Deep Fried Turkey
 

I'm thinking about getting a deep fryer. To cook turkey. I've heard it really tastes good.
What is the best kind of fryer? I've seen electric, propane and oil less infared?
How long can I keep the oil after the first use?
Thanks

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Use peanut oil and a propane heater with a big pot. Get the oil really hot before putting the turkey in. Wrap a wire around the legs of the turkey so you can take it out when it is done. Inject the turkey with butter and garlic....it is easy and usually only takes a six pack to get it done. When the turkey floats to the top, it is done. Man, are they good....good luck....oh, and peanut oil last a long time......we have saved and strained the oil and used it over 4 or 5 times.

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Propane cooker, large pot, usually best deal is at WalMart. Use a good injected marinade, and a good rub. Make absolutely certain the turkey is completely thawed, and absolutely zero water of any kind is in your turkey. Heat the oil to 350 degrees, drill a 1/4" hole in the lid of the cooker to allow you to keep a thermometer in the lid all the time. A good cooker will have an oil thermometer and a meat thermometer. You need about 3-4 minutes per pound of thawed turkey. Most good cookers come with a stand to set the turkey over, and a hook to raise and lower the turkey in the oil. Lower the turkey extremely slowly into the oil, have a fire extinguisher very handy, and cook outdoors, preferably on concrete, away from anything that will burn.

I normally use Tony Chechere's injectable marinade, and his Creole seasoning (easily found at Walmart). I pour the marinade in a sauce pan, melt a stick of real unsalted butter in it, and stir in a tablespoon of hot sauce (your choice). I inject the turkey the night before, and rub it well. The day it is to be cooked, I get it out 1-2 hours before time to cook, and let it get closer to room temperature. I cook a 16# turkey for 48-60 minutes, the temperature of the breast should be 170 degrees. Adjust your propane burner to get the temperature back up to 350 degrees ASAP after putting your turkey in, as it will drop to as low as 250 degrees, depending on how large and how cold your turkey is.

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

X2 on what they both said.
Save the peanut oil and fresh cut some potato's (French Fri style) and shazam! boardwalk fries. never as good as thrashers though

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Yeah! What Gary said! We used to do this at the Fire Department, great tasting turkey! Crispy outside and moist inside. Just be very careful, hot oil will hurt you bad! Jim


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Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Also...after the oil reaches its temperature, lower the Turkey in to the fryer VERY, VERY SLOWLY!!!

If you lower it too fast, it will crisp the skin too fast and not cook well inside.
(Been there, done that!)

Also, like Alan said, do not exceed 350 degrees temperature and use a good candy thermometer. If the oil is too hot, it will also crisp the skin too fast.

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Note: Make sure that you don't overfill the pot and most important, if you use peanut oil make sure none of your guests are allergic to any kind of nuts.

Enjoy,

JimR

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

Alan had a lot of good advice and I will say one thing again. Make sure the bird is thawed and dry. If still frozen or really wet, the water flashes to steam (ice will expand even faster)and you will have a mess with the overflow. Mythbusters did a show showing the effects of a frozen bird. Don't do it on a wooden deck. We usually throw a bag of frozen okra (you are in Georgia now) in after the bird. You can do it frozen but it will boil up. Be careful. I do turkey 3 times a year and usually use the oil 2 years. I cook mine about 4.5 - 5 min a pound. We all like the outer crunchy but not burned. Easier to carve if you let it set a few minutes.
I will never go back to oven baked turkey
Happy Thanksgiving

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

I am getting excited to deep fry a turkey again. I know that I have the propane/and stand but not sure if my pots, lids, and thermometers made it thru the moves we have made that past 2 years. I will be digging tomorrow to find the pots. My daughters had planned on Thanksgiving dinner and putting a turkey in the oven. I think the deep fried turkey might be a new tradition for them. I will let you know.....my mouth is watering...........(oh, the cold turkey sandwiches with Miracle whip and cheese........mmmmmmmmmmmm)

Re: Deep Fried Turkey
 

x2