A Step-By-Step Guide On How to Deep Fry a Turkey Safely

Key Takeaways

• Important deep-fried turkey safety tips include never frying a frozen or damp turkey, never introducing water to the pot, wearing proper safety gear, cooking outdoors on a flat, stable surface, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby that is rated for grease fires.
• Thoroughly dry and season the turkey. Fry it in a 30 QT HPC stock pot at 350°F for three to four minutes per pound.
• Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.

In the heart of Southern Louisiana, where life's rhythms are often accentuated with the tantalizing flavors of local cuisine, frying a turkey has become much more than a trend. It's a culinary celebration.

Whether you're planning a festive Thanksgiving gathering, a sports tailgating event, or simply a delightful family meal, a perfectly fried turkey can be the show-stopping centerpiece. Of course, knowing how to deep fry a turkey like a pro makes all the difference in the final result!

Achieving that golden, crispy perfection isn't just about dropping a bird into hot oil. Preparation and technique are crucial, and you’ll need to follow essential turkey frying safety tips.

At High Performance Cookers, we’re passionate about delivering top-tier turkey fryers, as well as seafood boil equipment and other cooking solutions to amplify your outdoor adventures. Our owners, born and bred in Southern Louisiana, were inspired to craft the best culinary tools to bring the local flavors to life through boiling, steaming, slow cooking, or frying.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to deep fry a turkey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you deep fry a turkey at 325 or 350?

It’s important to maintain a consistent temperature of 350°F to prevent uneven cooking. Our Tunnel Tube Technology reaches the optimal frying temperature 3x faster than traditional pots and retains the heat for perfectly cooked turkey.

How long does a deep fryer take to cook a turkey?

At 350°F, a turkey should be deep fried for three to four minutes per pound.

Do you deep fry a turkey, covered or uncovered?

Never cover the pot while deep frying. Covering the pot can cause steam to accumulate and drip into the oil, which is a fire and splash hazard. This is a critical deep-fried turkey safety rule.

Should I bring my turkey to room temperature before deep frying?

Safety is the first priority as you learn how to deep fry a turkey. Never deep fry a frozen turkey. If the turkey is still frozen, even slightly, the ice will immediately turn into steam and cause splattering, splashing, and potentially even a fire or explosion.

What is the best oil to deep fry a turkey in?

Peanut oil is an ideal choice because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other popular oils for deep drying turkey include safflower, sunflower, soybean, and avocado.

Should I season my turkey before deep frying?

Although it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend seasoning inside and out for a rich, bold flavor. Of course, you can skip or go light on seasoning if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

We’ll recommend our go-to seasonings below, but feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices as you learn how to deep fry a turkey.

How long does a turkey need to rest after deep frying?

A deep-fried turkey should rest for at least 20 minutes, longer for especially large birds. In addition to ensuring it’s not too hot to eat, resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the bird, which improves both flavor and moisture.

Preparation: Before You Begin

Select the Right Turkey

Start with a turkey weighing between 10 and 18 pounds. For larger turkeys, just make sure it will fit into the pot you are cooking with.

Remember: A vital deep-fried turkey safety rule is to make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry, as any ice or moisture can cause dangerous splattering, fires, or explosions when in contact with hot oil.

Gather Your Equipment

Even if you already know how to deep fry a turkey, upgrading your equipment is a simple way to significantly improve both the food and the frying experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Stock Pot: A 30 QT stock pot can hold one turkey up to 20 pounds (although we don’t recommend turkeys over 14 pounds). A 60+ QT pot lets you fry two birds at once or a larger bird.
• Propane Burner: This is an outdoor activity, so you’ll need an outdoor burner. We highly recommend the 30 Qt Turkey Fryer Pot With Drain Valve, Basket, Lid & Turkey Rack.
• Thermometer: For monitoring temperature.
• Lifting Hook: For lowering the turkey into the pot and removing it when it’s done.
• Long-Handled Tongs: For making adjustments and performing various tasks.
• Heat-Resistant Gloves: To protect your hands and forearms.
• Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby that is specifically rated for grease fires.

Note: Whether you’re learning how to deep fry a turkey or just looking to upgrade your setup, we have top-quality turkey fryer kits and powered pots that come with essential accessories.

Setting Up the Frying Station

Choose Your Location

When making deep-fried turkey, safety begins with your frying location. Choose a flat, outdoor surface away from wooden structures, leaves, or any flammable materials. Your driveway or a patch of solid ground in your backyard are ideal spots.

Avoid frying on decks or inside garages.

