Deep-Fried Turkey (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to deep fry turkey? ›

A deep-fried turkey typically requires a cooking time of 3½ minutes per pound, so a 12–14-lb. bird should take 40–50 minutes to reach 165°F. If the internal temperature has not reached 165°F, use the stop-and-go method to slowly lower it back into the oil and turn the burner back on to continue cooking.

Heat oil in pot (allow enough room in pot for turkey to be placed, too much oil will cause overflow), bring oil to at least 375 degrees F. Placement of turkey will bring temperature down and you will want to keep temperature at 325 degrees F. while cooking. Cook turkey until golden brown, about 4 minutes per pound.

You can brine the turkey a few days ahead of time, inject it or season it. If you are looking for a brine recipe, be sure to check out my cranberry brine recipe. Another option for a brine is a dry brine. A dry brine is perfect for deep frying because no additional liquid is introduced.

Tip: Peanut oil is the most popular type of oil used for deep frying a turkey, but any oil with a smoking point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit will work. Try safflower oil or corn oil if you don't like peanut oil or are accommodating a peanut allergy.

The makers of the Bayou Classic turkey fryer recommend peanut oil, because its high smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit allows the oil to reach the correct temperature to fry the turkey properly without giving it a burnt flavor.

You don't have to inject a turkey to fry it, but it adds flavor.

The white meat is moister, the dark meat is even more flavorful, and the skin, while not always totally crispy, is never slimy and gross. There are other, more practical, reasons to deep-fry your turkey. Unless you have a double oven, roasting a turkey takes up way too much oven space.

Slide the middle rod through the cavity so that the drumsticks point upward. When the oil reaches cooking temp, put on protective mitts or gloves and slowly lower the turkey into the oil until it's completely submerged. Fry the turkey for 3 minutes per pound.

Remove basket from oil, place turkey in basket. Slowly lower the turkey into the fryer. The turkey may not be totally immersed in the oil. This may cause the top part of the breast to remain white even though it is cooked to the proper end temperature.

Should you season a turkey before deep frying? ›

Season the turkey inside and out with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Gently pull up the skin covering the breast meat and season the breast and thigh meat as well — you may not use all the salt. Refrigerate uncovered 24 to 36 hours. 1 hour before frying, let the turkey sit at room temperature.

Cover the oil and refrigerate it to prevent it from becoming rancid. According to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, peanut oil may be used three or four times to fry turkeys before signs of deterioration begin. Such indications include foaming, darkening or smoking excessively, indicating the oil must be discarded.

Be sure that the brine is cold before adding the thawed turkey. Place the turkey and brine in a brining bag or non-corrosive food-safe container, making sure the turkey is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and keep in the refrigerator for the recommended amount of time.

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator, place it in a clean aluminum pan and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. This will help the turkey cook faster and more evenly. Meanwhile, set up your fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For brining, injection shortens the time it takes for the brine to get into the meat and really helps with big, irregularly shaped things like a turkey or a pork butt.

Keep the oil temperature above 300 degrees. In just a short time, the oil temperature will begin to rise again. Cook the turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound. For example, a 14-pound turkey should cook for 49 minutes, or 14 x 3.5 minutes.

Pour out the water and dry the pot thoroughly. Be sure to measure for oil before breading or marinating the turkey. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Depending on the amount of oil used, this usually takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Frozen turkeys explode due to how water and oil react to heat. Water's boiling point is 212°F, and cooking oil is around 350°F. So, when a frozen turkey is added to a pot of boiling oil, the ice within it will instantly vaporize into steam.

Whole turkey: On your meat thermometer, a whole cooked turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Whole turkey, stuffed: The center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.