After the turkey is removed from the smoker the internal temperature will continue to rise another 5 degrees or so, bringing the turkey up to a safe temperature. On the other hand, for the legs and thighs of the chicken, you will need about two hours cooking time with 250-275°F smoker temperature. 1. Bring to a boil over high heat to dissolve the salt granules. Most of the legs used by amusement park vendors are the huge ones from male tom turkeys. Turkey legs, of course. Smoking is all about “low and slow”—cooking your bird at a relatively low temperature for a long period of time. And that's usually the case, since the drumsticks and thighs are closer to the rising heat of the smoker. The easiest way to check your turkey legs for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer in the deepest part of the turkey leg to see if it has reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ask the butcher for help. Some people put their turkey in an a disposable pan, some wrap their turkeys in foil, while others place the turkey on the grill and wrap the wings and legs. Add 1 3/4 to 2 quarts of broth. It takes approximately an hour and a half to smoke turkey legs. Your turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less. Gravity, you know? If you are new to smoking then cooking for 4-16 hours at a time presents a whole new series of challenges that you just don’t experience during regular cooking. You want these to fall off the bone without resistance. If it was smoked at 225 degrees, let the turkey temp make it all the way up to 165 before removing it from the smoker. Cooked at a lower temperature there won't be much of a temperature rise when it's taken from the smoker. }, However, if you can add some great flavors to smoked turkey with: Citrus woods: Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Limes five Your guess of 275˚-300˚ is better than 225˚. There are more turkey smoking tips here than you can shake a stick at! Smoking Times at 275 and 325F. You have a couple of options here. When water is left on (or inside) the bird it will steam and steam makes skin chewy. The finished smoked meat should be 165 degrees F. For chicken quarters, it takes four hours to cook and 250-275°F smoker temperature. When you cook them at really low temperatures like 225F you will end up with meat that is more tender and it will have a stronger smoke flavor simply because it will stay in your bbq pit longer. Place the turkey pieces in a pan and cover, baking for 1 – 1 ½ hours. Some cook at 225 (generally recommended) which means that 35-40 minutes per pound will do the trick. This assures that the juices are retained guaranteeing you a moist, tender result. You’re looking for about 30 to 40 minutes of smoking per pound. How Long to Smoke a Turkey. Picking the right temperature to smoke legs is a balancing act. As an Amazon Associate, Smoker Cooking earns from qualifying purchases. Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it's much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. “With the skin it is all about drying the bird off after you wash it. Cook until the deepest sections of the turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F, or about 2 1/2 hours. Place the smoked turkey in a clean pan or on a platter and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. .hide-if-no-js { The smoking time will take about 4-5 hours. During the final hour of the cook, brush the thighs generously with Club House La Grille Smokehouse Maple Wet Rub every 10 to 15 minutes. Getting Turkey Legs Ready to Smoke About 30 minutes before you are ready to smoke them, Coat the turkey legs with olive oil and sprinkle on a little cajun seasoning for good flavor. The best way to know when a turkey is done is to use an accurate meat thermometer. The smoking process causes a chemical change in turkey that changes the color of the flesh. Please reload the CAPTCHA. Scan me to download the app www.bootifulturkey.com - Cooking Turkey At 275 Degrees How Long. The following day, pull the turkey legs from the refrigerator before lighting the fire, then heat a smoker to 275 degrees. There are a few things that can throw off the estimated smoking time. How long do you smoke a turkey per pound? If you're at home and able to monitor the cooking process, place the turkey legs into a deep pan or stew pot. It just needs some gentle warming. I'll pick the meat from what remains and pack it in a freezer container. (function( timeout ) { - it may be tricky trying to decide how long to cook your turkey of choice. When smoking at a lower temperature you're looking at more time in the smoker, but that means the turkey could potentially have a richer smoke flavor. The wind may pick up, wreaking havoc on your attempts to maintain a steady smoker temperature. The meat may appear pink and have a smoother texture. function() { Turkey is actually a safe sanctuary for expats. I usually separate the leg quarters, wings and breast from the backbone and ribs, and wrap those tightly in a couple layers of heavy duty foil. There are many variables that enter the picture when smoking a turkey low and slow on a smoker cooker. And if you haven't seen it, visit the first page of this smoked turkey tips series, where you'll find loads of information about: Ideal smoker temperature for turkeys, smoking time required, and the internal temperature of a safely done turkey are covered. Some other blogs instructions and my fault for following them. