How Long to Deep Fry Turkey Thighs (Plus Tips and Tricks!)

How Long Do You Deep Fry Turkey Thighs?

Deep-fried turkey thighs are a delicious and festive alternative to traditional roasted turkey. They’re also a great way to cook turkey if you don’t have a lot of time. But how long do you deep fry turkey thighs?

In this article, we’ll answer that question and provide you with all the information you need to deep-fry turkey thighs like a pro. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey thighs to frying them to perfection. So whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey, read on for all the details!

Choosing the Right Turkey Thighs

The first step to deep-frying turkey thighs is choosing the right ones. You want to choose thighs that are large enough to fill your fryer basket but not so large that they’re difficult to handle. You also want to choose thighs that are evenly shaped and have a good amount of meat on them.

When it comes to the skin, you can either choose to leave it on or remove it. If you leave the skin on, it will help to protect the meat from drying out during frying. However, if you remove the skin, the thighs will cook more quickly and evenly.

Preparing the Turkey Thighs

Once you’ve chosen your turkey thighs, it’s time to prepare them for frying. The first step is to rinse the thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, you’ll need to season the thighs with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like.

If you’re leaving the skin on, you’ll need to score it in a diamond pattern. This will help the skin to crisp up during frying.

Frying the Turkey Thighs

Now it’s time to fry the turkey thighs! The first step is to fill your fryer basket with enough oil to cover the thighs halfway. Then, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the oil is hot, carefully place the turkey thighs in the fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the thighs from cooking evenly.

Fry the thighs for 10-12 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Resting the Turkey Thighs

After you’ve fried the turkey thighs, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

To rest the thighs, simply place them on a clean plate or platter and cover them with foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving the Turkey Thighs

Once the turkey thighs have rested, they’re ready to be served! You can serve them plain or with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.

Deep-fried turkey thighs are a delicious and festive dish that’s sure to impress your guests. So next time you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey, give deep-fried turkey thighs a try!

Temperature	Time	Notes
350 degrees Fahrenheit	3-4 minutes per side	Cook until the turkey thighs are golden brown and cooked through.
375 degrees Fahrenheit	2-3 minutes per side	Cook until the turkey thighs are golden brown and cooked through.
400 degrees Fahrenheit	1-2 minutes per side	Cook until the turkey thighs are golden brown and cooked through.

Introduction

Deep-fried turkey thighs are a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they make a great centerpiece for your table.

This guide will show you how to deep-fry turkey thighs so that they come out perfectly every time. We will cover everything from preparing the turkey thighs to deep-frying them to serving them.

Preparing the Turkey Thighs

To prepare the turkey thighs for deep-frying, you will need to:

* Ingredients

* 4 turkey thighs
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* Vegetable oil for frying

* Tools

* A large bowl
* A whisk
* A large frying pan
* A wire rack
* A deep-fry thermometer

* Instructions

1. Rinse the turkey thighs under cold water and pat them dry.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip the turkey thighs into the buttermilk mixture, turning to coat them evenly.
4. Place the turkey thighs on a wire rack and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Deep Frying the Turkey Thighs

To deep-fry the turkey thighs, you will need to:

* Temperature

The ideal temperature for deep-frying turkey thighs is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Time

The turkey thighs will need to fry for about 10 minutes per pound, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Safety Tips

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

* Use a deep-fry thermometer to make sure that the oil is at the correct temperature.
* Do not overcrowd the frying pan.
* Fry the turkey thighs in batches.
* Be careful not to splash hot oil.
* Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Serving the Turkey Thighs

Once the turkey thighs are cooked, you can serve them immediately. They can be served with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.

Deep-fried turkey thighs are a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for a holiday meal. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they make a great centerpiece for your table.

This guide has shown you how to deep-fry turkey thighs so that they come out perfectly every time. By following these steps, you can make sure that your turkey thighs are cooked to perfection and that they are enjoyed by everyone at your table.

How Long Do You Deep Fry Turkey Thighs?

