How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Deep frying a turkey is fun for holidays and summer barbecues. It isn't very hard to do, but does require a lot of caution. Cooking turkey's in hot oil can be dangerous, but with proper preparations you can come out with the tastiest turkey you have ever had. Read on to learn how to deep fry a turkey.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 lb. turkey
• Turkey fryer
• 3 gallons of oil
• Food thermometer

1. Thaw out your turkey. Leave it in the refrigerator for two to three days. Once you turkey is thawed out you can remove the guts (giblets).

2. Follow your deep fryer's instructions for how much oil to add. If you are not sure use about 3 gallons of oil give or take. Add the oil and wait for the oil to heat up to 400 degrees.

3. Add in your turkey--slowly. Be very careful and do not drop the turkey in the oil. Your turkey should cook by weight. Multiply three times the number of pounds your turkey is. So a 10 lb. turkey times three equals 30. That's 30 minutes of cooking time. Then add a base five minutes. So a 10 lb. turkey should cook for 35 minutes total.

4. Remove your turkey from the oil after your time is up. To make sure your turkey is done all the way, use your food thermometer. The temperature should be 165°F to 170°F in the breast and 175°F to 180°F in the thigh. If your turkey is on the chart you are done. If it is not quite there yet, place the turkey carefully back in to the oil.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to cook your turkey indoors, keep your children outdoors. If you are cooking your turkey outdoors, keep your children indoors. There is no way to make sure your child doesn't accidentally knock the hot oil over unless they are kept away from the area.
• If you want to inject any type of marinate you will have to do it in to the turkey's muscles. Adding the marinade under the skin will make the oil pop and splatter which could cause major burns to humans and animals.
• You should not attempt to deep fry any turkey over 14lbs. It is dangerous to lift a large turkey in and out of a pot of boiling oil.
• Always use extreme caution when working with hot oil.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.