How To Safely Add Oil To Your Turkey Fryer

Deep-frying a turkey is a quicker alternative to roasting, but it can be a tricky process. The turkey should be fully submerged in oil, with the oil covering the turkey by 1 or 2 inches. The oil should be heated to 350 F before the turkey is slowly lowered in. The turkey should then be cooked for three to five minutes per pound. The oil should have a high smoke point, with peanut oil being the traditional choice. However, other oils such as safflower, soybean, sesame seed, grapeseed, canola, olive, corn, and sunflower oil can also be used.

What oils are good for frying turkey?

You should not add oil to a turkey fryer while cooking. Before cooking, the turkey should be submerged in oil, with the oil covering the turkey by 1 or 2 inches.

Good oils for frying turkeys include peanut oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. Peanut oil is often chosen for its higher smoke point than other oils. However, if you want to use another oil, corn oil is a good choice and has the same smoke point as peanut oil (450 degrees F).

How much oil do I need?

The amount of oil you need depends on the size of your turkey and the oil container. You should use a vessel big enough to fit the whole turkey, with the turkey submerged in the oil. The oil should cover the turkey by 1 or 2 inches, without spilling over.

To measure the amount of oil you need, you can first fill the pot with water to the desired level, accounting for the additional volume caused by bubbles. Then, mark the water level so you can replace it with oil. This will ensure that you don't overbuy expensive oil.

How do I measure the oil?

To measure the oil, you should first put your turkey in the pot and fill it with water to the desired level. You should account for the additional volume caused by the bubbles and make sure the water level is no higher than two-thirds of the way up the pot. Then, take the turkey out and mark the water level. You can then replace the water with oil up to the marked level. The turkey should be completely submerged in the oil, and the oil should cover the turkey by one or two inches without spilling over.

How long do I cook the turkey for?

You should cook the turkey for three to five minutes per pound. To check whether it's done, take it out of the oil and use a food thermometer to ensure that it has crossed 165 F. The innermost parts of the wing and thigh and the thickest part of the breast should all be above 165 F. If not, return the turkey to the oil to continue cooking.

Before frying, you should measure the volume of water that appropriately displaces the turkey and doesn't make the fryer too full. You can then measure the volume of that water and buy the same amount of oil. Put your turkey in the pot, fill with water to the desired level while accounting for the additional volume caused by the bubbles (no higher than 2/3?) and pull the turkey out. Mark the water level so you can replace it with oil.

How do I know when the turkey is cooked?

To check if your turkey is cooked, you should take it out of the oil and use a food thermometer to check that the temperature is above 165°F. You should check the innermost parts of the wing and thigh, and the thickest part of the breast. If the temperature is not above 165°F, return the turkey to the oil to continue cooking.

Frequently asked questions