If you haven’t tried deep-fried turkey, you’re missing out on a flavorful and juicy bird. Not just residents of Texas, the state that gave rise to the fried food exhibit at its State Fair, appreciate this You can deep fry a turkey at home.
I use my Masterbuilt 23011114 Butterball Indoor Gen III Electric Fryer Cooker Extra Large Capacity. What I really like about this is you can really fry a turkey indoors without an issue.
Let’s be honest here. Most people only make a turkey for dinner on Thanksgiving because it is a tradition. Too often, the bird is disappointingly dried out and flavorless. Hey, at least the holiday desserts and side dishes more than make up for a meh main course. However, if you enjoy delicious turkey—that is, juicy, flavorful, golden, crispy turkey—you must try this recipe for deep-fried turkey. After less than an hour, you’ll be able to serve Thanksgiving dinner where the turkey, not your Aunt Sally’s cranberry sauce recipe, is the star of the show! This deep-fried version tastes so good, you might find yourself making it even on non-holidays!
Yo, fellow deep-frying enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the world of deep-fried turkey thighs, a crispy, golden delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
How Long Do You Deep-Fry Turkey Thighs?
The golden question that’s probably swirling around your mind right now is: “How long do I deep-fry these bad boys to achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior?” Well, my friend, the answer is a sweet and simple 25-30 minutes.
But wait, there’s more!
Before you toss those turkey thighs into the bubbling oil, there are a few crucial steps you need to take to ensure a safe and delicious experience. So, grab your apron, crank up the tunes, and let’s get this party started!
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Thighs
- Pat those babies dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so make sure your turkey thighs are nice and dry before you start. Pat them down with paper towels until they’re free of excess moisture.
- Season with love: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Rub your turkey thighs with your favorite spices or a simple salt and pepper combo. You can even get creative and experiment with different flavor profiles.
- Let them rest: Once seasoned, let the turkey thighs rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Choose the right oil: Peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil are all good choices for deep-frying turkey thighs. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point so it doesn’t burn during the cooking process.
- Heat it up: Heat the oil in your deep fryer or a large pot to 325°F (163°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
Step 3: Deep-Fry Away!
- Gently lower the turkey thighs into the hot oil: Be careful not to splash the oil, as it can cause burns.
- Flip halfway through: After about 15 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the turkey thighs over. This ensures even browning on both sides.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy: Continue frying for another 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey thighs are golden brown and crispy.
- Check the internal temperature: To ensure the turkey thighs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Step 4: Rest and Enjoy!
- Let the turkey thighs rest: Once cooked, transfer the turkey thighs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Dig in and savor the crispy goodness: Now comes the best part – digging into those crispy, juicy turkey thighs! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, sides, and a cold beverage for a truly satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Deep-Frying Turkey Thighs:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Frying too many turkey thighs at once can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs: Avoid using a fork to handle the turkey thighs, as this can puncture the skin and release juices into the oil.
- Be mindful of the oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 325°F (163°C).
- Safety first: Always wear safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves when deep-frying to protect yourself from splattering oil.
With these tips and tricks in your arsenal you’re well on your way to mastering the art of deep-frying turkey thighs. So, gather your ingredients, crank up the heat, and get ready to experience a culinary masterpiece that will leave you and your guests begging for more!
How to Deep Fry a Turkey
- Dry the turkey completely with paper towels.
- Inject marinade into the turkey breast, legs, and thighs.
- Before frying, let the turkey marinate in the fridge for a few hours.
- Heat the oil to 400 degrees, or as the manufacturer of the deep fryer recommends.
- Place the turkey on the deep fryer rack or basket.
- Fry the turkey approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound.
- Verify with a thermometer that the internal temperature of all dark meat is 175 degrees, and the internal temperature of all white meat is 165 degrees.
To Brine or Not to Brine, That is the Question
Most people these days already know that brining a turkey is a great way to enhance its flavor and protect it from drying out in the oven. It’s simple to avoid overcooking the meat when you follow this deep-fried turkey recipe, but brining still results in a more flavorful bird. But, if you decide to brine the turkey, you must ensure that it is extremely dry before submerging it in the oil. Water and hot grease leads to out-of-control bubbling and splattering.
Brining a turkey can boost its flavor profile, but it requires plenty of planning. It takes between 10 and 12 hours for a turkey to get the best benefits from its saltwater bath. But using a flavor injector, basically, a large syringe, to pump seasoned liquid directly into the meat of the bird can cut the prep time to just about an hour. After filling the injector with your favorite flavoring liquid:
- Insert it into the thickest area of the turkey breast, about half the length of the needle.
- Gently depress the plunger, then lift the injector just a little bit—without completely removing it from the hole—and insert the needle into the meat again, this time in a different spot.
- Repeat a few more times on the other half of the turkey breast after doing this.
Let the turkey sit for 20 to 30 minutes so the liquid can spread evenly, then completely dry it out and deep-fry it.
Here’s a list of what you need to deep fry a turkey:
- Whole turkey, fresh or completely defrosted
- Marinade
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Oil for fryer – vegetable, peanut, safflower, or canola oil
Deep Fried Turkey Thigh Recipe – Thanksgiving Time!
FAQ
What temperature is a deep fried turkey thigh done?
How long to deep fry turkey at 350?
How do you know when a deep fried turkey is ready?
What is the timeline for frying a turkey?