How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Do you have an extra five gallons of peanut oil sitting around the house? Why not use it to deep fry a turkey?

Deep fried turkey is moist and delicious and not at all oily. The skin sears instantly and seals in the natural turkey juices for the most juicy turkey you'll ever have. It also cooks quickly at 350 degrees for about 3 ½ minutes a pound. That's a 12 pound turkey in under 40 minutes. You'll even have time to cook two turkeys if you want. No more waking up at dawn to put the turkey in the oven. Deep frying a turkey will also free up oven space for side dishes. If your oven space is limited, think about how much room you'll have without a turkey in there.

What do you need to deep fry a turkey:

Deep Fryer - You can buy the whole setup in a kit or you can buy everything separately. Make sure your pot is about 40-60 quarts. The burner should be large enough to hold this pot securely. Most burners will use a propane tank as a fuel source and are not included in the kits.

Candy Thermometer - Having an accurate thermometer is important to ensure that the turkey cooks properly and to avoid a fire. Candy Thermometers are long and usually have a clip so you can attach them to the side of the pot. Most Deep Fryer Kits include a candy thermometer.

Meat Thermometer - After cooking your bird for 3 1/2 minutes a pound it will be done. If you have problems keeping the oil temperature constant then you may need a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Oven mitts & safety goggles - Splattering oil is very dangerous. Oven mitts and safety goggles are a must. Fire Extinguisher - This is just a precaution but it's better safe than sorry. Make sure the fire extinguisher is made for grease fires.

How to prepare for your first deep fry:

Choose a turkey no bigger than 12 pounds. If that isn't enough to feed your guests then get two turkeys. Even if you have a pot large enough to cook a larger turkey remember that you will have to lift it over a pot of hot oil. A 12 pound turkey will cook in under 40 minutes so cooking two (24 pounds of turkey) can still be done in well under two hours and think of all the leftovers you'll have.

Remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey. Remove any pop up timers or plastic leg bindings. The legs should be tied together with butchers string so that they don't touch the side of the pot while cooking. Do not stuff your turkey.

Defrost your turkey in the fridge for several days prior to cooking. Do not defrost a turkey outside of the fridge as this a great way to grow bacteria.

Stuffing and Gravy - When deep frying a turkey the stuffing must be made outside of the bird. Also plan for alternate ways to make gravy. You will not have access to turkey fat like you would when roasting a turkey. Frying up the giblets and neck in a pan is one solution or save some chicken fat from a previous meal a few days before Thanksgiving. And remember that a deep fried turkey needs less gravy because it doesn't dry out like oven roasted turkey, although that fact won't help your mashed potatoes.

Deep frying a turkey is dangerous and proper caution needs to be used:

The turkey fryer needs to be outside on a flat surface. Do not deep fry a turkey in a garage or a covered carport. Always keep a fire extinguisher (rated for grease fires) nearby. Large oven mitts or a fireplace gloves must be worn. Always wear eye protection and full face protection would be even better. A welding mask is probably overkill but it would be entertaining for your guests.

When lowering the turkey into the oil, turn off the flame. And do not allow those guests, especially children and pets near the turkey cooker.

Follow these safety tips and use common sense and your turkey frying experience will be safe and successful.

Now that you know the basics of deep frying a turkey, you're probably ready to purchase a turkey fryer. But before you do, you should read all the latest turkey fryer reviews at TurkeyDeepFryersInfo.com

Many Ways to Skin a Turkey, But Only 2 Ways to Use a Turkey Deep Fryer

Turkey deep fryers are becoming more and more popular every year because of the reduced cooking time needed to prepare a turkey. However, in the southern part of the United States, fried turkey has been a favorite for a very long time. The most popular time of year to fry a turkey is Thanksgiving, when the whole family can enjoy a well cooked and great tasting feast. Whether you prefer cooking indoors or outdoors at any time of the year, there are typically two main turkey deep fryer styles and a ton of recipes to enjoy turkey the way you want it to be cooked!

The outdoor turkey deep fryer consists of a large stock pot, that can vary in size a lot depending on the size of the turkey you want to cook. Most stock pots appear to be very deep and narrow, this is a safety feature that helps to prevent the grease from splashing out of the pot while cooking. Additionally, the stock post comes with a lid, however the lid should only be used if boiling water in the pot because hot grease causes pressure to build up and can create an unsafe condition. When using the stock pot for cooking anything, it is designed to set on top of a gas burner that is mounted in a stand at least a food off the ground. Although you can use an electric lighter to start the burner, no electricity is actually required when using a gas burner out doors because you can always use matches or a cheap lighter to get it started. The heat and burner flame are then controlled by a regulator that connects directly to the gas source.

