shape. Always use a meat thermometer — time is an estimate, 165°F is the only safe confirmation. The air fryer option requires a basket-style air fryer large enough to hold the whole bird (most fit up to 12 lbs).