Whether you are cooking for the festive season or a large family gathering, getting your turkey done to perfection is not always an easy task. Frying turkey however, is a game changer that will leave you with a crispy exterior and moist interior in no time. Read this step-by-step guide on how to fry a turkey so you can create a holiday meal you and your guests won't soon forget.

How to Fry a Turkey

If you want to try deep fried turkey this year, there are a few things you have to know. Since you are going to be working with a large amount of oil, safety is paramount. Make sure to closely follow these instructions so that you can learn how to fry a turkey safely and easily.

Tools

• Turkey fryer
• Grab hook (usually comes with fryer)
• Meat thermometer
• Deep fry thermometer (if needed)
• Oven gloves
• Apron
• Roasting pan (or dish to place turkey on once fried)
• Turkey
• Peanut oil
• Grease-rated fire extinguisher (just in case)

Step 1: Thaw Turkey

Unless you manage to find a fresh turkey at a speciality butchery, you will have a frozen turkey. It is imperative that you completely thaw it out before you can make your deep fried turkey. Frying a turkey that is frozen or partially frozen in hot oil is extremely dangerous.

• To thaw your turkey, take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge.
• Estimate 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey.

Tip!

If you have to perform "quick" defrost, you can do so with water.

• Fill your sink with cool water and place the turkey breast-side down, ensuring it is fully submerged.
• Leave it in the water for 30 minutes, then drain the water and repeat until the turkey is thawed.
• Never use hot or warm water as it will thaw the exterior while the interior remains frozen.

Step 2: Measure Your Oil

The size of your turkey will determine how much oil you need. Most turkey fryers have a fill line mark showing where your oil should come to. Never exceed this line as it will result in oil spilling over as you place the turkey in.

• If your fryer does not have a fill line, you can mark your own.
• Begin by removing the frying basket and placing the wrapped turkey into the empty pot.
• Fill the pot with water until the bird is covered.
• Once you remove the turkey, make a note of where the water level is, as this will indicate where your oil line will be. (Use a Sharpie if you need to)
• Make sure to thoroughly dry the pot before adding oil to it.

Tip!

It is best to use peanut oil for deep frying turkey because it has a high smoke point.

Step 3: Set Up the Fryer

In the interest of safety, it is best to set up your turkey fryer outside of the house to avoid any potential fire hazards.

• Place the fryer on level ground, ten feet away from any flammable items.
• Make sure to keep children and animals away.
• Wear protective clothing such as an apron and oven gloves
• If you're using a propane tank, place it two feet away from the fryer.

Step 4: Preheat the Oil

You need to preheat your oil before you can begin deeping frying the turkey. This is not a quick process, so make sure you leave enough time to do so.

• It's a good idea to start preheating your oil before you begin preparing your turkey.
• You want your oil to reach 375°F, so follow your fryer instructions to do so.
• Once the oil reaches this temperature, it is ready for frying turkey. You can use your deep fry thermometer to check if it is suitable.
• If your oil starts smoking, immediately turn off the fryer to prevent a fire.

Step 5: Prepare Your Turkey

How and when you season your turkey is up to you. Some prefer to season a day or two before, others the morning of, or right before you cook it. No matter which you choose, ensure you remove any giblets from the cavity and do not try to cook the turkey with stuffing in it.

• Make sure to pat your turkey dry to ensure there is no moisture left.
• Rub the seasoning all over the outside of the turkey. You can even add some to the inside for additional flavoring while it cooks.

Step 6: How to Fry a Turkey

It is finally time for deep frying the turkey. Make sure you connect the extension tool to the basket as this is what will allow you to slowly immerse the turkey while remaining at a safe distance.

• To prevent the meat from sticking, you can either spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray, or lower the empty basket into the oil for 30 seconds, remove it, and then add the turkey.
• Do not drop the turkey in, but rather slowly submerge it.
• Read instructions about whether to lower the burner or turn it off before submerging.
• Fry the turkey for about 3 – 4 minutes per pound and until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 170°F.
• To check the internal temperature, remove the turkey from the fryer and place the meat thermometer into the flesh.
• If the internal temperature is not right, return it back to the fryer to cook a little longer.
• Once the turkey is cooked, place it in a roasting pan or vessel to drip until ready to serve.

Tip!

Read How to Carve a Turkey to create the perfect cuts.

Safety Tips

• Never leave your fryer unattended
• Wait until the oil is cooled before handling it.
• Do not dispose of oil down the drain.
• Once the oil has cooled, pour it into a non-recyclable container with a lid and dispose of it in that garbage.

Armed with the knowledge of how to fry a turkey, you too can create the most tender and delicious meat on the street.