Although the indoor turkey deep fryer is still a fairly appliance, these are ideal when wanting to cook on the counter top with the rest of the food. Also, these units are easier to clean and are better for the environment because no gas is required. Currently there are only a few manufacturers that make the electric turkey deep fryer, such as Masterbuilt, but more are expected to start making these as demand rises.

Using a turkey deep fryer can be dangerous, especially when using an open flame combined with hot oil. This has been known to cause fires and injuries in some cases, so be sure to know what you are getting into before using a turkey fryer.

The best resource for understanding everything that goes into a turkey deep fryer along with suggested brands, tips, tricks, and recipes for frying your turkey is http://www.turkey-deep-fryer.com.

Deep Turkey Fryer Information

A turkey that is deep fried, rather than baked in the oven, has a delicious taste all its own, and that is why this method of cooking is becoming so popular. A turkey cooked in this fashion using a deep turkey fryer will come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This is because this method of cooking actually seals the juices in, helping to prevent the turkey from drying out. In this article I am going to examine some of the basics that you need to be aware of before you start deep frying your own turkey.

First off, you will need a deep turkey frying kit. This kit usually consists of a 30 to 35 quart pot, propane burner, oil thermometer and a cooking apparatus that allows the turkey to be lowered in the oil and removed safely. These kits are available in a variety of price ranges, and are made from different materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel. The stainless steel kits are often times more expensive, but both do the job just as well. Other than the propane fuel and cooking oil, this kit provides everything you'll need to deep fry your own turkey.

The burner on these frying kits uses the same type of propane that you would use to heat your grill. It provides even heat throughout the entire process and makes it easy to keep the oil at a consistent temperature.

You'll want to choose an oil to deep fry your turkey in that has a high smoke point. This means that the oil you choose should not start to smoke until around 400 degrees preferably. Canola, peanut and soy oil are all great options to use when deep frying a turkey. You want oil with a high smoke point because you will need to cook your turkey at a temperature of around 350 degrees. Using oil with a lower smoke point could result in the turkey tasting burnt.

In terms of cooking times, you'll want to fry your turkey for 3 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 15 pound turkey, it will require around 45 minutes to completely cook. An important thing to mention here is that your turkey needs to be completely thawed before you place it in the heated oil. If you put a frozen bird into the oil, it will cause the oil to expand, possibly spilling over and igniting the flame below. Also, a turkey that is deep fried is not stuffed, so if you have stuffing lovers in your family like I do, you'll need to make this separately.

Although the process of deep frying is fun and results in a delicious turkey, there are some safety precautions that you need to be aware of before you start cooking.

Always use your turkey fryer outdoors at a safe distance from your home.
The propane tank should be positioned as far away from the pot of oil as possible.
The propane burner should be turned off when you are initially lowering the turkey into the oil.
Make sure you turkey is completely thawed before lowering it into the oil.
Do not overfill your pot with oil. To prevent this, place your turkey in the pot while it is empty and fill it with water just until the water covers the top of the turkey. This will show you where your oil level needs to be.
Keep children away from the deep turkey frying kit at all times during the cooking process.
Wear long sleeves, pants and shoes while cooking to prevent the possibility of oil splashing you.
Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
If you pay attention to what you are doing, and take the proper precautions you should not have to worry about any of the serious safety issues that are mentioned above. I felt that it was necessary to mention them though because of the possible risk that is associated with deep frying with a large quantity of oil.

I hope that you have found this information helpful, and good luck frying your first turkey. For more information on deep turkey fryers, please visit my site, deep turkey fryers.com.

Dominick Ciccone is the main content contributor for the site : Deep Turkey Fryers.com. For more information about deep turkey fryers, please visit his site.

Deep-Fried Turkey - A New and Dangerous American Thanksgiving Dish

In 2006, the two turkeys pardoned by the President of the U.S. were named Flyer and Fryer. As I wrote in an earlier article, turkeys can't fly, and not many people fry their Thanksgiving turkeys. But more and more are doing just that. Although roast turkey is the traditional Thanksgiving meat, deep-fried turkey is also becoming popular.

Deep-frying means cooking food in a large amount of hot fat. The fat has to cover the food completely. The outside of the food gets very crisp.

Fried chicken has been a popular American dish for years. The chicken is usually cut up and fried in a small amount of fat. Fried turkey is different. A whole turkey is cooked in a large container of very hot oil. Special appliances called turkey fryers are made for this.

Many people who have eaten deep-fried turkey say it tastes much better than roast turkey. It also cooks a lot more quickly.

But cooking it can be dangerous. If the hot oil spills or splashes, people can get badly burned. The fryer can tip over and spill, especially if it's not on a flat surface. If the turkey is still frozen, even a little bit, water from the melting ice can also make the oil spill. Turkey fryers have even exploded.

Underwriters Laboratory, an organization that tests products for safety, has said it will not put its safety mark on any turkey fryers. To see why, watch this video.

