How to Deep Fry a 20-pound Turkey in 3 Easy Steps

How Long to Deep Fry a 20-Pound Turkey

Deep-fried turkey is a delicious and impressive way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. It’s also a lot of fun! But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to deep fry a 20-pound turkey, as well as the steps involved in the process. We’ll also provide some tips for making your deep-fried turkey a success.

So if you’re ready to give deep-fried turkey a try, read on!

Temperature	Time	Notes
350 degrees Fahrenheit	3-4 hours	Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit
375 degrees Fahrenheit	2-3 hours	Cook until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit
400 degrees Fahrenheit	1-2 hours	Cook until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees Fahrenheit

How Long Do You Deep Fry a 20 lb Turkey?

Deep-frying a turkey is a popular way to cook a large bird for a holiday meal. It’s a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to do it safely and successfully.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of deep-frying a 20-pound turkey. We’ll cover everything from preparing the turkey and the oil to setting up the fryer and frying the bird.

Equipment and Preparation

What You Will Need

To deep-fry a turkey, you will need the following equipment:

* A large turkey fryer
* A turkey brine or marinade
* A large stockpot or deep fryer basket
* A meat thermometer
* A large platter or cutting board
* Paper towels
* Kitchen gloves
* Tongs
* A fire extinguisher

Preparing the Turkey

The first step is to prepare the turkey. This includes brining or marinating the bird, and removing the giblets.

Brining

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution. This helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor.

To brine a turkey, you will need:

* 1 gallon of water
* 1 cup of salt
* 1/2 cup of sugar
* 1/4 cup of garlic powder
* 1/4 cup of onion powder
* 1/4 cup of dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)

To make the brine, combine the water, salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs in a large stockpot. Bring the brine to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the brine from the heat and let it cool completely.

Once the brine has cooled, place the turkey in a large plastic container or a food-safe bag. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure to cover it completely. Refrigerate the turkey for 12-24 hours.

Removing the Giblets

The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey. They are usually found in a bag inside the turkey’s cavity. To remove the giblets, carefully cut open the bag and remove the contents. Rinse the giblets under cold water and pat them dry. The giblets can be used to make gravy or stock.

Preparing the Oil

The next step is to prepare the oil for frying. You will need to use a high-temperature oil, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. The oil should be at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you add the turkey.

To heat the oil, pour it into a large stockpot or deep fryer. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

Deep-Frying the Turkey

Once the oil is hot, you can begin frying the turkey.

Setting up the Fryer

Before you add the turkey to the fryer, you need to make sure that the fryer is set up correctly.

* Place the turkey fryer on a level surface.
* Fill the fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey by at least 2 inches.
* Turn on the fryer and allow the oil to heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

Frying the Turkey

Once the oil is hot, you can add the turkey to the fryer.

* Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil.
* Cover the fryer and cook the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound.
* Check the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure that it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking the Turkey for Doneness

The best way to check the turkey for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Removing the Turkey from the Fryer

Once the turkey is cooked, carefully remove it from the fryer.

* Use a pair of tongs to lift the turkey out of the oil.
* Place the turkey on a large platter or cutting board lined with paper towels.
* Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Conclusion

Deep-frying a turkey is a delicious and impressive way to cook a large bird for a holiday meal. By following these steps, you can fry

How Long Do You Deep Fry a 20 lb Turkey?

Deep frying a turkey is a popular way to cook a large bird for Thanksgiving or other special occasions. It’s a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to do it safely and successfully.

The Basics of Deep Frying a Turkey

To deep fry a turkey, you’ll need a large pot or deep fryer, enough oil to cover the turkey, a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, and a sturdy metal rack to place the turkey in the oil. You’ll also need a few kitchen tools, such as a large spoon, tongs, and a meat thermometer.

The first step is to thaw the turkey. If you’re thawing the turkey in the refrigerator, it will take about 24 hours for a 20-pound turkey to thaw. If you’re thawing the turkey in cold water, it will take about 4-6 hours for a 20-pound turkey to thaw.

Once the turkey is thawed, you’ll need to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. You can save the giblets for making gravy or other dishes.

Next, you’ll need to pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This will help to prevent the oil from splattering when you add the turkey to the pot.

Now it’s time to season the turkey. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Once the turkey is seasoned, you’re ready to fry it. Fill the pot or deep fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey by at least 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. The turkey will sink to the bottom of the pot, but it will float to the surface once it’s cooked through.

Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use tongs to remove the turkey from the pot and place it on a wire rack to drain. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Safety Tips

When deep frying a turkey, it’s important to take precautions to avoid oil splatters, burns, and fire hazards.

* Avoid oil splatters by using a pot or deep fryer with a high sides. Also, make sure to keep the oil at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
* Monitor the temperature of the oil with a thermometer. The oil should never exceed 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Extinguish a grease fire by covering it with a lid or baking sheet. Do not throw water on a grease fire.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the turkey is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Carve the turkey and arrange the pieces on a serving platter. You can serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole.

Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Deep frying a turkey is a delicious and festive way to cook a large bird for a special occasion. By following these tips, you can deep fry a turkey safely and successfully.

How long do you deep fry a 20 lb turkey?

The general rule of thumb for deep frying a turkey is 3.5 minutes per pound. So, for a 20-pound turkey, you would need to fry it for 70 minutes. However, it is important to note that this is just a general guideline and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your turkey, the temperature of your oil, and the type of fryer you are using.

What temperature should the oil be for deep frying a turkey?

The ideal oil temperature for deep frying a turkey is between 350F and 375F. If the oil is too hot, the turkey will brown too quickly on the outside and not cook all the way through on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the turkey will take too long to cook and may become soggy.

What type of oil should I use for deep frying a turkey?

The best oil for deep frying a turkey is a high-heat oil with a neutral flavor, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, such as olive oil, as they will smoke and burn at high temperatures.

How do I prepare a turkey for deep frying?

Before deep frying a turkey, you will need to:

* Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
* Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
* Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
* Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices.
* If desired, you can also brine the turkey before frying.

How do I deep fry a turkey?

To deep fry a turkey, you will need:

* A large, deep fryer
* Peanut oil or canola oil
* A turkey fryer basket
* A meat thermometer
* A timer

1. Fill the fryer with oil to the recommended level.
2. Heat the oil to 350F-375F.
3. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil using the fryer basket.
4. Cook the turkey for 3.5 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
5. Use the meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey in several different places, including the breast, thigh, and wing.
6. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

What are some safety tips for deep frying a turkey?

When deep frying a turkey, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

* Use a deep fryer that is large enough to accommodate the turkey.
* Never fill the fryer more than halfway full with oil.
* Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey.
* Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey.
* Never leave the fryer unattended while it is in use.
* Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
* After frying the turkey, dispose of the oil properly.

deep frying a 20 lb turkey is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and safely. By taking the time to brine the turkey before frying, you will help to ensure that it is moist and flavorful. Additionally, by using a cooking thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey, you can be sure that it is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, by frying the turkey in a large pot of oil at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will create a crispy, golden brown exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily deep fry a 20 lb turkey at home and enjoy a delicious and impressive meal with your family and friends.