How to Deep Fry Thanksgiving Turkey

For many, the holidays are full of tradition and regularity. If things start to get a little stale for your Thanksgiving get together, try shaking things up a bit by frying the Thanksgiving turkey. It may seem like an outlandish proposition, but it produces outstanding, tasty results. Follow these simple steps to learn how to fry your own Thanksgiving turkey for a ****y holiday everyone will remember.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Prepare and Gather the Supplies

1. Purchase a specialty turkey fryer. These can be found at most large retail stores like Target or Wal Mart or certainly online and come with all the tools you'll need including a large pot (30, 40 or 60 quarts), turkey frying hardware, a propane burner, and a deep frying thermometer.
2. Pick up a turkey and frying oil. An 8 to 10 pound turkey is ideal, though most fryers can accommodate a bird up to 12 to 14 pounds. Peanut oil is the most used oil for frying as it has a high smoke point and good flavor. It can be found at most Grocery stores in bulk at Restaurant Supply or Wholesale food stores.
3. Set up your turkey fryer in a well-ventilated, level, grass or dirt outdoor area. Follow the manufacturer's directions closely when setting up your fryer. Make sure all your tools are near by including a fire extinguisher in case of accidents and oven mitts to help remove the turkey.
4. Prepare your Thanksgiving turkey by removing the giblets, neck and any excess fat from around the neck of the bird. Ensure it is completely thawed. You can flavor it by using injection marinades, breading it, or just adding some salt and pepper. It will taste great no matter what. You cannot stuff a fried turkey, so prepare Thanksgiving dressing instead if it's usually on your menu.
5. Hook up a propane gas tank to the propane burner on your fryer. Ensure the shut-off valve is closed completely before attaching and keep the propane tank at least 2 feet away from the fryer at all times.

Fry the Thanksgiving Turkey

6. Determine the exact amount of oil needed. Put the turkey in the pot with the basket. Add water to the pot. Fill the pot until the water completely covers the turkey by about 1and ½-inches. Take the turkey out and use a ruler to measure the water level. Pour out the water and dry the pot.
7. Pour the peanut oil into the pot to the marked level for your turkey. Turn on the propane gas by opening the valve and carefully lighting the burner. Heat the oil to 365-degrees. It will typically take about 1 hour for the oil to get to temperature. While the oil is heating, you can prepare your turkey with any marinades, flavors or breading you would like.
8. Slowly place the turkey in the basket and carefully lower it into the fryer and oil using oven mitts to protect your hands from any oil spatter.
9. Cook the turkey approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound. When the time is up, carefully remove the turkey and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be 170-degrees in the breast and 180-degrees in the thigh. It's important to test the temperature with a thermometer to ensure the poultry is cooked correctly and you are not consuming undercooked meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different spices or marinades to give your Thanksgiving turkey unique flavor. Many meat counters and Grocery stores sell special injections marinades just for fried turkeys.
• Use the oil thermometer to keep an eye on the oil temperature. It should stay between 350 and 375 degrees at all times to ensure proper cooking.
• Dry the outside and inside of the turkey before placing it in the fryer to reduce oil spattering.
• Never leave the fryer unattended and do not let children or pets near it.
• Do not use the fryer on a wood deck, as it's more flammable than other surfaces.
• Never fry your turkey in an enclosed area.