How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Discover how to properly deep fry a turkey in 10 easy steps.

Gone are the days of getting up at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning to get the turkey in the oven. Imagine having your turkey done in under an hour.

Deep-fried turkey has been a staple in the South for years. The oil seals the outside, making this one of the juiciest birds you’ll ever make. And it’s anything but greasy.

Once you try preparing a turkey in an outdoor deep fryer, you may never do it the old way again. Plus, all you need is a turkey fryer, marinade, a turkey, a meat thermometer, and some frying oil.

To learn how to properly deep fry a turkey in no time this holiday season, just follow this step-by-step guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Select a Turkey

The ideal turkey for frying is usually not more than 13 pounds. Larger turkeys require extensive cooking time to ensure the internal temperature is between 180° to 190° F.

The time it would take to properly heat a large turkey can overcook the outside skin. You will have better results by cooking two smaller turkeys instead of a single large turkey.

2. Thaw & Clean the Turkey

Make sure you follow the thawing directions on the wrapper. Once the turkey is completely thawed, remove the neck and giblets from the cavity.

Cut away any excess skin at the neck opening. Make sure there are no obstructions.

3. Marinate the Turkey

Fill the turkey with a bottle of your favorite marinade. Place it in the refrigerator, allowing it to marinate for at least two hours. Letting it marinate overnight will give you the most flavor.

4. Mount the Turkey in the Fryer

Next, mount the turkey onto the stand of your turkey fryer. Some outdoor fryers will use a basket instead of a stand, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Set Up & Light the Turkey Fryer

Following your owner’s manual, set up and light your turkey fryer.

Do not leave the cooker unattended while cooking or during the cool down period. Hot oil is extremely dangerous and must be watched at all times. And have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case. Never use an outdoor turkey fryer indoors. 

Pour the oil into the pot. We recommend using peanut oil. Clip the thermometer to the side of the pot, with the probe end in the oil. Do not fill past the maximum fill line on the pot.

6. Heat the Oil

You want to heat the oil slowly over a low flame. Gradually increase the heat until the oil reaches the right temperature for your turkey. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

For a turkey that weighs between 10 and 13 pounds, the temperature should be 350° F. For a bird of 14 to 20 pounds, the cooking temperature should be 325° F.

Before you move onto the next step, make sure you’re wearing protective mitts, an apron, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants.

7. Lower the Turkey Into the Oil

Once the oil has reached the right temperature, turn off the flame, and very slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil.

Once you’ve submerged the turkey, relight the flame. Splattering will occur, which is why you need protective clothing. Leave the top of the pot off the fryer.

Your cooking time should be three to three and a half minutes per pound. But the most accurate way to tell when the bird is done is by using a meat thermometer.

Insert the probe deep into the breast and thigh. If it reads 180° to 190° F, your turkey is done.

8. Remove the Turkey From the Oil

Turn off the flame. Remove the turkey from the oil by placing the grab hook into the loop and very slowly lifting the bird out of the oil. Allow the excess oil to drain back into the pot.

Place the cooked turkey on a platter lined with paper towels to absorb more of the oil. Make sure that the fryer flame is off before you take the turkey inside. You can also turn off the propane at this point.

9. Serve the Turkey

Remove the turkey from the stand. Place it on a fancy serving platter with your favorite garnishes. And listen to your family’s oohs and ahhs as you carve and serve it.

10. Wait to Clean the Fryer

Make sure you turn off the propane and allow the oil to cool before taking down and cleaning up your turkey fryer.

Now that you know how to deep fry a turkey, you’ll have more time to spend with your family on Thanksgiving!

For more great holiday recipes and how-tos, check out our Cooking & Recipes Blog.