There are other problems with deep-fried turkey. It has to be cooked outside to be safe. (Maybe this is the reason it's more popular in the South.) The turkey has to be small - 12 pounds or less. There can't be any stuffing in it.

Is deep-fried turkey worth the risk? Underwriters Laboratory says no, some Americans say yes - and most Americans will probably stick to roast turkey for Thanksgiving.

Jane Wangersky is an ESL teacher and the author of Thanksgiving for Beginners. To get her free eBooklet, 50 Questions and Answers About Thanksgiving, visit her site - Thanksgiving Tips for ESL Learners.

Considering Buying a Deep Fryer?

When planning to purchase deep fryer cooking equipment for your kitchen, or patio there are some important factors you should consider before you actually go online or to an appliance store to purchase it.

A stove top deep fryer is an option. They come in aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron. They can be used for other applications besides frying as well. They came in a wide range of sizes, so size may be a consideration for you. You need a place to store a large pot.

Counter top deep fryers can be really big and can take significant amount of space in your kitchen. Some fryer sizes can be as large as a microwave oven. So it is very important to consider the size of the specific fryer you will buy and the space in your kitchen where you intend to place it. I have a larger counter top deep fryer that I have to cool off, drain, clean, and put away every time I use it. I have very little counter space so I have to put my fryer back in the closet after every use. To conserve on counter space you can purchase a smaller deep fryer that you can actually store the oil right in, but then you are limited on the size of items that you can cook. I purchased my counter top deep fryer with the intention of being able to fry a small turkey indoors. I wanted to try it out before deciding on making the larger purchase of an outdoor patio propane deep fryer. Besides, my fryer is very versatile. I can steam and boil in it as well.

If you are a chef, or if you really know and understand the basics of cooking, you definitely know that temperature plays a vital role in cooking. All deep fryer's temperature controls can be a bit tricky sometimes, and for those who don't really know how to use it, it can be tricky most of the time. Setting this cooking equipment at the wrong temperature can affect the food significantly, from taste, to texture, to quality. Those fryers with low, medium, and high gauges can be difficult to handle. These temperature levels are too vague. With fryers like this it is good to have a deep fryer thermometer on hand. Many fryers nowadays do come with a proper temperature gauge, some even have a light that comes on or goes off when you've reached your optimum temperature. Also if you don't heat the oil back to an optimum temperature between batches, your food won't cook right. Cooking too much food in one batch will also lead to improper cooking.

Now if you're considering an outdoor patio propane deep fryer, there are many styles and sizes to choose from as well. There are some smaller units. Table top would be a good term here. These units would be great for small gatherings, camping and tailgating. Some, called turkey fryers, are an outdoor patio stove, with a separate stock pot and basket that you fill with oil and heat on the patio stove. Some people are scared of this type of fryer, due to the open flame & oil. Flare ups are common if proper care & safety are not taken. The turkey fryer is very versatile, in that you can steam & boil with these outdoor cookers as well. That opens the door for lots of outdoor cooking opportunities! There are "safer" fryers, that the flame is contained and runs through a tube in the oil. There are many items that can be cooked in these units. Some are even large enough to deep fry a turkey.

So, when What kind of temperature gauge does it have? Think about where you'd like to do this cooking. At home, in the kitchen, outside? Do you want to take it tailgating or camping? How many people are you looking to feed? Do you just want to feed the family, or have a fish fry for the church congregation? There are many things to consider, but with the proper research, anyone can make the proper deep fryer purchase to suit their needs.

Jenifer Whelan is the owner of The Deep Fryer Depot. Your online frying headquarters. For your next tailgate party or fish fry check out our selection of conventional deep fryers or one of our safer deep fryers.

The Convenience of Using a Turkey Deep Fryer

Many times when people think about cooking a big turkey dinner, whether for Thanksgiving or any other time of year, you hear a lot of moaning and groaning about the whole process. From the preparation of the bird to the results, cooking a turkey in the oven is not necessarily everyone's favorite task. This is why using a turkey deep fryer is becoming so popular among cooks these days.

If you want a juicy turkey that is a bit crispy on the outside, the only way to go is using a deep fryer. These types of fryers are specifically made to cook turkeys, so they are a good size and design to fit this kind of bird. They also hold a significant amount of oil to make sure the job is done properly.

Preserving the juiciness of the meat is important because who really wants to eat a bland, dry turkey? However, having that crispy outside is one of the best parts of eating turkey, right? Using a turkey deep fryer is one way to make certain that you are cooking the bird in the way that will make it the most appetizing to everyone.

In addition to using a fryer, you may also want to consider using special marinades or rubs to further season it. These can provide robust and vibrant flavor to your meal. Another alternative way to season the bird is using a flavor injector where you actually inject a liquid marinade into the turkey. One thing to avoid, however, is stuffing the bird as you would traditionally do when cooking it in the oven. This is not advisable when using a deep fryer.

