All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
It makes sense that the thought of immersing a whole turkey in a pot of bubbling oil would excite cooks with a bold spirit of adventure. There are benefits to deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey, too: the process takes less than two hours and yields a juicy, flavorful bird with crispy, golden brown skin. Additionally, since everything takes place outside, you can free up oven space for all the holiday side dishes you intend to make.
However, there’s no better way to ruin Thanksgiving than to light your house and the bird on fire. If this is your first time frying a turkey, don’t just wing it. Our comprehensive guide on turkey frying offers detailed instructions along with several crucial safety precautions to ensure a successful deep-fried Thanksgiving meal.
So go ahead and prepare the sweet potatoes, green beans, and pecan pie in the oven, then head outside to cook your Thanksgiving turkey quickly and simply.
This guide combines the best of both worlds, drawing insights from two renowned sources: Gumbo Pages’ “Deep-Fried Turkey” and Allrecipes’ “Deep-Fried Turkey Breast” to answer your question about how long to deep fry a 10 lb turkey breast.
Preparation:
- Seasoning:
- Inject your turkey breast with your preferred marinade (Cajun Injector® is a popular option).
- Generously sprinkle the outside and cavity with Cajun Shake® or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Oil:
- Heat 3-4 gallons of peanut oil to 350°F in a large pot or deep fryer.
- Frying:
- Carefully lower the turkey breast into the hot oil.
- Fry for 3 1/2 minutes per pound for a 10 lb turkey breast.
- Important: Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the process.
Additional Tips:
- Ensure the turkey is completely dry before frying to avoid oil splattering.
- Use a fry basket for easier handling and removal.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes after frying to allow the juices to redistribute.
Estimated Cooking Time:
- For a 10 lb turkey breast, the total frying time would be approximately 35 minutes (10 lbs x 3.5 minutes/lb).
- Remember, this is an estimate, and the actual cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the turkey breast.
Internal Temperature:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast.
- The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Safety Precautions:
- Deep-frying involves hot oil, so exercise extreme caution.
- Use appropriate safety gear, such as heat-resistant gloves and long sleeves.
- Never leave the fryer unattended while in use.
Enjoy!
With these guidelines and a little practice, you can master the art of deep-frying a delicious and crispy turkey breast. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the specific weight of your turkey and always prioritize safety during the process.
How to deep-fry a turkey:
While the ingredients for our deep-fried turkey recipe are fairly straightforward—all you need is a whole turkey, lots of oil, and any additional seasonings you wish to add—the procedure calls for specialized tools. Although it may require an initial investment, once you own the entire setup, you can deep-fry your turkey every Thanksgiving. (You can also repurpose the equipment for a seafood boil come summertime. )Before you get started,.
- Turkey should always be fried outside, away from any combustible structures such as the house, garage, swing set, backyard patio, etc. When the weather is bad, avoid trying to deep-fry a turkey because it could get messy if snow or rain gets into your fry pot.
- Place the burner on a level surface and make sure kids and pets are always kept a safe distance away from the fryer.
- To protect yourself from the hot oil when deep-frying, put on strong gloves and a protective apron.
- Before moving or discarding the oil, let it cool completely (a few hours is best, but overnight is even better).
The supplies:
You don’t need an industrial deep fryer to cook your bird, but you will need a specialized turkey-frying kit. Look for these at most hardware and home-improvement stores, or online retailers (we like this one from Amazon). Most turkey-frying kits use propane gas, though some electric models fitted with fryer baskets claim to be safe to use indoors (avoid these; frying a whole turkey indoors runs a greater risk of a grease fire). Make sure your outdoor frying kit includes the following items:
- 30-qt. or larger aluminum pot
- A propane burner featuring a gauge to control the flame and a hose to attach to a propane gas tank
- A poultry rack featuring a hook to raise and lower the turkey
- To check the oil temperature, a 12-inch deep-frying thermometer that attaches to the pot’s side
Gas One Turkey Fryer Propane Burner Complete Kit
- A full propane tank
- A waterproof marker
- A heavy-duty apron
- Extended, robust oven mitts (such as those used for grilling)
- A meat thermometer with instant read capability for determining the turkey’s internal temperature
- A fire extinguisher, in case of emergencies
The turkey: Give it plenty of time to thaw if it’s frozen before starting the frying process (see our comprehensive guide on doing so here). If you have a fresh turkey, simply pat it dry with paper towels. In either case, stay away from using a wet marinade or brine because too much moisture can cause the bird to splatter when it’s dipped into the hot frying oil, which could result in dangerous flare-ups.
For most turkey preparations, including frying, we recommend dry-brining for optimal flavor and seasoning. A dry brine can permeate the meat, leading to a juicy, flavorful bird. More significantly, it dries out the skin, which promotes crisping and results in a more regulated frying process. Note that some turkeys—such as Butterball and kosher turkeys—are pre-brined (often in water) and do require additional seasoning. Remember that stuffing should be baked in an oven-safe casserole dish rather than stuffing deep-fried turkeys.
Whichever way you choose, don’t forget to dry the turkey from the inside out and remove the giblets from its cavity. Keep the neck and any other leftover turkey parts aside to make turkey stock (liver can be bitter). ).
The oil: You can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point. Canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil all work well. How much oil do you need to fry a turkey? For a 12–14-lb. turkey, you’ll need approximately 4–5 gal. of oil. However, because pots differ in volume, the technique below will assist you in figuring out exactly how much you’ll need to fill your specific pot. Keep in mind that when you lower the turkey, the oil level will rise; this technique accounts for the space needed between the oil’s surface and the pot’s top. Avoid completely filling the pot as this could lead to the hot oil spilling over and igniting the entire thing.
Deep Fried Turkey Breast – Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy
FAQ
How long do you deep fry a 10 pound turkey breast?
How many gallons of oil do I need to deep fry a 10 pound turkey?
How long does it take to deep fry a turkey breast?
Deep frying a turkey breast is a really quick method–a good rule of thumb is 3-4 minutes per pound, plus 5 minutes. A 3 pound turkey breast will take 15 to 20 minutes. Check this turkey cooking time chart for more info. Should you brine a turkey breast before deep frying? There’s no need!
How to deep fry a boneless turkey breast?
A: To deep fry a boneless turkey breast, you will need the following ingredients: Instructions: 1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F. 2. Cut the turkey breast into 1-inch thick pieces. 3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and oil. 5.
How long can you keep a deep fried turkey breast?
Make sure that you pre heat the oil before adding the turkey breast. It should reach 350°F, which you can check with a deep frying thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature of the oil during cooking and adjust the heat as necessary. Store leftover deep fried turkey breast in an airtight contianer in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do you Dry a fried turkey breast?
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and liberally season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Leave at room temperature for 1 hour (or refrigerate, uncovered, 1 to 24 hours). While the breast air dries, dry the pot and add the measured amount of oil.