{"id":2347,"date":"2021-11-07T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-07T21:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewoodenskillet.com\/?p=2347"},"modified":"2025-11-17T12:46:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:46:09","slug":"how-to-deep-fry-a-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewoodenskillet.com\/how-to-deep-fry-a-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deep Fry a Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Our step-by-step tutorial on How to Deep Fry a Turkey <\/strong>is the fastest way to cook your bird for the holidays – your turkey will be moist, flavorful and done in no time! The perfect Thanksgiving turkey!<\/p>\n\n\n Did you know there is a way to fast-track your turkey cooking without sacrificing flavor OR moisture!? There is – deep-frying! Deep-frying turkey<\/strong> only takes 3 1\/2 minutes per pound<\/strong>! It is a must try and, bonus, it will free up a lot of valuable oven space. I was blown away with how moist the turkey was and how much flavor it had. Now, there is something to be said for slow-roasting an herb butter turkey<\/a> – don’t get me wrong – but this deep fried turkey recipe is so delicious and so FAST, you may never go back!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n If you have a smaller crowd and don’t need a whole turkey, you can simply make a Deep Fried Turkey Breast<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n There really isn’t much you need to do in order to prep a turkey for the deep fryer. It’s different than your typical baked, grilled or smoked turkey where you need to pat dry, rub with butter and season. All you need to do to prep your turkey is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option to brine the turkey first, but you don’t have to. A lot of people do, but it isn’t necessary for a successful Deep Fried Turkey. We have made this recipe plenty of times without brining and they always come out delicious. Learn more about brining a turkey<\/a> in our simple tutorial!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Step 1: <\/strong>The first steps to making this easy recipe are to add the peanut oil to the large pot and bring it to 375-400 degrees F (do NOT go over 400 degrees F).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Step 2:<\/strong> Now, make sure there isn’t anything holding the legs of the turkey together and place it in the fryer basket. Use the metal tool that comes with the fryer kit to VERY slowly lower the basket, with the turkey inside, into the hot oil. If you move too fast the oil might boil over the top of the pot. Take your time!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Step 3:<\/strong> Make sure the turkey is fully submerged in oil. Put the cover on top and let it cook for 3 1\/2 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (use an instant-read thermometer<\/a>) at the thickest part of the breast or thigh.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n A turkey is deep fried for 3 1\/2 minutes per pound or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Step 4: <\/strong>Once fully cooked, carefully pull the basket out of the oil and set it on a baking sheet. After it cools for a little bit, remove the turkey from the basket and let rest for 30 minutes. While the turkey rests, baste with butter and sprinkle with salt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Once the turkey is fully cooked and has had time to rest, it is time to carve for serving. We have a super simple tutorial on how to carve a turkey<\/a> that includes step-by-step photos.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n A simple deep fried turkey can be served the same way that you serve a traditional roasted turkey. Perfect for Thanksgiving Day and all those delicious side dish recipes, like Crock Pot Stuffing<\/a>, Potatoes au Gratin Gruyére<\/a>, Green Bean Casserole with Bacon<\/a>, Bourbon Cranberry Sauce<\/a>, & Cornbread Muffins<\/a>! Feel free to serve with any of your favorite holiday side dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n Peanut oil because it has a high smoke point (or flash point) which makes it less likely to catch fire compared to other oils. The smoke point of peanut oil is 450 degrees F. So, if you need to choose an alternative cooking oil just ensure it has a smoke point of at least 450 degrees F.<\/p> <\/div> If you are using a 12-15 pound turkey and a 29qt pot, you will need approximately 3-4 gallons of oil. That being said, the easiest way to check of the exact amount needed is to simply place the turkey in the pot (you can do this before you take it out of the packaging) and add water (enough so the turkey is fully submerged). Then do a quick measure of how much water you needed – this is recommended as the size of the turkey and the size of the pot will vary.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Best Deep Fried Turkey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hosting a Smaller Crowd?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why You’ll Love This Recipe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How To Prep A Turkey<\/strong> Before Deep Frying<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What You Will Need<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Deep Fried Turkey Brine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Deep Fry a Turkey<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow Long to Deep Fry a Turkey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow To Carve a Turkey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBest Ways To Serve Deep Fried Turkey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow to Deep Fry a Turkey FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Safety Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Other Turkey Recipes You Might Like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n