How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Disclaimer: Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous. This guide offers advice on how to safely deep fry a turkey, but be aware that you do so at your own risk.

Guide Note: How to Deep Fry a Turkey tells you what you need to do to produce the best-tasting Thanksgiving turkey you've ever had! Table of Contents:

Introduction

  • Deep frying turkeys is getting to be more and more popular at Thanksgiving. How else can you quickly cook a succulent bird in just a few minutes, plus get the thrill that comes from the risk of burning your house down? But you don't need to court danger any longer - follow the tips below to learn how to deep fry turkeys successfully!

Step 1: What You'll Need

  • Before investing in any equipment, make sure you have enough space to safely deep fry your turkey. You'll need:
  1. A place to fry outside, a safe distance from buildings and anything else that can burn, like overhanging tree branches.
  2. A flat surface to fry on, to avoid tipping the fryer.
    • Don't deep fry on a wooden deck; splashing oil could easily set the wood on fire.
    • Concrete may be stained by splashing oil, so fry on it at your own risk.
  • You'll also need at least one other person to help with the frying.
  • Deep frying a turkey takes some specialized equipment. You may opt to purchase a turkey deep fryer, available at Amazon or seasonally at stores like Target. Or you can use a large pot and set up your own equipment.

Equipment

  1. Turkey deep fryer (the size required varies with the size of your turkey):
    • Using a turkey deep frier makes it easy. (Photo by Mahalo)
      Using a turkey deep frier makes it easy. (Photo by Mahalo)
    • 30 quarts for 10-12lbs.
    • 35 quarts for 13-14lbs.
    • 40 quarts for 15+ lbs.
  2. Hook or basket to lift the turkey in and out of the hot oil (usually included in deep fryer kit)
  3. Deep fry thermometer (usually included in deep fryer kit)
  4. Propane tank (to hook up to the deep fryer)
  5. Safety Goggles (to protect yourself from hot oil)
  6. Work gloves (for handling hot fryer)
  7. Baling wire (optional; if you want to truss your bird)
  8. Meat thermometer
  9. Fire extinguisher
  • You can always substitute a large pot for a deep fryer kit. Make sure you can safely heat the pot, and follow the same size requirements listed above.
  • There are also oil-less turkey fryers on the market. These devices allow you to evade the risks of cooking with hot oil, but they do not provide the crispy skin and fun experience only frying allows!

Ingredients

  1. Thawed or fresh turkey
  2. Frying oil (minimum of 2.5 gallons)
To find out how much oil you'll need
  1. Place your turkey in the frying pot.
  2. Add water until it covers the turkey to a depth of 1-2 inches.
  3. Take out the turkey and note the water level; you'll want this much oil when you fry your turkey.
  4. Drain the water, then dry your pot completely. If any water's left in it when you start heating oil, you risk hot oil spattering!
  • The only two required ingredients are listed above. Ingredients for (optional) seasoning are mentioned below.

Step 2: Prepare Your Turkey

  • Some rubs and marinades require 2-24 hours to season the turkey. Check your recipe first to see how much time is required. If you're running short on time, turkey doesn't need a marinade or other flavors to be deliciously deep fried! But remember, you cannot fry a frozen turkey; putting one in hot oil will cause the oil to spill over.
  1. If you have a frozen turkey, defrost it.
  2. When the turkey's thawed, take off its plastic wrap or covering.
  3. Remove the giblets and neck.
    • Put these aside if you plan to use them later, or just throw them out.
  4. Remove any plastic in the turkey, such as a pop-up timer.
  5. Wash the turkey with water.
  6. Pat the turkey completely dry, using paper towels.
  7. Flavor the turkey, if you desire.

Rubs

  • You may wish to flavor your turkey with a dry rub. You can use any seasoning you like, even one as basic as salt.
Rub Recipes

Injecting

  • Remember that you'll need an injector to get these in the turkey!
Injection Recipes

Brining

Brine Recipes

TIP: You can also flavor your turkey by adding herbs, such as rosemary or garlic, to the cavity, but never put stuffing in a turkey you're going to deep fry.

Step 3: Prepare Your Equipment

  1. Make sure your pot's completely dry, then fill it with oil.
    • Heat the oil until it reaches 365°F. (Photo by Mahalo)
      Heat the oil until it reaches 365°F. (Photo by Mahalo)
    • Never fill past recommended line - higher and you risk oil spillover.
  2. Follow the instructions to light the propane tank.
  3. Place the oil-filled pot on its stand, so the oil can start heating.
    • You want it to reach 365°F. This will take at least 30 minutes.
  4. Always have someone stay with the fryer from this point on.
  5. Take the turkey out of the refrigerator when the oil reaches about 300°F.
    • You may use baling wire to truss your bird at this point, but it isn't necessary.
  6. Place the turkey on its hook, or in its basket, with the drumsticks pointing up.

Step 4: Fry That Turkey

  • Now that your oil's hot, it's time to fry your turkey!
  1. No matter how silly you think you look, put on your work gloves and safety goggles.
  2. When the oil's at 365°F, turn down the flame and carefully lower your turkey into the pot.
  3. Turn the flame back up as the turkey cooks; you want to maintain a temperature of 350°F.
  4. Fry your turkey for 3 - 3 1/2 minutes per pound.
  5. When your time is up, take the turkey out of the oil and place it on a metal tray.
    • You may want to line the tray or platter with paper towels, to soak up any excess oil.
  6. Use your meat thermometer to see if the turkey's done; the center of the breast should be at least 170°F.
  7. If it's not done, put it back in the oil for another 5 minutes, then check it again.
  8. Let the turkey cool for about 15-20 minutes, then carve and serve!

TIP: If you're frying your turkey in a basket, turn it every few minutes so it doesn't stick to the sides.

Step 5: Clean Up

  • It's not the most fun part, but it has to be done.
  1. Make sure to consume or refrigerate all your turkey within two hours.
  2. You may wish to drain the oil and store it for re-use.
  3. Clean and dry your pot, so you're ready to fry again!

Resources for How to Deep Fry a Turkey

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