Most of us enjoy deep-fried food. Perhaps this is an understatement because, between French fries and potato chips, Americans eat 11. 2 billion pounds of deep-fried potatoes a year (via Grit). This does not include donuts, Doritos, fried chicken, or the plethora of other innocent foods we will throw in the deep fryer.
While it’s true that fried food isn’t particularly healthful, why is that? Most people would argue that it’s too fatty. According to HealthiNation, a three-ounce deep-fried chicken breast contains an astounding 11 grams of fat, compared to the 2 grams found in a grilled chicken breast. Theres more to it than that, though.
The free radicals produced when oil is overheated are another potentially harmful component of fried foods (source: The Seattle Times). It makes sense that an oil with a low smoke point would be easier to overheat, but what about avocado oil?
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food But what’s Thanksgiving without a juicy, crispy fried turkey? It’s the centerpiece of the meal, the dish everyone looks forward to But if you’re looking for a healthier option, you might be wondering: can you fry a turkey in avocado oil?
The short answer is yes, you can fry a turkey in avocado oil. But there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
What is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is a relatively new cooking oil that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It’s made from the flesh of avocados and it has a mild nutty flavor that makes it a versatile choice for cooking and baking.
Why Use Avocado Oil for Frying?
Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning. This makes it a good choice for deep-frying, as it won’t impart any unwanted flavors to your food.
In addition, avocado oil is a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
What to Consider Before Frying a Turkey in Avocado Oil
While avocado oil is a good choice for deep-frying, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cost: Avocado oil is typically more expensive than other cooking oils, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Availability: Avocado oil may not be as readily available as other cooking oils.
- Smoke point: While avocado oil has a high smoke point, it’s still important to monitor the temperature of the oil closely to prevent it from burning.
How to Fry a Turkey in Avocado Oil
If you decide to fry your turkey in avocado oil, here are a few tips:
- Choose a high-quality avocado oil. Look for an oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined.
- Heat the oil to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for deep-frying a turkey is 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the turkey in small batches. This will help to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.
- Cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
So, can you fry a turkey in avocado oil? The answer is yes, you can. But it’s important to choose a high-quality oil, heat it to the correct temperature, and cook the turkey thoroughly. With a little care, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy fried turkey this Thanksgiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best oil for deep-frying a turkey?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best oil for deep-frying a turkey will depend on your individual preferences and budget. However, some good options include avocado oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil.
How much oil do I need to fry a turkey?
The amount of oil you need to fry a turkey will depend on the size of the turkey and the size of your fryer. As a general rule of thumb, you will need about 1 gallon of oil for every 3-4 pounds of turkey.
How long does it take to fry a turkey?
The cooking time for a fried turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the oil. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to cook a 12-14 pound turkey for about 30-45 minutes.
What should I do with the leftover oil?
Once you have finished frying your turkey, you should let the oil cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can reuse the oil for up to 2-3 times, but be sure to filter it first to remove any food particles.
Additional Resources
Pros and cons of frying with avocado oil
The good news is that Bon Appétit claims avocado oil has a smoke point of 520 F, making it an excellent choice for deep- or stir-frying. In addition to that, its a healthy fat. It contains unsaturated and monounsaturated fats and a plethora of omega acids, including oleic acid (via WebMD). Its nutritional components are considered beneficial for heart, skin, and eye health. Better yet, these health benefits are not affected adversely by high heat, per Healthline.
The only difficulty you might have using avocado oil to fry with is the cost. This is especially true if you usually use vegetable oil, which is around six to nine cents an ounce, per Iowa State University. In comparison, avocado oils weighs in at anywhere from 30 to 60 cents an ounce. However, you can do a couple of things to make it a little less pricey.