When it comes to Thanksgiving dinners, few things can rival the mouthwatering appeal of a deep-fried turkey. With its crispy skin, juicy meat, and quick cooking time, this cooking method is a better way to elevate your holiday feast. If this is your first time tackling a deep-fried turkey recipe, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the cooking process, safety tips, and recipe essentials to ensure you serve the most delicious turkey your guests have ever tasted.
Our New Favorite Deep-Fried Turkey
For years, we’ve made our traditional turkey in the oven. We are lucky enough to have a family member that is a frying expert. At least they are to us.
We enjoyed a delicious turkey for Thanksgiving one year. Even the turkey haters loved this bird! The juicy meat and golden skin rivaled the famous broasted chicken at our local restaurant.
It is truly so delicious that we would eat this any time of the year, not just a Holiday.
Table of contents
Why Deep-Frying a Turkey Is the Best Way
Deep-frying locks in moisture and delivers an unbeatable crispy skin. Unlike oven roasting, which can dry out the white meat. Deep-frying guarantees juicy turkey. Whether it’s the thickest part of the breast or the flavorful dark meat around the rib bones.
Plus, with a cook time of only 3-4 minutes per pound of turkey, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying sides like green bean casserole and sweet potatoes.
You’ll be amazed at how fast the turkey cooks using this method. The whole process takes less than 2 hours.
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
If this is the first time frying a turkey, don’t guess. The Holiday won’t be very fun if you start a fire.
Make sure to check out our recipe for deep-fried turkey step-by-step instructions before you make your first one.
Safety First: Essential Tips for Deep-Frying Your Turkey
Before you dive into the cooking process, keep these important safety reminders in mind.
Choose the Right Location
Always deep-fry your turkey outdoors in an open area. Stay far away from your house, garage, patio, swing set, or any other combustible structure. Deep-frying in inclement weather is a no-go—rain or snow entering the hot oil can cause dangerous splattering or boiling over.
Set Up on a Stable Surface
Position the burner on a flat, hard surface to ensure stability during cooking. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the fryer at all times to avoid accidents.
Protect Yourself
Wear heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves and a sturdy apron when handling the fryer or working near the hot oil. This will shield you from potential splashes or burns.
Biggest Safety Tip. Don’t Overfill the Oil
The best way to make sure that you don’t overfill your fryer with oil is to check it first with water.
By measuring your oil level before heating and double-checking fryer capacity, you’ll safely avoid overflows while enjoying a perfectly cooked, crispy turkey.
Here’s how.
Measure the Oil with Water. Before adding oil to your fryer, use water to measure the correct level.
Place your thawed turkey in the fryer pot or stockpot.
Fill the pot with water until the turkey is completely submerged, making sure it doesn’t pass the maximum fill line on the fryer.
Remove the turkey carefully and note the water level. This marks the amount of oil you’ll need.
Mark the Oil Level. With the turkey removed, dry the pot thoroughly to prevent splattering when oil is added.
Use a marker or piece of tape to indicate the water line inside or outside the pot. This will guide you when pouring the oil.
Use the Correct Oil Volume. Refer to your fryer’s manual for its maximum oil capacity.
Never fill past the fryer’s maximum fill line, even if your water measurement suggests it might be safe. The turkey’s weight and volume can cause oil to displace unexpectedly, especially if you’re cooking a large bird.
Account for Turkey Size. Choose a turkey that fits within the fryer’s size limits. Typically, fryers can safely handle turkeys up to 10-15 pounds.
Larger birds displace more oil and increase the risk of overflow.
Don’t Guess at How Much Oil. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to err on the side of caution and use slightly less oil. You can always top it off as necessary during cooking. But overfilling leads to dangerous spills.
Cool Down Before Cleanup
Once cooking is complete, allow the oil to cool completely. This can take several hours, or better yet, leave it overnight. Only then should you move the fryer or dispose of the oil. Hot oil is dangerous to transport, so patience is key.
Following these precautions ensures a safe and enjoyable deep-frying experience.
Prepare the Turkey
By thoroughly preparing your turkey and minimizing moisture, you’ll ensure a smooth frying process with delicious results.
Thaw the Turkey Completely. If You’re Using a Frozen Turkey, make sure it’s completely thawed before frying. A partially frozen bird can cause the hot oil to bubble and overflow dangerously.
