Keywords: deep fried turkey, turkey, cooking, safety, temperature, oil, recipe, Thanksgiving
Deep-frying a turkey is a popular method for achieving a crispy, flavorful, and juicy bird. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and follow proper techniques to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to deep-fry a turkey like a pro.
Equipment and Ingredients
Equipment:
- 40- or 60-quart pot with basket
- Burner and propane gas tank
- Candy thermometer
- Meat thermometer
- Fire extinguisher
- Potholders
Ingredients:
- 8- to 10-pound turkey (smaller turkeys or turkey parts are ideal)
- Approximately 5 gallons of oil (more for larger turkeys)
- Marinade or breading (optional)
- Seasoning (optional)
Safety Precautions
- Location: Choose a level dirt or grassy area. Never fry indoors, in a garage, or near buildings. Avoid wood decks and concrete.
- Oil: Use oils with high smoke points like peanut, refined canola, corn, rice, or sunflower oil.
- Supervision: Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Children and Pets: Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Oil Disposal: Allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it properly.
- Handwashing: Wash hands, utensils, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with raw turkey immediately.
- Leftovers: Consume turkey immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Cooking Preparation
- Oil Measurement: Place the turkey in the basket and put it in the pot. Add water until it reaches 1 to 2 inches above the turkey. Remove the turkey and measure the water level. Pour out the water and dry the pot. This measurement indicates the amount of oil needed.
- Oil Heating: Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. This usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Thawing: Always use a completely thawed turkey.
- Stuffing: Do not stuff turkeys for deep frying.
Frying the Turkey
- Temperature Check: Once the oil reaches 350 degrees F, slowly lower the turkey in the basket into the pot.
- Cooking Time: Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook.
- Internal Temperature: Remove the turkey and check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The thickest part of the breast, the innermost portion of the wing, and the innermost portion of the thigh should reach 165°F.
- Resting: Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Additional Tips
- Marinade: Inject 1 cup of marinade into an 8- to 10-pound turkey (2/3 in the breast, 1/3 in the rest).
- Breading: Coat the turkey with breading for a crispy exterior.
- Seasoning: Season the turkey with your favorite spices for added flavor.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety and follow the guidelines provided.
Conclusion
Deep-frying a turkey can be a rewarding culinary experience when done safely and correctly. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this guide, you can achieve a delicious and crispy deep-fried turkey that will impress your family and friends. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct equipment and ingredients, and follow the cooking steps carefully. Happy frying!
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is fried turkey done?
The internal temperature of a fried turkey should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost portion of the wing, and the innermost portion of the thigh.
How long does it take to deep fry a turkey?
Whole turkeys require approximately 3 minutes per pound to cook. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the oil.
What kind of oil should I use for deep frying turkey?
Use oils with high smoke points like peanut, refined canola, corn, rice, or sunflower oil.
Can I stuff a turkey for deep frying?
No, do not stuff turkeys for deep frying.
How Much Oil Will I Need?
When the turkey is lowered into the pot, too much oil will cause the oil to bubble and spill over the sides, creating a serious fire hazard. Using just enough oil—never more—is a crucial safety measure.
Fill the empty pot with water until the turkey is covered, then place the turkey—if using a stand—into it. After removing the turkey, measure the distance with a ruler between the top of the pot and the top of the water. This will be the point at which oil needs to be added to the pot.
What Type of Oil?
For this deep-frying project, an oil with a high smoke point and a mild flavor is required; peanut oil is the ideal choice. It has a fairly neutral flavor and a smoke point of roughly 450°F (232°C).
Corn, safflower, and sunflower oil are choices with high smoke points if you or any visitors are allergic to peanuts.
Deep Fried Turkey: To Time? Or To Temp?
FAQ
What is the internal temp for a deep fried turkey?
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
How long does it take to deep fry a 15 lb turkey?
What temperature should a deep fried turkey be fried?
In our Deep-Fried Turkey recipe, we call for a relatively low frying temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the oil over high heat and turn the heat off while adding the turkey. Once the turkey is in the oil, maintain the temperature of the oil between 300 and 315 degrees. An average turkey weighs about 15 pounds.
What temperature should a Turkey be cooked at?
When roasting turkey, here are the temperatures to follow: Whole turkey: On your meat thermometer, a whole cooked turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Whole turkey, stuffed: The center of the stuffing must reach 165°F.
How long do you deep fry a Turkey?
Once the turkey is in the oil, maintain the temperature of the oil between 300 and 315 degrees. An average turkey weighs about 15 pounds. In our Deep-Fried Turkey recipe, we recommend frying the turkey for 35 to 50 minutes, meaning that we’re giving about 3 minutes per pound for the bird to cook.
How do you know if a deep fried turkey is done?
Deep-fried turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Testing doneness might require an extra set of hands — one to lift the turkey from the oil and another to use a digital probe thermometer to get a temperature reading. Be sure the fryer burner is turned off before handling the turkey.