Deep frying a turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It’s a method to quickly prepare a delicious bird any time of year. You need to understand the ins and outs of deep-frying turkey if you want to prepare this holiday staple while adhering to safety regulations.
You can safely deep fry a turkey indoors or outdoors with the help of this guide, which also includes setup instructions for your turkey fryer. Common queries like “How much oil do I need?” and “How long does it take to fry a turkey?” will also be addressed in this guide.
Safety Advice: Avoid frying frozen turkeys as they may explode in the hot oil, posing a risk of burns and injuries. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying. Jump to Specific Section.
Ah, the deep-fried turkey: a Thanksgiving staple and a culinary feat that can leave even the most seasoned cooks feeling a bit intimidated. But fear not, friends! With the right knowledge and a little practice, you can master the art of deep-frying a turkey and impress your guests with a juicy, flavorful bird that’s sure to be the star of the show
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of this deep-frying adventure The million-dollar question: how many minutes does it take to deep fry a turkey?
Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It depends on a few factors, including the size of your turkey, the temperature of your oil, and your desired level of doneness. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a handy guide to help you estimate the deep-frying time for your turkey:
- For a 12-14 pound turkey: Plan on a cooking time of 40-50 minutes.
- For a 15-18 pound turkey: Aim for a cooking time of 50-60 minutes.
- For a 19-22 pound turkey: You’ll need about 60-70 minutes of cooking time.
Remember, these are just estimates. The best way to ensure your turkey is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Here are some additional tips for deep-frying a turkey:
- Use a fresh or fully thawed turkey. Frozen turkeys can cause the oil to cool down too much, resulting in uneven cooking.
- Pat the turkey dry before frying. This will help the oil heat up faster and prevent splattering.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. This can also cause the oil temperature to drop and lead to uneven cooking.
- Start with the burner on high heat. Once the oil reaches 325°F, reduce the heat to medium-high.
- Use a deep fryer thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. This will help you maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Be careful when lowering the turkey into the oil. Use a turkey fryer basket or hook to avoid getting burned.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
And there you have it! With these tips and a little practice, you’ll be deep-frying turkeys like a pro in no time. So go forth, conquer the fryer, and enjoy the delicious rewards of your culinary efforts!
Bonus Tip: If you’re looking for a delicious and easy deep-fried turkey recipe, check out the one on the Butterball website. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Happy frying!
Safety Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey
- One of the most frequently mishandled varieties of outdoor cookers is the turkey fryer, frequently because of setup inexperience.
- When using a fryer or other outdoor cooker, always wear protective shoes, a BBQ apron, and mitts.
- Place a minimum of one grease fire extinguisher close to the fryer setup. Even though using an indoor fryer is safer, always keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
- Never try using an indoor fryer outside or an outdoor fryer inside.
- Pets and children should never be allowed in the vicinity of a fryer at any time.
- Do not drink alcohol while operating a turkey fryer.
- Never leave the fryer unattended, even for a moment.
- The gas line can be a trip hazard and could topple the pot, so never walk between the propane tank and the turkey fryer.
- Plan on being outside for a couple of hours.
- Turn off the burner and the gas supply right away if the fryer’s oil begins to smoke or reaches a temperature higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wait for the oil to cool down to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never move the fryer when it’s in use. Allow it to cool completely before moving, cleaning and storing.
- The internal temperature of dark meat must be between 175 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The internal temperature of white meat needs to be between 165 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safety Tip: Frying a turkey involves heating oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Before attempting to use a fryer, thoroughly read all manufacturers instructions and warnings. Follow safety precautions regardless of whether youre deep frying a turkey indoors or out.
How to Prepare a Turkey for Deep Frying
- Use a fresh turkey or defrost a frozen one completely.
- Take the giblets and neck out of the turkey’s body cavity after unwrapping it. Discard the wrap and the organs.
- Make sure there are no pockets of concealed ice around the joints or in between the ribs by thoroughly inspecting the thawed turkey.
- Remove any excess fat from the bird.
- Dry the bird well, inside and out. Any moist areas will make the oil violently splatter.
- Use your deep-fried turkey recipe to add any seasonings, marinades, or injected flavorings to the turkey.
- If the turkey weighs 14 pounds or less, you can deep-fry it whole in an 18-pound turkey fryer. Separate the legs and thighs from the breast and fry them separately if the turkey weighs 15 pounds or more.
- Do not attempt to deep fry a stuffed turkey. Cook stuffing separately.
- Make tiny cuts beneath the turkey’s neck, wings, and legs so that the oil can escape the bird more quickly after it has been fried.
How Long To DEEP FRY a Turkey (PER POUND)
FAQ
How much oil do I need to deep fry a 17 pound turkey?
Which end of turkey goes in fryer first?
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.
How do you cook a Turkey in a fryer?
Add oil to the fryer, but do not exceed the maximum fill line. Preheat oil in the fryer to 375° F. While the oil is heating, prepare your turkey with any seasonings, marinades, or injected flavors. Tuck legs. Once the oil is heated, place the basket in the fryer for 30 seconds. Remove basket from oil, place turkey in basket.
How long do you fry a Turkey in a frying pot?
(You can get a better estimate by placing the turkey in your frying pot and filling it with water beforehand.) It’s a good idea to keep a meat thermometer handy while waiting for your turkey to finish frying. The general rule of thumb is to keep the turkey in the fryer for about three minutes per pound.
How long does it take to fry a turkey thigh?
When using an indoor fryer, gently lower the basket into the oil for 30 seconds, then carefully remove and place on a sheet pan to rest. Step 4 Fry turkey until thigh reaches an internal temperature of 180ºF, 3 to 4 min per pound.