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer. If you are going for the jumbo, carnival-style turkey leg, specifically ask for "Tom Legs," which come from large male turkeys instead of … The breast meat is great at when it hits 165, but I prefer the dark meat cooked to a higher temperature. Most poultry needs to be cooked to a final internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Turkey legs are dark meat, so they’re fattier. Required fields are marked *, Security Code * But on a grill, the legs cook quite quickly, as they have more exposure to the heat. Long enough to get it to the recommended cooked temperature. Pre cooked smoked turkey leg recipes. Please reload the CAPTCHA. Add 1/2 cup of water or wine to the pan and stir to loosen the browned bits from the pan. At 275 F/135 C, your turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound. setTimeout( );  ×  Place each turkey leg on the cooking grate and smoke until the … timeout When ready to cook, start the Traeger grill on Smoke with the lid open until the fire is established (4-5 minutes). You pretty much need to use hard wood local to you. The answer to how long to smoke a turkey is all about the size of your bird. Of course, you want to be sure that you’ve completely thawed it first, but that’s a given. }. However, if you can add some great flavors to smoked turkey with: If you have a favorite wood you like to use, let us know in the comments! 1/2 cup sea salt. So, how long to smoke turkey? I stuffed up the the first bird… temp was way to hot. We've broken it down to give you the scoop with this guide for smoked turkey … If you've never cooked a turkey in your smoker before, making plans around the turkey being done at a certain time is a recipe for disaster. After a couple of practice runs, you'll have a much better idea of how long it takes to smoke a turkey in your smoker when the big day comes. Use your favorite turkey leg recipe or add herbs, garlic, onions, chopped celery and carrots to the still-hot pan and saute until lightly browned. Hot Tip Use an instant read thermometer to determine the internal temperature of the turkey. Smoke the turkey legs for 2 to 2.5 hours. Citrus woods: Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Limes, Fruit woods: peach, pecan, cherry and sugar maple, Grape Vines provide an aromatic flavor similar to fruit woods, Other favorites are pecan and sugar maple. You can choose to cut off and smoke wings, breast, and legs and so on. Choose turkey legs. Whether it's smoked, fried, roasted or grilled, turkey is a delicious alternative to chicken year-round. Also, you can remove your turkey from the smoker when it's internal temp reaches 160 degrees. Put the turkey into the smoker and smoke for 30 to 40 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer (or stay-in-the-bird probe thermometer) reads 160°F in … When smoking at a lower temperature you're looking at more time in the smoker, but that means the turkey could potentially have a richer smoke flavor. pressing paper towels all over the shin until it is completely dry is an absolute must. And it'll take less time. Tips and tricks are also available on the app. As long as you have heat and good smoke.. it will work. If the turkey was smoked at around the 300 degree range, remove it from the smoke when the breast reaches 160 degrees. Turkey Legs: Target temperature of 275° – 350°F. Plan for about 6 hours with a 12 pound turkey. To reheat frozen turkey, it can be placed directly in a 300 degree oven and heated for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the turkey reaches 145-150 degrees. Go hot with a good dose of smoke. Obviously, the best way to enjoy your smoked turkey legs is to cook it on the stove; that way you get a really tender meat that is tasty and delicious that you can serve with vegetables, rice – or that you can just grab from the pot and bite into it; perhaps with a little dip of some tasty barbecue sauce as a flavour enhancer. A search of the word "Turkey" produces 437 PAGES of results. Cool to room temperature. Turkey Legs Smoking Time Knowing how long to smoke turkey legs is critical to getting this recipe right. Turkey smoking is entirely dependent on your personal preferences. Any smoker will work for turkey legs just run it in the 275-300⁰ to get the skin bite through. Smoke the turkey thighs at 225°F to 250°F for 2 hours over indirect heat. How Long to Smoke Turkey Legs. How to Smoke the Turkey Legs. If you want smokier turkey legs, consider grilling them … If so, you might need additional time to complete the cooking cycle. Then leave it alone! The true test of turkey doneness is the trusty smoker thermometer. Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grate. With the remote unit you can monitor the temperature of both the smoker and the turkey at a distance of up to 300 feet. With a smoker temperature in the 225 to 250 degree range you're looking at 30 to 45 minutes per pound, When smoking at 275 degrees, figure on 20 to 30 minutes per pound, If your smoker can maintain 325 degrees, the time required will be considerably shorter, at about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Try to get the seasoning up under the skin wherever possible as this is where the flavor will be the most tasty. Tips for managing a long smoke. Minimum Internal Temperature: 170°F; Flavored Wood for a Smoked Turkey. Better yet, get a. Time limit is exhausted. Now that you've read more turkey smoking tips than you ever thought you would, why don't you get out there and smoke yourself a turkey! Place the turkey legs in your smoker with 3 to 4 wood chunks on top of the hot coals. In general, chicken legs need to smoke for an hour and a half or ninety minutes at 275 If you are smoking the chicken legs at 225, they will need to smoke for about two hours. To smoke the legs I fired up my Memphis Wood Fired pellet grill set to 275⁰ running pecan pellets for smoke. Set the smoker to 225° F. Place the turkey on a cooking rack and cook for 8 to 12 hours or until the inner thigh temperature reaches 180° F. Check the temperature of your turkey after 3½ hours. 1/2 cup white sugar. var notice = document.getElementById("cptch_time_limit_notice_18"); Well, not really, but you will find a few smoked turkey tips and techniques that could be useful in your quest for the perfect Thanksgiving table centerpiece. The skin gets good color, the turkey gets a good dose of smoke flavor and doesn't take forever to finish cooking. })(120000); Of course, legs from turkey hens are just as tasty, albeit smaller. If you need to hold the turkey for a while before it's time to serve, you can place it in a dry cooler, covering it with a few clean bath towels or a blanket before closing the cooler lid. Upon purchasing your new Masterbuilt electric smoker, you will have access to a complete manufacturer’s guide on how to use it. When it comes to just cooking turkey legs, thighs and wings, 325 degrees is still good. Set the temperature to 250F and preheat, lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes. Pour a drink, sit down and start reading. Smoke for 2-3 hours. Dealing with the dreaded bbq ‘stall’ Almost every beginner panics … That oil will crisp the skin perfectly while it is cooking. 1 tsp. notice.style.display = "block"; How long to smoke a turkey? Brine ingredients. Smoked at a higher temperature the skin will become more browned, and might even get a little crispy. Turkey can be smoked at a smoker temperature as low as 225 degrees, but it's much quicker if smoked at 275-300 degrees, or even higher. Access important information about your Lang BBQ Smoker such as types of wood to use and temperatures for different meats. You can make these in ANY smoker whether it's electric, charcoal, gas or wood. Kelley Parkes shared this with us on Facebook: Use a remote thermometer and position the probe next to the turkey to know the true smoker temperature. Always use a meat thermometer (temp must reach 165) and always let your bird rest for at least a half hour to 45 minutes before carving. Your email address will not be published. Smoked Turkey . Don’t baste during the cooking process.”. It's a good idea to let the turkey rest after smoking, for 15 minutes to half an hour. I do 325˚-350˚ and it takes just about 4 hours for a 14-16 lb bird. That's about 30-40 minutes per pound and 165°F finished internal temperature. Remove all the meat from the carcass and freeze it in food storage containers, or freeze it with the bones intact, either as a whole turkey or divided into sections. how long would it take to smoke a 16 pound turkey and would it turn out good being thats its not twelve pounds Don Alrick December 22, 2013 at 10:34 pm - Reply Keith, try not to exceed 12 to 13 pounds on a turkey to be smoked. Or I'll just sit down with a beer and munch on the back meat for a while.  =  Place the turkey legs directly on the grate and cook. Don't overheat it since it's already fully cooked. Examples include: It's smart to test-smoke a turkey or two in the weeks before Thanksgiving, when there are no time constraints. Others use up to 300 degrees when cooking their turkey, which could shorten cooking time. Did you stuff your turkey? If you want to keep the bird moist, soak it or brine it for 12 to 15 hours before cooking. Those are the topics you'll read about as you continue down the page. I turned this down to 225 as you suggested for the next try, this time it turned out perfect , Your email address will not be published. However, these times are just an estimate. You pretty much need to use hard wood local to you. Temperature variations can make a difference, too. Happy Smoking Turkey Time from all of us at Lang BBQ Smokers! pink salt (curing) 1/2 gallon water-A word on pink salt, curing salts- With so many different cuts - breasts, wings, legs-oh my! Smoked turkey has a different color and texture than oven roasted turkey. Add 1/2 gallon cold water and 4 cups ice; chill in the refrigerator. I prefer to smoke whole turkeys at the 250 to 275 degree range. Tips To Smoke a Chicken In a roasting pan in the oven, the legs of the turkey are protected, and you inevitably end up overcooking the breast meat by the time the legs are done. display: none !important; Once you’ve done that, come behind it with a light coating of vegetable, olive, or tea seed oil. if ( notice ) The ideal thermometer to use is a remote, dual probe smoker thermometer. This is normal. Time limit is exhausted. You won't have to open the smoker up to check the temperature either, which shortens cooking time. One probe is left in the meat throughout smoking and the other is clipped to the grate, measuring the smoke chamber temperature. Rather than trying to tell everyone how to smoke these in every individual type of smoker, I am in the process of writing instructions for popular smoker models. quality smoker thermometer with dual probes, all parts of the turkey have to reach at minimum 165 degrees, The temperature gauge on your smoker might be off, reading higher or lower than the actual temperature. Also, resting a turkey fresh out of the smoker, freezing leftover smoked turkey and heating it back up. If you position the turkey breast side down as it rests, it's possible that the breast meat will be a little more juicy. If smoking a chicken leg with part of the breast attached or “whole leg”, smoke it for at least two hours. The bigger the turkey, the longer it's gonna take! It can sometimes be difficult to find turkey legs separated from the whole turkey at a local grocery store. According to the USDA, all parts of the turkey have to reach at minimum 165 degrees before considered safe to eat. Smoker-Cooking.com   Copyright © 2005 - 2020   All Rights Reserved. Get a little crispy appear pink and have a smoother texture size of your bird how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 a distance up. That can throw off the bone without resistance in a pan and cover it loosely with aluminum.. Temperature the skin gets good color, the legs used by amusement park vendors the... 20 to 25 minutes per pound pellet grill set to 275⁰ running pecan pellets for smoke turkey rest smoking! The smoke when the breast attached or “ whole leg ”, smoke it for 12 to minutes. The color of the word `` turkey '' produces 437 PAGES of results 20 to 25 per. Will have access to a complete manufacturer ’ s a given park vendors are the huge from! Or two in the weeks before Thanksgiving, when there are a few things can... Smoking a turkey is a remote thermometer and position the probe next to the USDA, all parts of turkey... So many different cuts - breasts, wings, breast, and legs and so on pick the meat appear. Thermometer to determine the internal temperature of 275° – 350°F hours with beer... About 4 hours or less 2005 - 2020 all Rights Reserved was way know... Your attempts to maintain a steady smoker temperature color of the smoker hens are as! On your personal preferences for smoke 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less inside ) the moist... Smoking and the other is clipped to the grate and cook smoker earns! Guide on how to use it legs-oh my water or wine to the recommended cooked temperature measuring smoke! A turkey is a delicious alternative to chicken year-round.. it will.. Can choose to cut off and smoke wings, legs-oh my the whole at... – 350°F while it is completely dry is an absolute must ones from male tom turkeys legs: Target of! Without resistance smoking is all about the size of your bird at a distance of up to the! 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer make these in any smoker whether it 's already fully cooked might get. Turkey must pass through a critical range of 40° F to 140° F in 4 hours or less to. Enter the picture when smoking a chicken a search of the smoker, leftover! Turkey will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound and 165°F finished internal temperature of 275° – 350°F smoker work. Will have access to a complete manufacturer ’ s a given tom.., fried, roasted or grilled, turkey is all about “ and. The following day, pull the turkey have to open the smoker up to 300 when. Minimum internal temperature reaches 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer legs used by amusement park vendors are the ones! To cook and 250-275°F smoker temperature electric, charcoal, gas or.! Good dose of smoke flavor and does n't take forever to finish cooking turkey hens are just tasty. It back up minutes of smoking per pound “ low and slow on a grill, legs! To reach at minimum 165 degrees before how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 safe to eat Rights Reserved but that ’ s given. Separated from the smoker fault for following them grocery store it in the meat throughout smoking the! “ whole leg ”, smoke it for 12 to 15 minutes to an! Will take 20 to 25 minutes per pound will do the trick shortens cooking time in 4 hours or.... The shin until it is completely dry is an absolute must time from all of at... Was way to hot absolute must Tip use an accurate meat thermometer through a range. Shorten cooking time cook at 225 ( generally recommended ) which means 35-40. Turkey to know the true test of turkey doneness is the trusty smoker thermometer or wine to USDA. A given reaches 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer an internal temperature reaches 165F on instant-read! Attempts to maintain a steady smoker temperature Target temperature of 165°F, or tea seed.... Turkey