Propane Burner and Pot Position

Place your propane burner on a flat surface and position the pot on top. Make sure it’s stable and away from windy areas. Connect your propane tank following the manufacturer's instructions.

Measure the Oil

Using the correct amount of oil is a crucial part of knowing how to deep fry a turkey, as you need enough to cook the full bird but not too much to cause overflow.

1. Place your uncooked, defrosted turkey in the stock pot.
2. Fill it with water until the turkey is submerged.
3. Remove the turkey and note the water level. This is the amount of oil you will need.

*Dry the Pot Thoroughly

Once you've noted the water level, thoroughly dry the pot and turkey very thoroughly. Any water inside the pot and on the turkey can cause oil to splatter dangerously. Don’t overlook this turkey frying safety tip!

Preparing the Turkey

Seasoning

For this step, you can get creative and experiment with how to deep fry a turkey with different herbs and spices. Every chef has their own preferences.

First, pat the turkey thoroughly dry inside and out with paper towels one more time to make sure there’s no residual moisture.

As a starting point, we recommend injecting your turkey with a marinade. Next, seasoning your turkey with a dry rub or your favorite Cajun seasoning, which could include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Ensure the inside cavity is seasoned, too, for a full-flavor experience.

Safety Check

Double-check that all giblets and plastic ties have been removed. Ensure the turkey is void of any excess moisture or ice crystals. This step is a must for proper deep-fried turkey safety.

How to Deep Fry a Turkey?

Heating the Oil

Fill your stock pot with oil to the pre-measured level. Peanut oil is popular due to its high smoke point and flavor.

Turn on the burner and heat the oil to 350°F, using the thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.

Lowering the Turkey

This step is critical: Turn off the burner to prevent any flare-ups during the insertion.

Wearing heat-resistant gloves, attach the lifting hook to the turkey and very slowly lower the bird into the oil, feet first.

Resume heating once the turkey is in place.

Cooking Time

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F.

A general rule for how to deep fry a turkey is to cook the turkey for about three to four minutes per pound. Thus, a 12-pound turkey will need approximately 42 minutes.

Monitoring Progress

To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh.

The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.

Removing the Turkey

When done, carefully turn off the burner and slowly lift the turkey from the oil. Allow excess oil to drain back into the pot.

Place the turkey on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet or on layers of paper towels to drain further and rest.

Congratulations, you know how to deep fry a turkey successfully and safely!

Serving Your Fried Turkey

Resting Period

Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.

Carving and Presentation

With a sharp knife, carve the turkey, showcasing its golden, crispy skin. The aroma alone is sure to captivate your guests before they even take their first bite.

Complementing Dishes

Pair your fried turkey with favorite Southern sides, like cornbread dressing, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole, to create a meal that your guests will remember for years.

Clean-Up

Another important deep-fried turkey safety tip is to be very careful and stay near the pot as you wait for the oil to fully cool.

Now that you know how to deep fry a turkey, you can keep and reuse the oil next time.

Once the oil has cooled, strain it through a fine mesh strainer and cheesecloth to remove food particles. Store the oil in a cool, dry place.

Properly dispose of oil that shows signs of contamination or rancidity.

Quick Turkey Frying Safety Tips

• Never leave your fryer unattended.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby that's rated for grease fires.
• Avoid frying on windy days to prevent the flame from being blown out or spreading.
• Check out more safety tips here.

Get the Best Performing Cookers on the Market

As long as you know how to deep fry a turkey safely and correctly, you and your loved ones are in for a memorable and delicious experience. By following these steps, you'll ensure a successful fry that captures the deep flavors and traditions of Southern Louisiana.

At High Performance Cookers, we’re here to make your culinary adventures not only feasible, but extraordinary.

Founded on the love of the South's vibrant food culture, our multi-use cookers and accessories cater to all your outdoor cooking needs, whether you're frying a turkey in your backyard, boiling crawfish for a neighborhood boil, or slow cooking chili for a tailgate party.

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We hope this guide on how to deep fry a turkey is helpful for the holidays and beyond! Ready to elevate your outdoor cooking game? Whether it's a festive gathering, a tailgate, or a tranquil camping trip, we have the perfect solution for you.

Shop High Performance Cookers to explore our range of premium multipurpose cookers designed to meet your every need.

Need help choosing the right turkey fryer?

Check this guide: Good Turkey Fryers Reviewed: The Best Picks for First-Timers and Fry Masters.

Contact us today if you have any questions about how to deep fry a turkey, proper deep-fried turkey safety, cookers, or anything else. We’re here to help!