For this recipe, eschew tradition and use your big burners to deep fry a turkey in the Cajun style! The night before I fry it, I inject the bird with a Cajun butter baste and let it rest in the refrigerator.
When frying turkey, it’s a good idea to allow three to three and a half minutes of cooking time for each pound. Since I’m frying a 15-pound turkey in this video, I’ll cook it at 350°F for 45 minutes, then check the temperature to make sure it’s done.
Yo, food lovers! Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds tingling and your kitchen smelling like a golden haven? Then buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the world of deep-frying a turkey.
Why Deep-Fry a Turkey?
Let’s face it, traditional oven-roasted turkeys can be a bit, well boring. They’re often dry bland, and lack that certain je ne sais quoi that makes our mouths water. But fear not, my friends, because deep-frying a turkey is here to change the game.
This method not only cooks the turkey to juicy perfection, but it also infuses it with a crispy, golden-brown crust that will have you licking your fingers and begging for more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to do, even for the most novice of cooks.
What You’ll Need:
- A turkey (duh!)
- A deep fryer (duh again!)
- Peanut oil (or another high-smoke point oil)
- A thermometer
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A pair of tongs
- A whole lot of courage (just kidding, but seriously, be careful)
The Deep-Frying Process:
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Prepare the Turkey: First things first, you need to prep your turkey. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, and pat the bird dry with paper towels. Then, using a sharp knife, cut off the wing tips and any excess skin.
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Heat the Oil: Fill your deep fryer with peanut oil (or another high-smoke point oil) to the recommended level. Heat the oil to 325°F (163°C).
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Lower the Turkey Slowly: Using a pair of tongs, carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Be careful not to splash the oil, as it can cause serious burns.
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Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh.
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Rest and Enjoy: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips and Tricks:
- Safety First: Deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous if not done properly. Make sure to follow all safety instructions that come with your deep fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: If you’re frying a large turkey, you may need to do it in batches. Overcrowding the fryer can lower the oil temperature and result in an unevenly cooked bird.
- Season to Perfection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. You can inject the turkey with a marinade, rub it with a dry rub, or simply season it with salt and pepper.
- Get Creative with Sides: Deep-fried turkey is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce are all classic options.
Deep-Frying a Turkey: A Culinary Adventure Worth Taking
So there you have it, folks. Deep-frying a turkey is an exciting culinary adventure that will leave you with a mouthwatering masterpiece. With a little preparation and a whole lot of courage, you can create a crispy, juicy turkey that will be the star of your holiday table. Just remember to follow the safety precautions and enjoy the process!
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
FAQ
Which end of turkey goes in fryer first?
How do you deep fry a turkey for beginners?
Do you season the outside of a turkey before deep-frying?
How long do you deep fry a Turkey?
Turkey cooks at 3-½ minutes per pound (500grams) when the oil is 160°C/325°F. Set a timer based on the weight of the turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the meaty part of the thigh. Internal temperature should be 180°F/82°C, and white meat should have internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. What Oil For Deep Frying a Turkey?
Can you deep fry a Turkey in a propane deep fryer?
Although you’re outdoors, using a propane deep fryer can be very dangerous. Never leave your deep fryer unattended and follow instructions carefully: Take the wrapper off of the turkey. Remove and discard the neck and giblets. Pat dry.
How do you cook a Turkey in a fryer?
Rub under the turkey skin where possible, and rub the leftover rub inside the turkey cavity. Inject with marinade if using. Fill – Fill your turkey fryer pot with oil up to the fill line (see water dispersion method above) and heat the oil to 160°C/325°F. Ensure pot is dry before adding oil.
Is deep frying a Turkey dangerous?
One of the most dangerous parts of deep frying a turkey is lowering the turkey into the hot oil. Add too much oil, and it can overflow and cause a fire. Here’s how to safely measure the volume of oil. First, put the turkey in the pot and fill it with water to cover the turkey by about a half-inch.