How to Fry a Turkey

My first attempt at learning how to fry a turkey came a few years ago during the holidays. I was quite tired of the usual oven roasted turkey. I had heard of others who tried their hand at a deep fried turkey and thought this really sounded good. Little did I know it is a little more difficult than dropping a turkey in a deep fat fryer. To keep from making the same mistake I did follow these steps and enjoy a different spin on a holiday favorite.

Step 1
The first step in learning how to fry a turkey is selecting the right fryer and turkey. Make sure and select an outdoor turkey fryer that is able to run on propane and has a big enough pot to hold your turkey. When looking for a turkey fryer make sure and find one with a strainer like this one here. Smaller turkeys tend to work better for frying than large ones so try to keep your turkey well under 12 pounds. I have found 10 pound birds work well.

Step 2
Selecting the right oil is crucial in creating a great tasting turkey. I prefer to use peanut oil due to its nutritional value and taste. Vegetable oils, and corn oils work well also. You will need between 3 and 5 gallons of oil depending on the size of your fryer and the size of your turkey.

Step 3
Setting up for your turkey frying experience should involve selecting a location that is clear of overhanging trees and well away from buildings and houses. Make sure and have a fire extinguisher handy. If you were to experience a fire when frying a turkey make sure and never use a water hose.

Step 4
Preparing the turkey. When learning how to fry a turkey you need to have some previous experience with cleaning a turkey both inside and out. Remove the gizzards and any remaining feathers from your turkey. The next step in the process involves marinating and injecting your turkey. I prefer to inject my fried turkeys with Watkins flavor injectors. Follow the instructions on any of your favorite injector marinades. If you would like to add some zing to your bird try a rub. Prepackaged rubs can be found at your local grocery store. If you cannot find a rub for turkey then a chicken rub will work just as well. I like to coat the inside of the turkey with plenty of rub since much of the outside rub will boil away when placed in the fryer.

Step 5
Prepare the fryer for the turkey. Before turning your fryer on and placing any oil in it you want to hang your turkey off of a turkey hangar and place it in the pot. Use some water and pour over the turkey until it reaches about 2 inches from the top of the pot. Record how much water you used to achieve this level. Pour out your water and remove your turkey. Add the same amount of oil to your pot as you did water and begin heating the oil. The oil needs to preheat to 350 degrees.

Step 6
Drop a completely thawed, marinated, and rubbed turkey into the preheated oil using a turkey hangar and hook. Do NOT place a frozen turkey in the oil or you will have a huge fire. Allow your turkey to sink below the oil slowly. Once your turkey is completely submerged you want your turkey to cook for about 3 minutes per pound or until it is a dark golden brown.

Step 7
When you have determined that your turkey is fully cooked remove your turkey and place on a cookie sheet to allow the excess oil to be removed. Do not dab the oil off, and do not place paper towels under your bird. I have found that using a hand towel on the cookie sheet absorbs the oil just right.

Step 8
Carve your bird and enjoy some of the best tasting turkey you have ever had. Since I learned how to fry a turkey l have fell in love with the taste, texture, and aroma it gives.

Hope you enjoy your next fried turkey.