Some folks swear by skipping the rinse. They argue that any salt on the surface is a good thing, creating a crispy, golden skin. Think of it like a pretzel: you want that salty crunch on the outside, right?
But here’s the catch: a dry-brined turkey (where you rub salt directly on the skin) is one thing. A wet-brined turkey has extra liquid clinging to it. If you don’t rinse, you’re essentially roasting a soggy, salty bird. It’s like wearing wet socks into a snowball fight—technically possible, but miserable.