Things You'll Need:
- Paper towels
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Step 1
Determine if you want to deep fry a fresh or frozen turkey. They both cook at the same rate and with the same quality of taste. However, if you choose to cook a frozen turkey, ensure that it is thoroughly thawed before placing it into the cooking oil.
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Step 2
Decide how big of a turkey you will need to feed the number of people for whom you are going to deep fry a Thanksgiving turkey. Turkey fryers will only accommodate turkeys that are 15 pounds or less. Fried turkeys cook at a rate of three minutes per pound, therefore, a fifteen-pound turkey will cook in 45 minutes and two fifteen-pound turkeys will cook in one and a half hours.
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Step 3
Wash the turkey thoroughly by placing it under cool running water and rubbing each part of the turkey's body. Remove any fatty areas and the giblets from the cavity of the turkey.
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Step 4
Lift and separate the skin of the turkey away from the body of the bird. Use a paring knife and gloved hands to gently separate the skin without tearing. After you have separated the skin from the body, rub a dry mixture of dry herbs (rosemary, thyme, garlic powder and black pepper) and extra-virgin olive oil under the turkey's skin. This seals in flavor while the turkey is frying.
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Step 5
Lightly season the outside of the turkey (the skin) with optional seasonings of your choice. Good complementary seasonings are lemon pepper, garlic and herb, garlic powder or basic salt and pepper.
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Step 6
Inject the bird with an injectable marinade fluid so that the inside of the turkey will be seasoned. An injectable marinade is what makes the turkey flavorful when you deep fry a Thanksgiving turkey and come in various flavors like garlic and herb or teriyaki.
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Step 7
Preheat the turkey fryer to a temperature of at least 350 degrees to ensure that the turkey will be thoroughly cooked. Add and fill the turkey fryer with sufficient peanut oil which is what is used to deep fry turkeys. Fill the fryer to within 3 to 5 inches from the top of the fryer's lip to allow room for the turkey to spread while it is cooking.
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Step 1
Place the turkey into the deep fryer holder and secure it with the fasteners and holders.
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Step 2
Submerge the turkey slowly and carefully into the hot oil, making sure that it doesn't splash. Cover the turkey fryer with the accommodating lid. Do not open or remove the lid until the appropriate time has elapsed for cooking the turkey.
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Step 3
Remove the turkey after the necessary cooking time according to the weight of the turkey and drain it on paper towels. Allow it to cool down and rest for 10 minutes before slicing it.
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Step 4
Drain the cooled peanut oil back into the appropriate container and store in a cool, dark place. Thoroughly wash the turkey fryer in warm, soapy water and all of the parts and store it until its next use.
