Perfectly Reheated Smoked Turkey

Leftover smoked turkey is delicious, but reheating it properly is key to maintaining moisture and flavor. Whether reheating a whole bird or just smoked turkey breast, follow these simple instructions using your microwave, oven or air fryer to enjoy tasty leftovers.

Reheating Smoked Turkey in the Microwave

The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat smoked turkey without drying it out.

• Cut smoked turkey into slices or pieces no more than 3⁄4-inch thick. This allows for even heating.
• Place turkey pieces on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer. Do not overcrowd.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
• Microwave on HIGH in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking and flipping pieces halfway through.
• Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving. The temperature should reach 165°F internally.
• Add a splash of chicken or turkey stock or water to slices if needed to moisten.

Tip: For easier slicing, heat turkey for 1-2 minutes first to warm up which firms up the meat.

Reheating a Whole Smoked Turkey in the Oven

Use the oven to evenly reheat an entire smoked turkey.

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Place the whole turkey in a roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil.
• Heat for 10-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Check temperature in a few spots with a meat thermometer.
• Pour a little turkey or chicken stock or water into the bottom of the pan halfway through cooking to help prevent drying out.
• Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to distribute.

Tip: For crisper skin, uncover for the last 30 minutes. Baste with broth or rub with oil.

Reheating Smoked Turkey in an Air Fryer

The air fryer reheats smoked turkey quickly for moist, heated through pieces.

• Cut smoked turkey into slices or chunks no more than 3⁄4-inch thick.
• Place in air fryer basket in a single layer, not touching sides if possible.
• Set temperature to 300°F and cook 5-8 minutes, flipping pieces halfway through.
• Check internal temperature, cooking 1-2 minutes more if needed to reach 165°F.
• Brush lightly with oil or broth to help prevent drying out if needed.

Tip: Add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the air fryer bottom if reheating a lot of turkey pieces.

FAQs

How long does reheated smoked turkey last?

Leftover reheated turkey should be eaten within 3-4 days and refrigerated promptly in shallow containers. Reheat only what you plan to eat.

Can you reheat smoked turkey more than once?

It’s best to only reheat smoked turkey one time. The texture tends to become dry with repeated reheating. Eat within 3-4 days.

What is the best way to reheat smoked turkey breast?

Sliced smoked turkey breast reheats well in the microwave. Cook in 30 second intervals just until hot. Keep an eye to prevent drying.

How do I know when my smoked turkey is done reheating?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F. Check in a few different spots to ensure even heating. The turkey should be hot throughout and steaming.

Can I reheat smoked turkey that has been refrigerated?

Yes, smoked turkey that has been properly refrigerated can safely be reheated. Use reheating methods such as the oven, microwave, or air fryer within 3-4 days. Discard any turkey left out more than 2 hours.

What temperature should I reheat smoked turkey at?

Use lower temperatures around 300-325°F when reheating smoked turkey to ensure even heating without drying out the meat. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

How can I crisp up the skin on reheated smoked turkey?

Uncover the turkey for the last 10-15 minutes of reheating time and baste with broth or rub with oil. Increase oven heat to 375°F. The skin will become crisper.

What is the best way to reheat a whole smoked turkey?

For a whole bird, use the oven. Place turkey in a roasting pan, tent loosely with foil and heat at 325°F, allowing 10-15 minutes per pound. Check internal temp and baste with broth halfway through.

Tips

• Allow enough time for reheating. A whole turkey or large breast may take several hours in the oven at lower temperatures like 325°F.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify safe internal temperatures. Take temperature in a couple places to ensure even heating.
• Keep reheated turkey in the oven or on the stove top until ready to serve. Place sliced turkey on a warmed platter or keep whole turkey warm in the turned off oven.
• Add moisture! Baste whole birds with broth and tent with foil. Lay slices in broth or gravy. The microwave steam method also works well.
• Reheat gravy separately either on the stovetop or microwave, to avoid diluting flavor and changing the texture.

Recipes

Smoked Turkey Breast with Cranberry Chutney:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs smoked turkey breast, sliced
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, ginger and orange juice. Cook on medium-low 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
2. Brush turkey slices with oil. Heat in 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through (165°F).
3. Serve turkey slices topped with warm cranberry-ginger chutney.

Baked Smoked Turkey and Gravy:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs smoked turkey, sliced
• 2 cups turkey gravy
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey slices in baking dish in a single layer.
2. Pour gravy and broth over turkey slices. Cover with foil.
3. Bake 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 5 minutes if browning is desired.
4. Serve turkey and hot gravy spooned over the top.

Smoked Turkey Tacos:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked turkey, shredded
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Toppings: salsa, lettuce, avocado, pepperjack cheese, lime wedges

Directions:

1. Heat shredded turkey in microwave on HIGH in 30 second intervals until hot, 165°F.
2. Warm tortillas in microwave or on skillet until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble tacos by topping tortillas with reheated shredded turkey and desired taco toppings. Squeeze lime juice over top.

Here are some specific model recommendations:

Microwave:

1. Panasonic NN-SN936B – 1.2 cu. ft. 1200W microwave with Inverter technology for evenly reheated food
2. Toshiba EM925A5A-BS – 0.9 cu. ft. 900W microwave with preset cook buttons
3. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W microwave with 10 power levels
4. GE JES1656SMSS – 1.6 cu. ft. 1000W microwave with auto and time defrost
5. Farberware FMO12AHTBKB – 1.2 cu. ft. 1000W microwave with express cooking

Oven:

1. LG LDE4415ST – Electric double oven with convection cooking
2. Frigidaire FFET3025PS – 5.3 cu. ft. electric single wall oven with self-cleaning
3. GE JTS5000SNSS – 5.3 cu. ft. electric double wall oven with convection cooking
4. Bosch HBL8451UC – Electric single wall oven with steam cooking
5. Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS – Electric single wall oven with convection baking

Air Fryer:

1. Cosori CP158-AF – 5.8 qt digital air fryer with 11 presets
2. Ninja AF101 – 4 qt air fryer with 4 cooking functions
3. Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 – 6 qt air fryer oven with rotisserie
4. Philips Premium XXL Airfryer – 3lb capacity with fat removal technology
5. Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter – 3.5 qt analog air fryer with adjustable temp

Reheating delicious smoked turkey is simple with these handy instructions. Whether you used the microwave, oven or air fryer, proper reheating keeps your turkey tender and moist so you can enjoy the leftovers. Follow the tips above for success.