Deep-fried turkey legs are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor.
How to Deep-Fry Turkey Legs
There are a few different ways to deep-fry turkey legs. Here are two popular methods:
Method 1: Using Bub City’s Recipe
This recipe comes from Bub City, a popular restaurant in Chicago. It uses a buttermilk brine to keep the turkey legs moist and tender, and a seasoned flour coating to create a crispy crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole turkey legs (about 8 lbs. total), thighs and drumsticks separated
- ½ gallon buttermilk
- ½ gallon Bub City Batter (see below)
- 8 cups Bub City Seasoned Flour (see below)
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- Fine sea salt
For Bub City Batter:
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne
- 1 tablespoon
For Bub City Seasoned Flour:
- 8 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons baking powder
- 2½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 2½ tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon ground white
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl (or resealable plastic bag), add the turkey pieces and enough buttermilk to fully submerge. Cover and chill overnight.
- Pour enough oil in the bottom of a large, heavy-bottom skillet to reach a depth of at least 6 inches; heat to 300°F over medium-high heat.
- Remove turkey from buttermilk and lightly pat dry. Dip into the Bub City Batter, allowing excess batter to drip off. Next, dredge the pieces in Bub City Seasoned Flour until evenly coated all over.
- Carefully place the turkey into the hot oil and fry, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove turkey legs from oil and allow to cool slightly on a rack or paper-towel-lined plate.
- Season with fine sea salt, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Method 2: Using Ayesha Curry’s Recipe
This recipe comes from Ayesha Curry, a celebrity chef and cookbook author. It uses a simple flour coating and a high-heat frying method to create crispy and flavorful turkey legs.
Ingredients:
- 1 quart buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 turkey drumsticks (about 4 1/2 pounds total)
- Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a large bowl or jumbo resealable plastic bag, combine the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon each of the paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, 1 teaspoon of the cayenne, 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the turkey drumsticks and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
- Preheat a tabletop deep-fryer or fill a large, wide pot with 3 inches of oil; heat the oil to 365 degrees F. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking pan with paper towels and place a wire rack on top.
- In a large paper grocery bag, combine the flour with the remaining 1 tablespoon paprika, garlic powder and onion powder and 1 teaspoon cayenne, as well as 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Pat the turkey legs dry and add them to the bag. Fold the top of the bag to seal; shake vigorously to coat the turkey in the seasoned flour.
- Remove the turkey legs from the flour and shake off the excess. Fry the turkey in batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown, crispy and cooked through (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat, avoiding bone, should register at least 165 degrees F), about 16 minutes. Transfer the fried turkey to the prepared baking pan and keep warm in the oven while frying the remaining drumsticks. Return the oil to 365 degrees F between batches.
Tips for Deep-Frying Turkey Legs
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the turkey legs soggy.
- Fry the turkey legs in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Deep-fried turkey legs are a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion. By following the tips above, you can easily deep-fry turkey legs at home and impress your guests.
Why Fry a Turkey Leg?
There are various benefits to frying a turkey leg as opposed to other cooking techniques. Here’s why you should give it a try:
- Crisp and delectable: Frying keeps the moisture in and produces an incredibly crispy exterior that is hard to resist.
- Fast and effective: Frying a turkey leg is a great option for people who are pressed for time because it requires less time than roasting or grilling.
- Flavors that are versatile: You can create a wide variety of delectable flavor profiles by experimenting with different marinades and seasonings during the frying process.
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients and equipment:
- For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh turkey legs.
- Vegetable or peanut oil are excellent choices for frying because they have high smoke points.
- Seasonings: To give your turkey leg taste, experiment with different spices, herbs, and marinades.
- Frying pot and thermometer: To make sure the oil reaches the ideal frying temperature, use a large, sturdy pot and a thermometer.
- Large Dutch ovens or deep fryers are excellent choices for frying because they distribute heat evenly and offer stability.
- To handle the turkey leg safely while it’s frying, you’ll need tongs or a slotted spoon.
Let’s now examine the detailed instructions for frying a turkey leg:
- First, prepare the turkey leg by patting it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. Make sure the turkey leg is evenly coated with your chosen seasonings by rubbing them on.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into your Dutch oven or frying pan to completely submerge the turkey leg. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), keeping an eye on the temperature with a thermometer.
- Frying: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully lower the seasoned turkey leg into the heated oil. Be careful to avoid any splattering. Fry the turkey leg until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which should take about 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
- Drain and rest: After the turkey leg is perfectly cooked, carefully take it out of the oil and lay it on paper towels or a wire rack to drain any extra oil. Give it a brief rest so that the juices can re-distribute.
- Serve and savor: You can serve your expertly fried turkey leg by itself or alongside your preferred sides. Don’t forget to savor every flavorful bite!.
Remember, safety is essential when frying a turkey leg. Always follow recommended guidelines and never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
That’s it! You can now fry a turkey leg like a pro thanks to this detailed tutorial. Serve this delicious and succulent dish to your friends and family to wow them. Prepare yourself to savor the delicious, juicy, and crispy goodness that comes with each bite of a perfectly fried turkey leg. Happy cooking! Please share your knowledge and methods for pan-frying a turkey leg.
How To Fry A Turkey Leg: A Juicy and Flavorful Delight
A tasty and decadent treat that will have your taste buds aching for more is frying a turkey leg. Are you prepared to take your culinary abilities to the next level? This blog post will walk you through the process of perfectly frying a turkey leg, regardless of whether you’re hosting a holiday party or are just in the mood for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
How to Cook Fried Turkey Legs !!
FAQ
How long to deep fry turkey legs up or down?
What is the best oil to deep fry a turkey in?
Can you deep fry a smoked turkey leg?
What is the formula for deep frying a turkey?
How do you cook a turkey leg in a deep fryer?
In heavy 6-quart Dutch oven or deep fat fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Sprinkle and rub Cajun seasoning on turkey legs. Fry 2 turkey legs at a time in hot oil 14 to 16 minutes, turning once halfway through, until skin is golden brown and juice of turkey is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (at least 165°F). Drain on paper towels.
How long do you fry a turkey leg?
Fry the turkey leg for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain and rest: Once the turkey leg is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
However, this amount of salt is needed to help cut through the oil and help the turkey taste well-seasoned. This is the best part of deep-frying a turkey. Instead of the usual 13 to 15 minutes, fried turkey takes just three and a half minutes per pound. A ten-pound turkey will take 35 minutes; a 12-pound turkey about 42 minutes.
What kind of oil do you fry a turkey leg?
Peanut or vegetable oil: These oils have high smoke points and are ideal for frying. Seasonings: Get creative with your choice of spices, herbs, and marinades to add flavor to your turkey leg. Frying pot and thermometer: Select a large, sturdy pot and a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the optimal frying temperature.