If You’re Using a Fresh Turkey. Simply pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Avoid Excess Moisture. Skip wet brines or marinades for this method. Introducing a wet bird into hot frying oil can result in severe splattering. Potentially causing flare-ups and posing a safety hazard.
Why Dry-Brining is the Way to Go
For the best flavor and seasoning, we highly recommend dry-brining your turkey. A dry brine works its magic by penetrating the meat, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bird. It also helps dry out the skin, making it perfectly crisp while contributing to a safer, more controlled frying process.
Keep in mind.
Some turkeys, like Butterball or kosher varieties, are pre-brined (often in a water solution) and may not require additional seasoning.
Avoid stuffing your turkey when deep-frying. Instead, bake your stuffing in a casserole dish for a safe and equally delicious side.
Dry-brining sets the stage for a beautifully seasoned and crispy-skinned turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.
Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe: A Game-Changer for Thanksgiving
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Turkey fresh or completely thawed (10-15 pounds is the maximum size for most fryers)
- 3-5 Gallons Peanut Oil or another oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil
- Dry rub optional: 1/4 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup black pepper, 2 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Choose the Right Turkey
- Select a fresh or fully thawed turkey. Take bird out of refrigerator and let come to room temperature for 1 hour before frying. Safety Note. Using a frozen turkey is one of the biggest mistakes people make, as it can cause dangerous splattering when it meets hot oil.1 Whole Turkey
- Prepare the Turkey
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, including inside the cavity. Excess moisture can cause oil to splatter dangerously.
- If using a dry tub, apply the dry rub generously to the entire turkey, focusing on the skin and cavity.Dry rub optional: 1/4 cup kosher salt
- Measure the Oil
- To determine how much oil you’ll need, place the turkey in the fryer pot and fill it with water until the turkey is submerged. Mark the water line, then remove the turkey and empty the pot. Dry the pot thoroughly before adding oil to the marked line.3-5 Gallons Peanut Oil
- Heat the Oil
- Add peanut oil or another high smoke point oil to the pot, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum fill line. Heat the oil to 350°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to double-check the oil temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Deep-Fry the Turkey
- Place the turkey in the fryer basket with the breast side facing up.
- Lower the turkey slowly into the oil to avoid splashing. Maintain a safe distance from the pot during this process.
- Deep-fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound. A 12-pound bird will take approximately 36-48 minutes.
- Check the Internal Temperature
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the dark meat.
- Drain and Rest
- Carefully lift the fryer basket and let the turkey drain over the pot for a few minutes. Transfer the turkey to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Deep-frying turkey involves hot oil and open flames (if using a propane setup), so safety is critical. Follow these precautions to avoid grease fires or accidents: Always fry outdoors on a flat surface, away from wooden decks, gas lines, or flammable materials.
• Use an outdoor fryer with a stable heat source.
• Never exceed the fryer’s maximum fill line or add too much oil.
• Double-check that your turkey is thawed and at room temperature.
• Keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby—just in case.
• Stay at a safe distance when lowering the turkey into the oil and during cooking.
• Monitor the oil temperature closely and avoid exceeding 400 degrees F.
Nutrition
What to do if there is too much oil in your deep fryer?
If there is too much oil, use a heat-proof container like a small saucepan to scoop out the hot oil.
If at any point the oil seems close to the edge of the pot or you see flames under the pot. Don’t continue to add the turkey. Instead, quickly remove the bird. Move back and look over what is going on.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Deep-fried turkey reheats well in an oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What’s the best oil for deep-frying turkey?
Peanut oil is the best oil due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How do I prevent grease fires?
Never fry a frozen turkey or overfill your fryer. Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution.
Pairing Your Turkey with Great Recipes
Complete your Thanksgiving spread with classic sides like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. For a modern twist, try pairing your turkey with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh spinach salad.
A Holiday Tradition Worth Repeating
Once you’ve experienced the crispy skin and juicy meat of a deep-fried turkey, you’ll never want to go back to roasting.
This deep-fried turkey recipe is a game-changer for Thanksgiving dinners and a great way to impress your family and friends.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a holiday feast so good, they’ll ask for it again next year.
Reference
Epicurious. How to Deep-Fry a Turkey (Safely!) for Juicy Meat and Golden Skin.
It’s the only way my husband will eat turkey.