The Ultimate Can Cooker Turkey Fryer Guide

Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a gimmick, but it's a method that's been praised by NYT Cooking's Kim Severson. There are a variety of turkey fryers available, from the King Kooker Outdoor Turkey Fryer to the Masterbuilt 10L XL Electric Fryer, Boiler, and Steamer. While some people opt for indoor deep fryers, these have been criticised for their weaker heat source, use of less oil, and trapping of steam, which can lead to a soggy, oily turkey. Most turkey fryer kits include extras that make the cooking process easier and the cooker more versatile.

King Kooker outdoor turkey fryer

Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a gastronomic gimmick, but NYT Cooking pro Kim Severson swears by the method—and the King Kooker fryer. The King Kooker Outdoor Turkey Fryer Kit features a 12" welded square turkey fryer package with a 29-qt. turkey pot. Each turkey fryer unit comes complete with a 33,000 BTU cast burner, flame protective windguard, CSA-certified battery-operated timer, 29-qt. aluminium turkey pot, turkey rack and lifting hook, basket, aluminium fry pan and basket with a deep fry thermometer. The setup is super easy, so it's suitable for beginners and culinary professionals alike.

The King Kooker fryer is versatile. Not only can it handle a 20-pound turkey, but it can also handle the large amounts of water necessary for a seafood boil. So it'll come in handy for more than just Thanksgiving. However, some customers have reported that the pot itself has several dents and is not heavy-duty enough to put a 20-pound turkey in. Some also say the quality is poor and the regulator sucks.

In theory, the only implements you need to deep fry a turkey are a pot and a burner, but most turkey fryer kits include at least a few extras that make things easier and the cooker more versatile.

Deep-frying a turkey

One popular option is the King Kooker Outdoor Turkey Fryer, which has everything you need to fry the perfect turkey, including a lid, rack, and temperature gauge. It can handle a 20-pound turkey and large amounts of water for a seafood boil, so it's versatile and suitable for beginners and professionals alike. However, some users have noted that it struggles to maintain temperature.

If you're looking for an indoor option, the Masterbuilt 10L XL Electric Fryer, Boiler, and Steamer is worth considering. While indoor deep fryers tend to be less attractive and have weaker heat sources, use less oil, and trap steam, leading to a soggy, oily turkey, this particular model appears to be a cut above the rest.

When it comes to deep-frying a turkey, it's important to have the right equipment and to follow safety precautions. Make sure you have a pot large enough to accommodate the turkey and a burner that can reach and maintain the necessary temperature. Always use caution when handling hot oil, and never leave the fryer unattended.

Indoor deep fryers

Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a gastronomic gimmick, but NYT Cooking pro Kim Severson swears by the method. She recommends the King Kooker fryer for a full outdoor turkey-frying experience. It has all you need to fry the perfect turkey, including a lid, rack, and temperature gauge. It can handle a 20-pound turkey and large amounts of water necessary for a seafood boil. However, it struggles to maintain temperature.

If you're looking for an indoor deep fryer, it's worth noting that they tend to be less effective than outdoor fryers. According to Marguerite, indoor deep fryers have a weaker heat source, use less oil, and trap steam, which can lead to a soggy, oily turkey. One indoor fryer that appears to still be available is the Masterbuilt 10L XL Electric Fryer, Boiler, and Steamer.

In theory, all you need to deep fry a turkey is a pot and a burner. However, most turkey fryer kits include extras that make the process easier and the cooker more versatile. When choosing a turkey fryer, consider the size of the fryer, the adjustable regulator, thermostatic control, and brand.

Turkey fryer kits

Another option is the Zimtown 30QT Fish Fryer Turkey Fryer Outdoor Fryer 4 Piece Set, available at Walmart. This kit is perfect for outdoor cooking and includes everything you need except the propane and the turkey. It features a boil fryer with 54,000 BTU of power, making it a versatile and powerful option for frying your Thanksgiving turkey.

When choosing a turkey fryer kit, consider the size of your turkey and the features included in the kit. Some kits may also be suitable for cooking other large batches of food, such as shrimp, crabs, corn, and peanuts. Always follow safety precautions when using a turkey fryer, and ensure proper ventilation and handling of hot oil.

Additionally, it is important to consider the power source for your turkey fryer. Most kits use propane as the fuel source, so ensure you have access to a propane tank and understand how to safely operate and maintain the equipment. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for proper use and care of your turkey fryer kit.

Pots and burners

Another option is the Masterbuilt 10L XL Electric Fryer, Boiler, and Steamer. This is an indoor deep fryer that can pinch-hit for an oven. However, it's not as fun to look at and tends to resemble a rectangular Instant Pot. According to Marguerite, indoor fryers have a weaker heat source, use less oil, and trap steam, which can lead to a soggy, oily turkey.

If you're looking for a more versatile option, consider the King Kooker fryer, which can handle large turkeys and seafood boils. Or, if you're looking for an indoor option, the Masterbuilt 10L XL Electric Fryer might be a better choice, despite its drawbacks. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference and what works best for your needs.

Frequently asked questions