How Long to Smoke a Turkey on a Pit Boss: A Step-by-Step Guide

How Long to Smoke a Turkey on a Pit Boss?

The holidays are coming up, and you’re probably planning on smoking a turkey. But how long do you need to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the size of the turkey, the temperature of your smoker, and your personal preference. But in general, you can expect to smoke a turkey for anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.

In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that affect how long to smoke a turkey, and we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss. So whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know!

Temperature	Time	Notes
225F	5-7 hours	For a whole turkey
275F	3-4 hours	For a boneless turkey breast
300F	2-3 hours	For a smoked turkey leg

Choosing the Right Turkey

When choosing a turkey to smoke on your Pit Boss, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

First, consider the size of your smoker. If you have a smaller smoker, you’ll need to choose a smaller turkey. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 3-4 pounds of turkey per person. So, if you’re smoking a turkey for a group of 10 people, you’ll want to choose a turkey that’s about 30-40 pounds.

Second, think about the flavor you’re looking for. Do you want a dark, smoky turkey? Or do you prefer a lighter, more delicate flavor? The type of wood you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your turkey. For a dark, smoky flavor, use a wood like hickory or oak. For a lighter, more delicate flavor, use a wood like apple or cherry.

Third, consider your budget. Turkeys can range in price from $10 to $100. The price will depend on the size of the turkey, the breed of turkey, and the source of the turkey.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for the perfect turkey for your Pit Boss. Here are a few tips for choosing a good turkey:

• Look for a turkey that’s plump and has a deep, yellow color.
• The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes.
• The legs should be flexible and the feet should be dry.
• The smell of the turkey should be fresh and clean.

If you’re not sure how to choose a turkey, ask your butcher for help. They can help you find a turkey that’s the right size, flavor, and price for your needs.

Preparing the Turkey

Once you’ve chosen the perfect turkey, it’s time to prepare it for smoking. Here are the steps involved in preparing a turkey for smoking on a Pit Boss:

1. Remove the giblets from the turkey. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard. You can save the giblets for making gravy or stock.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Be sure to remove any visible dirt or debris.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This will help the smoke adhere to the turkey.
4. Season the turkey with your favorite rub. You can use a store-bought rub or make your own. Be sure to rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including the inside cavity.
5. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before smoking. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the turkey.

Smoking the Turkey

Now that the turkey is prepared, it’s time to smoke it. Here are the steps involved in smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using a charcoal smoker, you’ll need to build a fire in the firebox. If you’re using a gas smoker, you’ll need to turn on the burners.
2. Place the turkey in the smoker. You can place the turkey directly on the grate or you can use a roasting rack. If you’re using a roasting rack, be sure to place a drip pan underneath to catch the drippings.
3. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours per pound. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey. For a 10-pound turkey, you’ll need to smoke it for about 10 hours.
4. Check the turkey periodically to make sure it’s not burning. You can do this by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.

Carving the Turkey

Once the turkey has rested, it’s time to carve it. Here are the steps involved in carving a turkey:

1. Place the turkey on a cutting board. You can use a carving board or a large platter.
2. Remove the legs from the turkey. Cut through the skin and bone between the thigh and the breast.
3. Remove the wings from the turkey. Cut through the skin and bone between the wing and the breast.
4

Smoking the Turkey

To smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss, you will need the following:

• A Pit Boss smoker
• A turkey
• Wood chips
• A meat thermometer
• A spray bottle
• Cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Pit Boss smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat dry the turkey.
4. Season the turkey with your favorite spices.
5. Place the turkey in the smoker, breast-side up.
6. Add the wood chips to the smoker.
7. Spray the turkey with cooking spray.
8. Cover the smoker and cook the turkey for 2-3 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Baste the turkey with your favorite sauce every hour or so.
10. When the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Tips:

• To ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baste the turkey with cooking spray or your favorite sauce every hour or so to help keep it moist.
• Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.

Carving and Serving the Turkey

To carve a turkey, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board.

Instructions:

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the breastbone to remove the breast meat.
3. Cut each breast half in half crosswise.
4. Cut the wings off at the joint.
5. Cut the legs off at the joint.
6. Remove the thigh meat from the bone.
7. Remove the drumstick meat from the bone.
8. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Tips:

• To make carving the turkey easier, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• Use a sharp knife to cut through the bones.
• Carve the turkey in a clean and sanitary environment.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following these instructions, you can easily smoke a turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss?

The length of time it takes to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss will vary depending on the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired doneness of the turkey.

As a general rule, you can expect to smoke a turkey for about 2-3 hours per pound at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 12-pound turkey, this would mean smoking it for about 24-36 hours.

However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the factors listed above. If you are smoking a larger turkey, you will need to increase the cooking time. If you are smoking the turkey at a higher temperature, you will need to decrease the cooking time. And if you prefer your turkey to be more well-done, you will need to increase the cooking time.

To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss?

The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss is 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

If you are smoking a larger turkey, you may need to increase the temperature to 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to cook the turkey through more quickly.

However, you should avoid smoking the turkey at a temperature higher than 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause the turkey to dry out.

How much wood should I use to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss?

The amount of wood you use to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss will depend on the size of the turkey and the desired smoke flavor.

As a general rule, you will need about 1-2 pounds of wood for a 12-pound turkey. If you want a stronger smoke flavor, you can use more wood. If you prefer a milder smoke flavor, you can use less wood.

You should also keep in mind that the type of wood you use will affect the smoke flavor. Some popular woods for smoking turkey include hickory, oak, and apple.

What is the best way to baste a turkey while smoking it on a Pit Boss?

The best way to baste a turkey while smoking it on a Pit Boss is to use a combination of melted butter and apple cider vinegar. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

To baste the turkey, simply brush the melted butter and apple cider vinegar mixture over the turkey every hour or so. You can also baste the turkey with a mixture of melted butter, honey, and garlic.

How do I know when a turkey is done smoking on a Pit Boss?

The best way to tell if a turkey is done smoking on a Pit Boss 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.

You can also check if the turkey is done by gently pulling on the leg. If the leg moves easily, the turkey is done.

What are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss?

Here are some tips for smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Baste the turkey every hour or so with a mixture of melted butter and apple cider vinegar. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
• Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

  smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following the tips in this guide, you can be sure to produce a perfectly smoked turkey that will impress your guests.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

• The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to allow 1 hour of cooking time per pound.
• It is important to baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
• Smoking a turkey is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. It is also a relatively easy process that can be completed by anyone with a Pit Boss smoker.

With a little planning and patience, you can easily smoke a delicious turkey that will be the star of your next holiday meal.