How to Fry Turkey Pieces for a Juicy and Delicious Thanksgiving Dinner

How to Fry Turkey Pieces

Fry turkey pieces is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey for a small gathering or a large holiday meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover turkey. This guide will show you how to fry turkey pieces perfectly, every time.

We’ll start by discussing the different types of turkey pieces you can fry, and the best cuts for frying. Then, we’ll walk you through the steps of preparing and frying your turkey pieces, and give you some tips for making them extra crispy and delicious.

So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook a turkey for a weeknight meal or you’re planning a big holiday feast, read on for our guide to frying turkey pieces!

Step Ingredients Instructions
1
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Add the turkey pieces and stir to coat.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and cold water until smooth.
  5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  6. Dip the turkey pieces into the batter, then fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Transfer the fried turkey pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
2
  • 1 turkey breast, cut into 8 pieces
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the turkey pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Transfer the fried turkey pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
3
  • 1 turkey thigh, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 turkey drumstick, cut into 2 pieces
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the turkey pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Transfer the fried turkey pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Choosing the Right Turkey Pieces

When it comes to frying turkey, you have a few different options to choose from. The best cut of turkey for frying will depend on your personal preferences and the size of your crowd.

Breasts

Breasts are the most popular cut of turkey for frying. They are relatively lean and cook quickly, making them a good choice for a quick and easy meal. However, breasts can be dry if not cooked properly. To avoid this, make sure to brine the breasts before frying them.

Legs

Legs are another popular choice for frying turkey. They are more flavorful than breasts, but they also take longer to cook. If you are short on time, you can fry the legs at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

Thighs

Thighs are a good choice for people who want a combination of flavor and tenderness. They are fattier than breasts or legs, but they also cook more quickly.

Wings

Wings are a great option for a small gathering or as a party appetizer. They are quick to cook and very flavorful.

How much turkey do you need per person?

When planning how much turkey to fry, it is important to consider the size of your crowd and the appetites of your guests. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you know that your guests have big appetites, you may want to increase the amount of turkey accordingly.

How to prepare the turkey pieces for frying

Before frying turkey, it is important to prepare the pieces properly. This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and that it is safe to eat.

To prepare the turkey pieces for frying, you will need to:

* Rinse the turkey pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
* Remove any visible fat from the turkey pieces.
* If desired, brine the turkey pieces in a saltwater solution for several hours or overnight.
* Dry the turkey pieces thoroughly before frying them.

Preparing the Frying Oil

The type of oil you use for frying turkey is important. You want to use an oil that has a high smoke point, so that it does not burn when it is heated to a high temperature. Some good options for frying turkey include:

* Peanut oil
* Vegetable oil
* Canola oil
* Safflower oil
* Sunflower oil

How much oil do you need?

You will need to use enough oil to cover the turkey pieces completely. A good rule of thumb is to use 3 inches of oil in the frying pan.

How to heat the oil to the correct temperature

The temperature of the oil is important for frying turkey. If the oil is too cold, the turkey will not cook evenly. If the oil is too hot, the turkey will burn. The ideal temperature for frying turkey is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

To check the temperature of the oil, you can use a candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the oil and wait for the temperature to stabilize. The oil is ready for frying when it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frying turkey is a delicious and festive way to cook a holiday meal. By following these tips, you can fry turkey pieces that are golden brown, juicy, and flavorful.

Here are some additional tips for frying turkey:

* Use a deep fryer or a large pot with high sides for frying turkey.
* Make sure the turkey pieces are completely submerged in the oil.
* Do not overcrowd the frying pan.
* Fry the turkey pieces in batches.
* Turn the turkey pieces frequently to ensure that they cook evenly.
* Cook the turkey pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey pieces rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

3. Frying the Turkey Pieces

Once you have prepared your turkey pieces, it is time to fry them.

* How long to fry the turkey pieces?

The length of time it takes to fry turkey pieces will vary depending on the size of the pieces and the temperature of the oil. For smaller pieces, such as drumsticks or thighs, you will need to fry them for about 10-12 minutes per side. For larger pieces, such as breasts or wings, you will need to fry them for about 15-18 minutes per side.

* How to test if the turkey is cooked through

The best way to test if the turkey is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and make sure that the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* How to drain the fried turkey pieces

Once the turkey pieces are cooked through, you will need to drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help to remove any excess oil.

4. Serving the Fried Turkey Pieces

Once the turkey pieces are cooked and drained, you can serve them immediately. Here are a few ideas for sides to serve with fried turkey:

* Mashed potatoes
* Cornbread dressing
* Cranberry sauce
* Green bean casserole
* Sweet potato casserole

You can also store leftover fried turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frying turkey pieces is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving meal. By following these tips, you can be sure to produce perfectly cooked turkey pieces that everyone will enjoy.

How do I fry turkey pieces?

To fry turkey pieces, you will need:

* A large pot or deep fryer
* Peanut oil or vegetable oil
* Turkey pieces (breast, thigh, wing, etc.)
* Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
* A thermometer
* Tongs
* Paper towels

1. Prepare the turkey pieces. Rinse the turkey pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the turkey pieces with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
2. Heat the oil. Fill the pot or deep fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey pieces by at least 1 inch. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Fry the turkey pieces. Carefully add the turkey pieces to the hot oil. Fry the turkey pieces for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
4. Remove the turkey pieces from the oil. Use tongs to remove the turkey pieces from the oil. Place the turkey pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Serve the turkey pieces. Serve the turkey pieces immediately, or let them cool slightly before serving.

What temperature should I fry turkey pieces at?

You should fry turkey pieces at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey pieces are cooked through and golden brown.

How long should I fry turkey pieces for?

You should fry turkey pieces for 8-10 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

What seasonings should I use on turkey pieces?

You can use any seasonings you like on turkey pieces. Some popular seasonings for turkey pieces include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and chili powder.

What can I serve with fried turkey pieces?

You can serve fried turkey pieces with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and biscuits. You can also serve fried turkey pieces with a dipping sauce, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, or ranch dressing.

How do I store leftover fried turkey pieces?

You can store leftover fried turkey pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover fried turkey pieces for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat fried turkey pieces?

You can reheat fried turkey pieces in the oven, microwave, or air fryer. To reheat fried turkey pieces in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat fried turkey pieces in the microwave, place the turkey pieces on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat fried turkey pieces in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey pieces in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

frying turkey pieces is a delicious and easy way to cook a holiday meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can create perfectly crispy, juicy turkey that will be enjoyed by everyone at your table. Be sure to experiment with different spices and sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. And don’t forget to save some leftovers for a delicious turkey sandwich the next day!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!