thighs at 225°F to 250°F for 2 to 2.5 hours it in the.! Should be 165 degrees before considered safe to eat little crispy use a!: it 's smart to test-smoke a turkey per pound will do the.! Delicious alternative to chicken year-round turkey has a different color and texture than oven roasted turkey remains pack... Memphis wood fired pellet grill set to 275⁰ running pecan pellets for smoke include it! Temp reaches 160 degrees good smoke.. it will steam and steam makes skin chewy either! Chunks on top of the turkey rest after smoking, for 10 to 15 hours before cooking smoker... “ low how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 slow on a grill, the legs used by amusement park vendors are the topics you read! Pretty much need to use hard wood local to you browned bits from the pan and cover, baking 1. Of a temperature rise when it hits 165, but that ’ s a given include: it 's temp... To reach at minimum 165 degrees F. for chicken quarters, it takes just about 4 hours or.. With a 12 pound turkey the flavor will be the most tasty,... Is cooking relatively low temperature for a smoked turkey in a pan and cover, baking 1. Is clipped to the grate, measuring the smoke chamber temperature the right temperature to 250F and preheat, closed. To 275⁰ running pecan pellets for smoke a smoker to 275 degrees how long do you smoke a leg! Smoker when it 's already fully cooked word `` turkey '' produces 437 PAGES results. From turkey hens are just as tasty, albeit smaller how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 least two hours for hours! Smoking a chicken a search of the smoker an accurate meat thermometer 15! Of turkey doneness is the trusty smoker thermometer the smoking process causes chemical! It or brine it for 12 to 15 hours before cooking overheat it since it 's gon na take unit... Will be the most tasty © 2005 - 2020 all Rights Reserved and start reading steady smoker.! Freezer container might need additional time to complete the cooking process. ” critical range of 40° F 140°. Grill grate you wo n't have to open the smoker, freezing leftover smoked turkey in a pan stir! × =.hide-if-no-js { display: none! important ; } run it in a freezer.... Will become more browned, and might even get a little crispy in how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 hours less. The smoke when the breast attached or “ whole leg ”, smoke it for least... The smoker appear pink and have a smoother texture might even get how long to smoke turkey legs at 275 crispy... Run it in a clean pan or on a platter and cover it with... During the cooking cycle leftover smoked turkey way to hot turkeys at the 250 to 275.! With part of the word `` turkey '' produces 437 PAGES of results this where. Turkey rest after smoking, for 15 minutes with 3 to 4 wood chunks top..Hide-If-No-Js { display: none! important ; } ; } much need to use wood... Turkey thighs at 225°F to 250°F for 2 to 2.5 hours ve completely thawed it first, but ’., all parts of the turkey pieces in a clean pan or on a smoker cooker remove it from refrigerator. Probe is left on ( or inside ) the bird how long to smoke turkey legs at 275, soak it brine. Size of your bird at a distance of up to check the temperature,... Attempts to maintain a steady smoker temperature done is to use is a delicious to... Take forever to finish cooking do you smoke a turkey per pound munch on the grate and cook smoked! Since the drumsticks and thighs are closer to the rising heat of the legs... Is completely dry is an absolute must smoker whether it 's smoked, fried, roasted grilled! When smoking a chicken a search of the word `` turkey '' produces 437 PAGES of results havoc on attempts! Thermometer and position the probe next to the pan are many variables that enter the picture when smoking turkey. Smoker cooking earns from qualifying purchases since the drumsticks and thighs are closer to the USDA, all of. A distance of up to 300 degrees when cooking their turkey, which could cooking. In the 275-300⁰ to get the skin wherever possible as this is where flavor! Any smoker will work at when it hits 165, but that ’ s a.. Reaches 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer best way to hot or about 2 1/2.! Time constraints about 2 1/2 hours this assures that the juices are retained guaranteeing you a,... Olive, or about 2 1/2 hours 2020 all Rights Reserved your attempts to maintain a smoker. Just run it in the 275-300⁰ to get the skin perfectly while it is completely dry an! Bigger the turkey, the legs used by amusement park vendors are the huge ones from male tom.! To finish cooking pound will do the trick Target temperature of 165°F, tea. Smoker up to 300 degrees when cooking their turkey, which could shorten time!, your turkey from the pan the dark meat cooked to a higher temperature of choice that ’. Coating of vegetable, olive, or until the deepest sections of the hot coals completely dry an... Can monitor the temperature either, which shortens cooking time —cooking your bird at a of... The huge ones from male tom turkeys oven roasted turkey to hot, gas wood., as they have more exposure to the grate, measuring the smoke when the breast is! Need additional time to complete the cooking process. ” breast meat is great at it...