Turkey Cooking Time Calculator
Enter your turkey's weight to get the roasting time, thawing time and how many people it feeds. Add your dinner time and we'll tell you when to put it in.
How this turkey calculator works
Oven times come from the USDA's roasting timetable for a turkey cooked at 325°F. Air fryer times are estimates for a preheated air fryer at 350°F. The start time works backward from your dinner time, using the longest cooking estimate plus resting time, so you finish early rather than late. Start checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the shortest estimate.
Whatever the clock says, the turkey is done when a food thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the wing joint.
Turkey roasting times at 325°F (USDA)
| Weight | Unstuffed | Stuffed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 lb | 2¾ hrs – 3 hrs | 3 hrs – 3½ hrs |
| 12 to 14 lb | 3 hrs – 3¾ hrs | 3½ hrs – 4 hrs |
| 14 to 18 lb | 3¾ hrs – 4¼ hrs | 4 hrs – 4¼ hrs |
| 18 to 20 lb | 4¼ hrs – 4½ hrs | 4¼ hrs – 4¾ hrs |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4½ hrs – 5 hrs | 4¾ hrs – 5¼ hrs |
| Bone-in turkey breast | Oven at 325°F | Air fryer at 350°F |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 lb | 1½ hrs – 2¼ hrs | About 15–18 min per lb (if it fits) |
| 6 to 8 lb | 2¼ hrs – 3¼ hrs | Usually too large for a basket air fryer |
| 3 to 4 lb | — | 50–65 min |
Turkey thawing times
| Weight | In the refrigerator | In cold water |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 1–3 days | 2–6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lb | 3–4 days | 6–8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lb | 4–5 days | 8–10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb | 4–6 days | 10–12 hours |
Refrigerator thawing is the safest method. A thawed turkey keeps in the fridge for 1–2 more days. For cold-water thawing, keep the turkey in its leak-proof wrapper, change the water every 30 minutes, and cook it as soon as it's thawed. You can also roast a turkey from frozen: it takes about 50% longer.
Tips for a juicy turkey
- Pat it dry and season under the skin for crisper skin and better flavor.
- Roast breast-side up on a rack so heat circulates underneath.
- Tent with foil if the breast browns before the thighs are done.
- Cook stuffing separately for the safest results. If you stuff the bird, the center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.
- Rest before carving: 20–30 minutes for a whole bird.
Cooking a smaller bird? A turkey breast in the air fryer is ready in about an hour. See our air fryer turkey breast recipe.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook a turkey per pound?
At 325°F165°C, an unstuffed whole turkey takes roughly 13–18 minutes per pound: smaller birds take more time per pound, larger birds less. A 12 lb turkey takes about 3–3¾ hours. Stuffed turkeys take a little longer. Always go by a thermometer: 165°F74°C in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the wing.
How long to cook a 12 lb turkey?
A 12 lb unstuffed turkey takes about 3 to 3¾ hours at 325°F165°C, according to the USDA timetable. If it's stuffed, plan for 3½ to 4 hours.
How long to cook a 14 lb turkey?
A 14 lb unstuffed turkey takes about 3¾ to 4¼ hours at 325°F165°C. A stuffed 14 lb turkey takes about 4 to 4¼ hours.
How long to cook a 20 lb turkey?
A 20 lb unstuffed turkey takes about 4½ to 5 hours at 325°F165°C, and a stuffed one about 4¾ to 5¼ hours.
What temperature should turkey be when it's done?
The USDA says turkey is safe at 165°F74°C, measured in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing. If it's stuffed, the center of the stuffing must also reach 165°F74°C.
How long should turkey rest before carving?
Let a whole turkey rest for 20–30 minutes, loosely tented with foil, so the juices settle. A turkey breast needs 10–15 minutes. The internal temperature will rise a few degrees while it rests.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
In the refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4–5 lb, so a 16 lb turkey needs about 4 days. In cold water, allow 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook a turkey thawed in cold water right away.
Can you cook a turkey in an air fryer?
A turkey breast (3–4 lb bone-in, or 2–3 lb boneless) fits in most 6 qt or larger air fryers and cooks in about an hour at 350°F175°C. A small whole turkey only fits in a large air fryer oven. Most full-size birds should go in the regular oven.