When you purchase a turkey fryer, be sure to read the instructions carefully. For example, never use this item indoors as you are working with an abundance of hot oils and it would be dangerous to use inside. Also, it is important to keep children and pets at a distance for the very same reason.

One of the biggest advantages of using a deep fryer for a turkey would be the rapid cooking method. In a traditional oven, turkeys take about 20 minutes per pound to bake. However, you can typically cook a 12 pound turkey in under an hour. The turkey will usually end up moister and will cook a lot more evenly than it would in an oven.

Turkey fryers come in electric, gas and propane versions. The one you choose will depend on your own cooking preferences. They come in a variety of price ranges as well depending on the accessories that come with them.

Any time of year is a great time to enjoy a big meal with a nice turkey at the center of the table. Using a turkey deep fryer is by far the easiest and tastiest method to cook up a good time with your family and friends. Trust me, they will thank you for the great meal and wonder how in the world you were able to cook up such a tasty, moist and flavorful bird!

Do you really want to serve just a so-so tasting turkey? Or do you want to serve a great tasting turkey? Find out more about the turkey deep fryer at this website http://www.turkeydeepfryer.org to improve your cooking.

Turkey Fryer Recipes - Recipes For Deep Fried Turkey

Turkey Fryer Recipes are all the rage this time of year. You normally think of fried chicken, not turkey, well you will soon discover how delicious fried turkey can be. Be careful though; follow the directions of your fryer carefully as to not cause an accident.

The following are three recipes you must try:

DEEP FRIED TURKEY

1 turkey, 12-15 lbs, thawed

5-6 gallons peanut oil

1 stick butter

3 cloves minced garlic

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1/4 lb salt pork, chopped to a fine mince

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large outdoor turkey fryer

1 turkey marinade injector

1 mesh strainer

salt and pepper

Set up your turkey fryer outside; make sure the fryer is away from flammable objects such as your house. It is wise to remove little children and your pets from the area you will be frying in. You will also need a heavy-duty wire to lower and raise the turkey from the grease, most fryers provide this.

The turkey must be fully thawed before frying, as excess water will cause the oil to bubble up.

Combine salt pork with minced garlic and 1 tsp. of peanut oil and fry in a pan on low heat for 30 minutes. Add to the pan soy sauce, paprika and butter and cook until butter has melted. Stain this mixture to remove bigger bits and then pour into marinade injector. Inject the turkey; remove pop-up timer and place in the refrigerator overnight.

Cooking the Turkey

30 minutes before cooking remove the turkey from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature. The oil in the fryer should be 350° degrees for optimal cooking and the turkey must be dry when going into the oil.

Most turkey fryer recipes call for peanut oil, add this up to the line inside of the turkey fryer. Slowly place the turkey breast side down into the fryer basket. Allow the oil temperature to lower to 300°F and continue frying, it is recommended that you fry for 4 minutes per pound of turkey.

Remove the turkey to a serving platter and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place the bird upside down fro at least 20 minutes so the juices will redistribute to the breast. Flip the turkey right side up and serve with garnishes of choice.

CAJUN FRIED WHOLE TURKEYS

2 whole turkeys

16 oz. bottle Italian dressing

1 tbsp. garlic powder or garlic salt

1 tbsp. onion powder or onion salt

1 tsp. celery salt

1/3 bottle paprika pepper

1/2 can of beer (optional)

3 tsps. poultry season

1 tsp. salt (omit this if using garlic or onion salt)

1 tsp. pepper (black)

1 tsp. pepper (white)

2 tsp. cayenne pepper

4 dashes Tabasco

Wrap legs with foil and-or wire. Mix all ingredients and inject into each bird at least 12 hours before cooking and place in the refrigerator. Deep-fry the turkey using peanut oil, 4 minutes per pound. The oil in the fryer should be at 340 degrees.

DEEP FRIED HONEY TURKEY

12-14 lb. turkey

5 gallons peanut oil

SEASONING:

1 bottle Italian dressing

1/8 c. Lea & Perrins

Onion salt

Lemon salt

Garlic salt

Lemon juice

4 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. brown sugar

Heat seasonings on stove until melted down then pour though a strainer. Insert into turkey with an injector. Be sure to season the outside of the turkey as well, butter, salt and pepper works nicely, then refrigerate overnight.

Fry turkey in wire basket at 300 to 310 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes. 4 minutes per pound.

Turkey fryer recipes are pretty consistent, all go into the fryer but it's the seasonings that make them unique. Get creative and see what flavor combinations you can come up with to have a delicious fried turkey.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about turkey fryer recipes [http://cookingaturkeymadeeasyonline.info/turkey-fryer-recipes-recipes-for-deep-fried-turkey/], please visit Cooking A Turkey Made Easy Online [http://cookingaturkeymadeeasyonline.info/] for current articles and discussions.