The cooking time for deep-fried turkey thighs will vary depending on the size of the thighs, the temperature of the oil, and the desired degree of doneness. However, as a general rule, you can expect to deep-fry turkey thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are a few tips for deep-frying turkey thighs:

* Use a deep fryer or a large pot with at least 3 inches of oil. The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey thighs.
* Pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels before adding them to the oil. This will help to prevent the oil from splattering.
* Fry the turkey thighs in batches, so that the oil does not cool down too much.
* Turn the turkey thighs halfway through cooking to ensure that they cook evenly.
* Remove the turkey thighs from the oil when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey thighs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving the Turkey Thighs

Once the turkey thighs are cooked, you can serve them immediately or store them for later. Here are a few ideas for serving turkey thighs:

* Serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.
* Make a sandwich with the turkey thighs, your favorite bread, and some toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
* Shred the turkey thighs and use them in a salad, soup, or casserole.
* Freeze the turkey thighs for later use. They can be thawed and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Garnishes

There are many different ways to garnish turkey thighs. Here are a few ideas:

* Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
* Chopped red onion or shallots.
* Chopped tomatoes or cucumbers.
* A squeeze of lemon juice.
* A drizzle of olive oil.
* A sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Side Dishes

There are many different side dishes that you can serve with turkey thighs. Here are a few ideas:

* Mashed potatoes.
* Green beans.
* Corn on the cob.
* Sauted vegetables.
* Salad.
* Soup.
* Casserole.

Storage

If you are not planning on eating the turkey thighs immediately, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

To store the turkey thighs in the refrigerator, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.

To store the turkey thighs in the freezer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few common problems that you may encounter when deep-frying turkey thighs and some solutions:

* The turkey thighs are not cooked through. The most common reason for this is that the turkey thighs were not cooked long enough. Make sure to cook the turkey thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* The turkey thighs are too dry. This can happen if the turkey thighs were cooked at too high a temperature or for too long. Try lowering the temperature of the oil or cooking the turkey thighs for a shorter amount of time.
* The turkey thighs are too greasy. This can happen if the turkey thighs were not patted dry before being added to the oil. Make sure to pat the turkey thighs dry with paper towels before adding them to the oil.

Deep-fried turkey thighs are a delicious and easy way to cook a holiday meal. By following these tips, you can make sure that your turkey thighs are cooked perfectly every time.

How long do you deep fry turkey thighs?

The cooking time for deep-fried turkey thighs will vary depending on the size of the thighs and the temperature of the oil. As a general rule, you will need to fry the thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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

The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey thighs. This will ensure that the thighs cook evenly and that they do not become overcooked.

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

You can use any type of oil for deep frying turkey thighs, but vegetable oil is a good option. Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, which means that it can be heated to a high temperature without burning.

How do I prevent the turkey thighs from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the turkey thighs from sticking to the pan, you can coat them in a thin layer of oil before frying them. You can also use a wire rack to help keep the thighs elevated off of the bottom of the pan.

What should I do if the turkey thighs are not cooked through?

If the turkey thighs are not cooked through, you can return them to the hot oil for a few more minutes. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the thighs with a meat thermometer to make sure that they have reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I store leftover deep-fried turkey thighs?

Leftover deep-fried turkey thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the thighs, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then fry them in a skillet over medium heat until they are heated through.

In this article, we’ve discussed how to deep fry turkey thighs. We’ve covered everything from choosing the right turkey thighs to preparing them for frying. We’ve also provided a step-by-step guide on how to deep fry turkey thighs, as well as tips for making sure they come out perfectly cooked.

Here are the key takeaways:

* Choose large, bone-in, skin-on turkey thighs.
* Marinate the thighs in a flavorful brine or rub for at least 24 hours.
* Preheat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Fry the thighs for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the thighs rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Deep fried turkey thighs are a delicious and impressive dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this dish at home for your next holiday gathering or special occasion.

Additional tips:

* If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can also fry the turkey thighs in a large pot or Dutch oven. Just make sure to use enough oil to cover the thighs halfway.
* Be careful not to overcrowd the pot or Dutch oven when frying the thighs. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, which can result in uneven cooking and potentially dangerous splattering.
* Monitor the temperature of the oil closely during frying. If the oil gets too hot, the turkey thighs will brown too quickly and may not cook evenly. If the oil gets too cold, the turkey thighs will take longer to cook and may not be crispy.
* Let the turkey thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

With these tips, you’ll be able to make perfectly fried turkey thighs every time.