How to Prep a Turkey for Frying

ByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

Preparing a Turkey for Frying

Nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like a big, juicy turkey roasted in the oven. But if you’re looking for a more unique and flavorful way to cook your turkey, frying is a great option. Not only is fried turkey incredibly delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to cook.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of preparing a turkey for frying, from thawing and brining to frying and serving. We’ll also provide tips for making sure your turkey is cooked perfectly every time. So whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know about frying a turkey.

Step Ingredients Instructions
1 1 (12- to 14-pound) fresh or frozen turkey Thaw turkey in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 days, or in a sink full of cold water for 3 to 4 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes.
2 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Brush the turkey inside and out with the melted butter.
3 1 teaspoon salt Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with salt.
4 1 teaspoon black pepper Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with pepper.
5 1 teaspoon dried sage Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with sage.
6 1 teaspoon dried thyme Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with thyme.
7 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with rosemary.
8 1 teaspoon garlic powder Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with garlic powder.
9 1 teaspoon onion powder Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with onion powder.
10 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted Brush the turkey inside and out with the melted butter.
11 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with parsley.
12 1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with thyme.
13 1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with rosemary.
14 1/2 cup chopped fresh sage Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with sage.
15 1/2 cup chopped fresh garlic Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with garlic.
16 1/2 cup chopped fresh onion Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with onion.
17 1/2 cup

Equipment and Ingredients

What you need to fry a turkey

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

* A large stockpot or turkey fryer
* A deep fryer thermometer
* A turkey fryer basket
* A pair of long-handled tongs
* A large platter or baking sheet to drain the turkey
* Paper towels
* A basting brush
* A meat thermometer

Choosing the right turkey

When choosing a turkey to fry, it is important to consider the following factors:

* Size: The size of the turkey will determine how long it takes to cook. A 12- to 14-pound turkey will take about 3 hours to fry, while a 20- to 24-pound turkey will take about 4 hours.
* Weight: The weight of the turkey will also determine how much oil you will need. For a 12- to 14-pound turkey, you will need about 5 gallons of oil. For a 20- to 24-pound turkey, you will need about 7 gallons of oil.
* Type: You can fry a whole turkey or a turkey breast. Whole turkeys are more traditional, but turkey breasts are easier to cook and can be fried in less time.

Brining the turkey

Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution before cooking. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. To brine a turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* 1 gallon of water
* 1 cup of kosher salt
* 1/2 cup of brown sugar
* 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce
* 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 brine the turkey, combine all of the ingredients in a large stockpot or bucket. Add the turkey and submerge it completely in the brine. Cover the pot or bucket and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Preparation

How to thaw a frozen turkey

The best way to thaw a frozen turkey is to thaw it in the refrigerator. To do this, place the turkey in a large, shallow pan in the refrigerator. Allow the turkey to thaw for 24 hours per 5 pounds of weight.

If you do not have 24 hours to thaw the turkey, you can thaw it in a sink full of cold water. To do this, place the turkey in a large sink and fill it with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. The turkey will thaw in about 4 hours per 5 pounds of weight.

How to remove 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, you will need to cut open the bag and carefully remove the giblets. The giblets include the heart, liver, and gizzard.

The heart and liver can be used to make gravy. The gizzard can be fried or roasted.

How to score the skin

Scoring the skin of the turkey helps to create a crispy skin. To score the skin, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the skin in a diamond pattern. Do not cut through the meat.

Conclusion

Once the turkey is thawed and prepared, you are ready to fry it. To fry a turkey, you will need to:

1. Fill the turkey fryer with oil to the recommended level.
2. Preheat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil.
4. Fry the turkey for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey from the fryer and drain it on a large platter or baking sheet.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Enjoy your delicious, fried turkey!

3. Frying

How to deep fry a turkey

Deep frying a turkey is a great way to cook a large bird for a crowd. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to know to do it correctly.

1. Choose the right turkey

The best turkeys for deep frying are young, tender birds that weigh between 12 and 16 pounds. Larger turkeys will take longer to cook and are more likely to dry out.

2. Thaw the turkey

If you’re using a frozen turkey, you’ll need to thaw it completely before frying it. The best way to do this is to place the turkey in a large bowl or sink and fill it with cold water. Change the water every few hours to ensure that the turkey stays cold. Allow the turkey to thaw for at least 24 hours, or until it’s completely thawed.

3. Prepare the turkey

Once the turkey is thawed, you’ll need to prepare it for frying. First, remove the giblets from the cavity of the turkey. Then, rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

4. Season the turkey

You can season the turkey however you like, but some popular options include:

* Salt and pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Cayenne pepper
* Brown sugar

5. Set up the fryer

You’ll need a deep fryer that can hold at least 5 gallons of oil. Fill the fryer with oil to the recommended level. The oil should be hot enough to reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a deep fryer thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

6. Fry the turkey

Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. The turkey will sink to the bottom of the fryer and then float to the surface. Fry the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Remove the turkey from the fryer

Use a long-handled pair of tongs to carefully remove the turkey from the fryer. Place the turkey on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

8. Carve the turkey

Once the turkey has rested, you can carve it. Use a sharp knife to cut the turkey into pieces. Serve the turkey immediately.

How to cook a turkey in a fryer

You can also cook a turkey in a fryer without deep frying it. This method is a bit healthier than deep frying, as it doesn’t require as much oil.

1. Choose the right turkey

The same rules apply for choosing a turkey for frying in a fryer as they do for deep frying. The best turkeys for frying in a fryer are young, tender birds that weigh between 12 and 16 pounds.

2. Thaw the turkey

If you’re using a frozen turkey, you’ll need to thaw it completely before frying it. The best way to do this is to place the turkey in a large bowl or sink and fill it with cold water. Change the water every few hours to ensure that the turkey stays cold. Allow the turkey to thaw for at least 24 hours, or until it’s completely thawed.

3. Prepare the turkey

Once the turkey is thawed, you’ll need to prepare it for frying. First, remove the giblets from the cavity of the turkey. Then, rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

4. Season the turkey

You can season the turkey however you like, but some popular options include:

* Salt and pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika
* Cayenne pepper
* Brown sugar

5. Set up the fryer

You’ll need a fryer that can hold at least 5 gallons of oil. Fill the fryer with oil to the recommended level. The oil should be hot enough to reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a deep fryer thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

6. Fry the turkey

Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. The turkey will sink to the bottom of the fryer and then float to the surface. Fry the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Remove

Q: How long do I need to brine a turkey before frying it?

A: Brining a turkey before frying it is optional, but it can help to make the meat more moist and flavorful. If you choose to brine your turkey, it should be done for at least 24 hours, and up to 48 hours.

Q: What temperature should the oil be for frying a turkey?

A: The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey.

Q: How long does it take to fry a turkey?

A: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but it will typically take between 3 and 4 hours.

Q: What should I do if the turkey is browning too quickly?

A: If the turkey is browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also tent the turkey with aluminum foil to help prevent it from browning too quickly.

Q: What should I do if the turkey is not cooked through?

A: If the turkey is not cooked through, you can return it to the fryer and cook it for a longer period of time. You can also check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure that it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How do I store leftover fried turkey?

A: Leftover fried turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: What are some tips for frying a turkey?

A: Here are a few tips for frying a turkey:

* Use a deep fryer that is large enough to accommodate the turkey.
* Make sure that the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey.
* Cook the turkey for the recommended amount of time.
* Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure that it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

frying a turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and juicy bird for your family or friends. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your turkey is perfectly cooked and comes out of the fryer looking and tasting amazing. So what are you waiting for? Get started on prepping your turkey today!

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!