How to Deep-Fry a Turkey + Safety Tips
Deep-frying a turkey is a popular holiday tradition for many families, especially on Thanksgiving. Not only is it the quickest way to cook a full turkey, but nothing beats the crispy, golden-brown skin after frying. Plus, frying locks in moisture, so you won’t be that dreaded house serving dry turkey on Thanksgiving.
If you’ve never fried a turkey, then a) you need to try it; and b) you need to read this!
Our Mouthwatering Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe (with Step-by-Step Instructions)
4-6 Days Before Cooking:
You can't deep-fry a turkey without a turkey!
How big of a turkey do I need?
We recommend that you buy a turkey between 12 – 20 pounds. Anything smaller may cook too quickly which dries out the meat, and anything larger may be too large for your fryer bucket which will cause oil to overflow while cooking.
You can use a frozen turkey or fresh turkey, though a frozen turkey requires additional steps.
How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
A frozen turkey must be completely thawed before prepping. To maintain a safe temperature, you’ll need to thaw your turkey in a refrigerator, and thawing will take about 24 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey. This means that a 20lb turkey will take about four/five days to thaw!
What should I do with turkey giblets?
Once the turkey has thawed (or if you’re using a fresh turkey), then be sure to pull the giblet bag from the carcass and remove any plastic rings or pop-up cooking timers from the turkey before brining (and eventually deep-frying).
Reserve the giblet bag for giblet gravy or stock if desired. The gizzard, neck, and heart impart great flavor, but discard the liver – the turkey liver has a mineral taste that will make your food taste bitter.
1 Day Before Cooking:
How much oil is needed to fry a turkey?
The oil level in your deep-fryer is crucial – too much means that oil will overflow when heated, but not enough oil will lead to an improper cook on your turkey. However, the perfect amount can be found by a simple displacement test.
To do this, start by placing your thawed turkey (legs up) on your turkey fryer hanger, then lower it into your fryer pot. Next, fill the pot with water until the water level is ½ inch above the turkey’s legs and at least 2 inches lower than the top of the pot. Then, slowly lift your turkey out of the frying pot and allow the excess water to drain back into the pot. Once the water has settled, mark the water level on the pot (we suggest using a grease pencil) – this will be the fill line for your oil.
Do not use a frozen turkey for this step – doing so leads to inaccurate water displacement.
Should I use a turkey brine?
While not mandatory, brining your turkey adds another layer of subtle flavor to the meat, and it also tightens the outer layer of the turkey to prevent cooking oil from soaking into the meat.
There are hundreds of brine recipes online, so pick your favorite then follow the instructions.
Cooking Day:
Start by removing your turkey from the brine. Drain any excess liquid, then pat it dry with a towel.
Should I use a turkey injection?
Now is the time for a turkey marinade injection (if you choose to use one). You can create your own or use a store-bought sauce. Tony Chachere’s makes a simple garlic-butter chicken marinade with a syringe included in the package.
Can I stuff the turkey before frying?
Don’t stuff the turkey if you’re deep-frying it – instead, bake any stuffing separately.
What is the best oil for frying?
The best oils for frying have high smoke points. Peanut oil (450° smoke point) is the most popular choice thanks to its economical cost and the nutty flavor that it imparts into meat, but avocado oil (500°), soybean oil (450°), corn oil (450°), and canola oil (400°) are all good options as well. Avoid butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and any unrefined oils – these cannot reach the necessary temperature to cook a turkey without burning.
Whichever oil you choose, heat it to 400°.
How do I place my turkey into the deep-fryer?
Now, do not just drop your turkey into the hot oil – your fryer will get angry, and oil will splatter! Instead, slowly lower your turkey a few inches into the oil, then slowly remove it as the oil starts to bubble over. Let the oil calm down, then lower the turkey even further into the oil until it begins to bubble over again. Proceed with this technique (typically 5-6 times) until the turkey can be safely submerged.
Once the turkey has settled in the fryer, reduce the oil temperature to 375°.
How long does it take to deep-fry a turkey?
Turkey will take 3 ½ minutes per pound to fully cook through. That means, for example, that a 12lb turkey will take ~42 minutes to properly cook. The breast meat must reach a temperature of no less than 165° to be fully cooked.
To check your turkey’s temperature, carefully raise it out of the oil and allow it to drain before pushing a meat thermometer into the center of the turkey breast.
Once your turkey is fully cooked, gently pull it from the pot and allow any excess oil to drain off. Then, place the turkey on a carving tray and allow 5-10 minutes to rest before carving.
Safety Tips for Deep-Frying a Turkey
A propane deep-fryer will cook a turkey to perfection, but it can also be a fire hazard if used improperly. That’s why it’s so important to use your fryer only as instructed in accordance with the owner’s manual and always with safety top of mind.
How to Deep-Fry a Turkey Safely: Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Follow the owner’s manual or instructions.
- Inspect your propane equipment for rotted gas hoses, rusted heating elements, or any other damaged equipment prior to cooking.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from your fryer.
- Keep your fryer at a safe distance from your home and other structures.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease/oil fires near you.
- Keep the fryer’s burner as far away from your propane tank as possible.
- Cover up bare skin (arms, hands, legs), wear closed-toed shoes, and tie back long hair.
- Use protective equipment like goggles and oven mitts.
- Use the fryer on a flat, level surface.
- Use a fryer with temperature controls, and regularly check the temperature.
Don’t
- Deep-fry a frozen or partially-frozen turkey -- always pat dry your fully-thawed turkey first.
- Overfill the pot with oil.
- Leave the fryer unattended.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Put out a grease flame using water – always smother it instead.
- Deep-fry under an awning, in a garage, or under a cover of any kind.
- Drop your turkey into the oil too quickly.
- Operate a turkey fryer in rain or snow
- Use a turkey fryer with damaged or missing parts
- Let the oil get too hot – it should reach a maximum of 400° before being reduced to 375°.
How do I use a propane deep-fryer?
Be mindful when handling the propane tank for your deep-fryer. Place your propane tank and fryer on flat surfaces far away from flammable materials and structures. Your tank should be secured in an upright position using an EZGO Tank Stabilizer, and should also be as far from the deep-fryer as possible. Make sure that the hoses connecting your propane tank and deep-fryer are in working condition too.
Can I use a propane turkey fryer indoors?
No! Never used a propane-powered turkey fryer anywhere indoors because the propane gas will lead to a carbon monoxide build-up. You should even refrain from using the fryer outdoors on wooden surfaces due to the risk of fire hazard from an open flame.
There are deep-fryers designed for indoor usage, but these are electric-powered – never propane.
How much propane does it take to fry a turkey?
This depends on a few factors, but a standard 20-pound propane tank will typically be more than enough to fully cook a turkey (and then some!). If you need a refill before cooking day, then find a propane refill location near you to quickly fill up today. Unsure whether you need a refill? Check out our tips for when to refill a propane tank.
These tips will help you to cook a delicious turkey for your friends and family this Thanksgiving while keeping everyone safe. Happy Turkey Day, and enjoy!