Defrosting A 19 Lb Turkey 2024. Learn how to safely thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave in time for thanksgiving. This process is generally considered to be the safest option to avoid any bacterial.
To defrost a turkey in the refrigerator, plan on 24 hours of fridge time for every 5 pounds of turkey. There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: