Quick Answer
Turkey that has been cooked can be left uncovered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Raw turkey should not be left uncovered for more than 1-2 days. The key factors that determine how long turkey can be safely left uncovered are proper cooling, refrigerator temperature, and handling to prevent cross-contamination.
How Long Can Cooked Turkey Be Left Uncovered In The Fridge?
Cooked turkey can be safely stored uncovered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooked poultry should be eaten, frozen, or discarded within 3 to 4 days.[1]
The reason cooked turkey can last this long in the fridge without covering is that cooking kills any bacteria that may have been present on the raw meat. As long as the cooked turkey has been properly handled and cooled after roasting, it is safe to leave it uncovered for a few days.
Here are some tips for safely storing cooked turkey uncovered:
- Make sure turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooking.
- Cool the cooked turkey within 2 hours, dividing into smaller portions if needed.
- Store the turkey in the back of the fridge where temperature is coldest.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Monitoring the refrigerator temperature is also important. The temperature should be 40°F or below. Check the temperature occasionally with a fridge thermometer to ensure proper cold storage.
How To Know If Cooked Turkey Has Gone Bad
Even when stored uncovered in the fridge, cooked turkey can still spoil after several days. Here are some signs that cooked turkey has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Slimy texture
- Graying color
- Drying out
- Mold growth
- Off odors
Trust your senses – if the turkey smells bad, looks bad, or feels slimy, it is safest to throw it away. Don’t taste meat that looks spoiled.
How Long Can Raw Turkey Be Left Uncovered In The Fridge?
Raw turkey should not be left uncovered in the refrigerator for more than 1 to 2 days.
According to FSIS, raw turkey can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.[2] After that, the quality starts to diminish. Leaving raw turkey uncovered longer than 2 days also increases the risk of cross-contamination in the fridge.
Here are some guidelines for storing raw turkey uncovered:
- Place turkey on a plate or in a container to prevent juices from dripping.
- Store turkey on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent raw juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Use within 1-2 days for best quality and food safety.
- Discard if there is an off odor or slimy texture.
Raw poultry can harbor Salmonella, Campylobacter and other bacteria. These can spread throughout the fridge via drippings if the turkey is left uncovered too long.
How To Tell If Raw Turkey Has Gone Bad
Check for the following signs that raw turkey has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Grayish, dull color
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Off odors
Discard turkey if it is past the 1-2 day timeframe, even if it still looks and smells normal. Bacteria can multiply quickly on raw meat so it’s better to be safe.
Proper Handling To Prevent Contamination
To get the maximum safe storage time out of cooked or raw turkey stored uncovered, proper food safety handling is crucial.
Here are some good practices to prevent contamination:
- Sanitize any plates, containers or surfaces the turkey touches.
- Avoid letting raw turkey juices drip onto other items like produce.
- Place turkey on bottom shelf of fridge to contain potential drips.
- Don’t reuse platters or containers that held raw turkey for cooked foods.
- Wash hands before and after handling turkey.
Following basic hygiene and food safety practices helps prevent bacteria on the raw turkey from spreading in the fridge and causing illness. Monitor temperatures and use food within the recommended timeframe.
How Long Can Turkey Stay In The Fridge After Thawing?
Once thawed, turkey should be used within 1-2 days for best quality. According to FSIS, thawed turkey can last in the fridge for 1-2 days.[3]
The thawed turkey can be safely refrozen within that 1-2 day period, but quality will start to decline after thawing. For best taste and texture, cook thawed turkey as soon as possible.
Here are some tips for working with thawed turkey:
- Thaw turkey in the fridge, cold water, or microwave until completely thawed.
- Cook immediately for best quality.
- If not cooking right away, store in the fridge 1-2 days.
- Discard if slimy, sticky or smelly.
- Refreeze within 1-2 days if desired.
Leaving thawed turkey too long in the fridge increases risk of bacteria growth. Cook or refreeze thawed turkey promptly for food safety.
Should Cooked Turkey Be Refrigerated Immediately?
Yes, cooked turkey should be refrigerated within 2 hours after cooking. According to the USDA, cooked meat and poultry should not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours before refrigerating.[4]
Leaving freshly-cooked turkey out too long gives bacteria a chance to multiply quickly. To prevent foodborne illness, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate or freeze turkey within 2 hours of cooking.
- Divide turkey into smaller portions to cool faster.
- Do not leave cooked turkey at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
- Set fridge at 40°F or below.
Quick cooling is key. Cut cooked turkey into smaller pieces to allow heat to escape faster. Reaching 40°F promptly prevents growth of harmful bacteria.
How To Know If Cooked Turkey Has Been Left Out Too Long
Cooked turkey that has sat at room temperature too long after cooking may show the following signs:
- Changes in color or texture
- Dries out appearance
- Odors
- Dry, cracked edges
When in doubt, throw it out. Do not taste cooked turkey that has been left in the danger zone over 2 hours. Discard if there are any signs it is spoiled.
Can Turkey Be Stored At Room Temperature?
Turkey should never be stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours, whether cooked or raw. Leaving turkey out longer than 2 hours provides an environment where bacteria multiply rapidly.
According to the FSIS, room temperature is between 40°F and 140°F – also known as the “danger zone”. Bacteria thrive in this temperature range and can quickly make turkey unsafe.[5]
To prevent foodborne illness when working with turkey:
- Never leave turkey out of refrigeration over 2 hours.
- Carve turkey right before serving.
- Discard leftovers left out over 2 hours.
- Divide into smaller portions to refrigerate quickly.
The only way to safely store turkey for more than 2 hours is in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked turkey also can be kept hot in an oven, chafing dish or slow cooker for serving.
Conclusion
Cooked turkey can safely be stored uncovered in the fridge for 3-4 days, while raw turkey should not be left uncovered more than 1-2 days. Proper cooling, refrigerator temperatures, and handling help prevent bacteria growth and cross-contamination. Turkey should never sit at room temperature more than 2 hours before refrigerating or freezing. Following safe refrigerator storage times and food handling guidelines will help keep turkey safe to eat.