If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook up a turkey, deep frying may be the answer you are looking for. I know you may be thinking that all you are going to get is a greasy mess of a turkey, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Deep fried turkeys are moist and delicious and not at all greasy.
image courtesy of jimemo7/flickr
Equipment Needed
- Turkey Fryer Kit – These kits will contain the majority of the hardware needed to deep fry a turkey.
- Deep Fry Thermometer – This will come with a Turkey Fryer Kit.
- Propane Tank – Make sure you have enough propane left or have another tank on reserve.
- 2 ½ to 3 Gallons of Oil – Preferably Peanut Oil. Even though it is more expensive I believe that peanut oil gives a better flavor. Other alternatives are Corn Oil, Canola Oil, or Sunflower Oil.
Safety First
- Completely read the instruction manual for your turkey fryer kit. Follow all the safety precautions.
- Set up outdoors on a level surface away from any enclosures. On a level dirt or grassy area is perfect. Oil will stain concrete. Do Not fry your turkey on a deck or in a garage.
- Wear something on your feet. No open toed shoes.
- You’re dealing with hot oil and propane, so just use your head.
Testing the Oil Level
- You Do Not want to fill up the pot with oil and drop the turkey in; the oil could spill out over the pot and cause a fire. You need to test how much oil you will actually need in the pot.
- Place your fresh or thawed turkey into the fry pot.
- Fill the fry pot with Water until the water level is 2 inches above the turkey.
- Pull the turkey out of the fry pot and check the water level.
- This is the level in which to fill the fry pot with oil.
- Dump out the water and dry the fry pot thoroughly. Any water left behind can cause oil spattering.
Deep Frying the Turkey
- Set up the Turkey Fryer according to manufacturer’s directions in your safe cooking area.
- Fill the fry pot with oil to the level that was determined from the water test. And attach the turkey fryer thermometer to the pot.
- Heat the oil to 325° – 350°F
- Slowly lower the turkey into the oil using the basket or hanger provided. You may have to dunk the turkey a few times if the oil starts to boil up too much. Do Not Drop the turkey into the oil.
- It only takes 3 to 3 ½ minutes per pound to fry the turkey. The optimum turkey frying temperature is 350°F.
- After the cooking time is complete turn off the fryer at the propane tank.
- Slowly raise the turkey out of the oil using the hook provided in the turkey frying kit.
Let the Turkey Rest
- You may want to place the turkey on some paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
- Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute throughout the turkey. This will make for a moister, juicier turkey.
After it has rested it is time to carve the turkey and enjoy!
Miscellaneous Points
- The peanut oil may be saved and reused again. Let the oil cool. The top layer of oil will typically be clean and clear. Save this portion in the original container. Refrigerated oil will keep for a year. If you store it unrefrigerated, place it in a cool, dark spot. Unrefrigerated it will keep for 3 to 6 months.
- Prepare your turkey with your favorite rub, or try injecting it various seasonings.
- Do Not attempt to deep fry a stuffed turkey.
- Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering into the oil. A wet turkey will cause the oil to spatter.
- Never leave the hot oil unattended. Keep children and pets away.
- Fry Safe and Enjoy!
If you are looking for a really good, high quality turkey fryer kit that will have you deep frying moist and delicious turkeys over and over again your will want to check out this kit >> Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer Kit