One of my favorite ways to prepare a turkey for Thanksgiving is with a Traeger smoker. You’ll love the delicious smoky flavor you get with this cooking method, so check out my tried-and-true method for smoking a turkey, along with my 8 pro tips for the best smoked turkey!
Pro Tip #7: Finish the Smoked Turkey in the Oven
Until the breast meat reaches 165 degrees F, you can certainly continue smoking the turkey on your Traeger smoker.
I prefer another way. I’ve discovered that taking a smoked turkey off the Traeger and finishing it in the oven is the best way to achieve a nice, brown, crispy skin.
Pro Tip #4: Cook Your Traeger Smoked Turkey by Temperature, Not Time
There are a few things to keep in mind when smoking a turkey, and cooking by temperature is one of the keys to success.
Turkey smoking times vary based on a number of factors, including:
Therefore, rather than cooking for a set amount of time, it is preferable to have general time guidelines and specific temperature milestones to meet.
You avoid overcooked dry meat and undercooked unsafe meat when you use a digital probe meat thermometer. Place the probe in the thickest part of the breast before you begin cooking.
Pro Tip #3: Don’t Stuff Your Smoked Whole Turkey
I advise against stuffing a turkey if you plan to smoke it.
Here’s why you shouldn’t stuff a smoked turkey:
How to Safely Stuff a Traeger Smoked Turkey
There is a way to securely stuff a smoked turkey if you really enjoy stuffing your bird.
Save this tutorial for Smoking a Turkey to Pinterest!
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast on a pellet grill?
When the internal temperature of your turkey breast reaches 160°F, place it on the smoker grill grate and cook for 40 to 45 minutes per pound. Some recipes may claim that 30 minutes per pound are sufficient, but I have discovered that at 225°F, that is not enough time.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast at 225?
A good rule of thumb is to smoke a bone-in turkey breast at 225°F for about 35 minutes per pound. As a result, a 7-pound turkey breast requires approximately 4 hours in the smoker.
How long does a turkey take on a Traeger?
Owners of Traegers can produce incredible smoke flavor without putting in all-day work. A turkey will take 3 to 4 hours to cook in a pellet grill set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
What temp do you cook a turkey breast on a pellet smoker?
The thermometer that comes with the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill is one of my favorite features; insert the probe to check the internal temperature of your turkey. Cook the turkey between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit in the smoker, with an internal temperature of 165 degrees
How long does it take to smoke a 10 lb turkey breast at 225 degrees?
Keep the temperature in the smoker between 225° and 250° while smoking the turkey for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the thickest part registers 165° on a meat thermometer. Before slicing the turkey, remove it from the pan, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
How long do you smoke a 3 lb turkey breast?
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Wash turkey well and pat dry. …
- Ingredients. …
- Place on the middle rack of the smoker and smoke for four and a half to five hours, or 45 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
