Upgrade the main attraction this Thanksgiving and prepare a Deep Fried Turkey! I had my first deep fried turkey many years ago and I have to admit it was one of the best turkeys I’ve every tasted. Fried Turkey is so crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And injecting the turkey with seasoned butter gives it the ultimate flavor.
Now I know what you are thinking, frying a whole large bird can be a little risky. No worries I got you covered. In today blog post I will share my delicious recipe for fried turkey and I give you tip to stay safe in the process. Get ready for an upgraded Thanksgiving experience that your loved ones will be talking about for years to come.
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Jump to Recipe Print RecipeHow to Deep Fry a Turkey
When deep frying a turkey there are several factors to consider. The number one factor to consider is safety. If you are going to deep fry a turkey ensure you have the proper equipment, follow all instructions, wear protective garments (long sleeves, oven mitts, apron, etc) and you have a fire extinguisher near by.
Once you have taken the proper safety precautions now it’s time to select and properly prepare your turkey. Make sure to you choose a turkey that is the appropriate size and weight for your deep fryer. It is recommended to deep fry turkeys that are between 10 and 15 pounds. When deep frying a larger turkey you run the risk of uneven cooking and the overflow of the oil in your fryer.
Prepare the turkey by removing any plastic ties, pop-up timers, or giblets from the turkey. If using a frozen turkey make sure to fully thaw your turkey to prevent oil splattering. Allow 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator for every 4 pounds of turkey. Never deep fry a partially frozen turkey.
Dry your turkey inside and out with paper towels to remove all moisture. Inject your turkey with a butter marinade and season the turkey before frying. This will yield optimum flavor. After you oil has been preheated to the proper temperature, deep fry your turkey according to the size guidelines. As a rule, for every pound of turkey fry for 3 and a half minutes.
Cooking Time Based on Turkey Weight:
- 10-pound turkey: ~35 minutes (3.5 minutes per pound)
- 12-pound turkey: ~42 minutes
- 14-pound turkey: ~49 minutes
- 15-pound turkey: ~52 minutes
General Rule: Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. The deep fryer oil should be 375°F (190.6°C).
Watch the Video Tutorial for Deep Fried Turkey
What you will need
Ingredients for Deep Fried Turkey
- Turkey: Turkey serves as the main ingredient. Juicy, tender meat with a crispy, golden skin when deep-fried.
- Creole Butter Marinade: Butter Marinade Infuses the turkey with bold flavors and keeping it moist and juicy.
- Creole Seasoning: Creole Seasoning adds a spicy kick enhancing the flavor of the crispy skin.
- Onion Powder: The Onion Powder gives the turkey a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Black Pepper: Black pepper give the turkey that earthy heat that complements the savory flavor of the marinade.
- Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the turkey and it helps to create a perfectly crispy skin.
- Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is ideal for deep frying due to its high smoke point, which makes a safely cooked turkey with a light, crispy texture.
Instructions for Deep Fried Turkey
Preheat the deep fryer to 375°F (190.6°C).
1. Prepare your Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, creole seasoning and whisk until well combined. Prepare your creole butter marinade by filling your syringe.
2. Seasoning the Turkey
Inject the turkey with the marinade ensuring the syringe goes directly into the meat, not just under the skin. As you inject, gradually pull the syringe out, redirect and reposition it to evenly distribute the marinade. For optimum flavor, inject in multiple locations but try to keep the number of injection sites to a minimum so the marinade will stay in the turkey.
3. Deep Frying the Turkey
After the deep fryer has reached the desired temperature of 375°F (190.6°C), place the turkey in the basket that came with your deep fryer. Slowly and carefully lower the basket into the oil then close the lid. Allow your turkey to cook based on the time needed for its weight. (see chart)
Cooking Time Based on Turkey Weight:
- 10-pound turkey: ~35 minutes (3.5 minutes per pound)
- 12-pound turkey: ~42 minutes
- 14-pound turkey: ~49 minutes
- 15-pound turkey: ~52 minutes
4. Remove Turkey from Fryer
Remove the turkey from the deep fryer once it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). All the turkey to sit for 20 minutes before serving.
What to Do with Leftover Turkey?
Leftovers after Thanksgiving is usually the case. Have no fear, you can store your turkey in fridge and freezer to enjoy it another day. Storing leftover deep-fried turkey is simple and will keep it tasting delicious! Once the turkey has cooled to room temperature, carve any remaining meat off the bones. Wrap the pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or you can place them in an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy the leftovers within a few days, store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container and put it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw the turkey in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven to preserve its juicy texture. This way, you can enjoy that delicious turkey all over again without sacrificing flavor!
The holiday season is one of the best times of the year. And although I love the traditional roasted turkey, it’s nice from time to time to switch things up. Deep fried turkey is a treat that is nice to indulge in from time to time and your family will love it too. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Other Great Recipes
15
servings37
minutes56
minutesThis is a delicious recipe for Deep Fried Turkey. Injected with Creole seasoned butter for a taste that is so satisfying.
Ingredients
1 Turkey
16 oz Zatarain’s Creole Butter
1 Tbsp Creole Seasoning
1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Salt
Peanut Oil
Directions
- Preheat the deep fryer to 375°F (190.6°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, onion powder, creole seasoning and whisk until well combined. Prepare your creole butter marinade by filling your syringe.
- Inject the turkey with the marinade ensuring the syringe goes directly into the meat, not just under the skin. As you inject, gradually pull the syringe out, redirect and reposition it to evenly distribute the marinade. For optimum flavor, inject in multiple locations but try to keep the number of injection sites to a minimum so the marinade will stay in the turkey.
- After the deep fryer has reached the desired temperature of 375°F (190.6°C), place the turkey in the basket that came with your deep fryer. Slowly and carefully lower the basket into the oil then close the lid. Allow your turkey to cook based on the time needed for its weight.
- Remove the turkey from the deep fryer once it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipe Video
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