Butterball Turkey Fryer: Overfilling Safety Tips

Deep-frying a turkey is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and delicious bird on the table for holidays or any time you have a craving. However, it is important to exercise caution when deep-frying a turkey, as there is a risk of fire and electric shock if proper safety precautions are not followed. One of the key safety tips when deep-frying a turkey is to avoid overfilling the fryer with oil. By measuring the oil level before heating and double-checking the fryer capacity, you can safely avoid overflows while enjoying a perfectly cooked, crispy turkey.

Oil temperature

When frying a Butterball turkey, the oil temperature should be preheated to 375°F. Once the oil is hot, turn off the burner and slowly lower the turkey into the oil. This helps prevent the oil from bubbling over. After the turkey is in the oil, turn the burner back on and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per pound.

The turkey is done when the dark meat reaches an internal temperature of 175°F to 180°F, and the white meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to 170°F. When checking the internal temperature, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. If your thermometer has a thin probe, you can also check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast.

It is important to note that the oil temperature should not exceed the maximum fill line indicated in your Butterball electric turkey fryer. Overfilling the fryer with oil can be dangerous and may result in oil spillage or overheating. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using your electric turkey fryer.

Thawing

Methods for Thawing

There are a few methods you can use to thaw your turkey, each with its own set of instructions:

• Refrigerator Thawing: This method is the preferred option as it is the least labor-intensive. However, it requires more time. Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
• Cold Water Thawing: This method is faster but demands more attention. Submerge the sealed turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
• Never Thaw at Room Temperature: It is important to note that you should never thaw a turkey at room temperature or in hot water due to the risk of bacterial growth.

Timing and Safety

The time it takes to thaw a turkey will depend on its size. Allow sufficient time for the thawing process, and remember that a frozen turkey will take significantly longer to fry than a thawed one. As a rule of thumb, allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey when using the refrigerator thawing method.

Preparing the Turkey

Once your turkey is completely thawed, it's time to prepare it for frying:

• Remove the giblets and neck, and discard them.
• Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
• Cut out the backbone and fold the turkey in half if necessary to fit into the fryer.
• Inject your marinade of choice into the thicker breast and thigh areas for added moisture and flavour.

Remember, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using the Butterball electric turkey fryer. Always ensure your turkey is completely thawed and dried before placing it into the fryer.

Brining

Step 1: Prepare the Brine Solution

Combine 3 cups of firmly packed brown sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, and 2 gallons of cold water in a large non-metallic container. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar and salt are dissolved. You can also add other seasonings like thyme and crushed garlic cloves to enhance the flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey and set them aside for other uses. Place the turkey in the brine mixture, ensuring that it is fully submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours or overnight. This process helps the brine to penetrate the meat, adding moisture and flavour.

Step 3: Remove the Turkey from the Brine

Once the brining process is complete, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. It is important to remove any excess moisture from the surface of the turkey before placing it in the hot oil.

Step 4: Preheat the Oil

Preheat the oil in your Butterball Electric Turkey Deep Fryer to 350°F. It is important to maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Fry the Turkey

Place the turkey, breast side up, in the frying basket and slowly lower it into the hot oil. Be cautious of splattering oil. Fry the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound, maintaining the oil temperature at around 350°F.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Remove the turkey from the oil and insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 170°F for the breast and 180°F for the thigh. If the turkey has not reached the desired temperature, return it to the oil and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oil and drain it on paper towels. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender final product.

Safety precautions

Before using your Butterball electric turkey fryer, always read the instruction manual and follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Here are some important safety precautions to keep in mind:

• The maximum turkey size for the Butterball electric turkey fryer is 22 lbs (9.98 kg). Do not exceed this weight limit.
• Never overfill the cooking pot with oil. Always fill the oil to the bottom of the max fill line, but do not exceed it.
• Allow sufficient time for pre-heating. Pre-heating the oil or water can take up to 45 minutes. During this time, prepare your food for cooking.
• Keep the lid closed during pre-heating and cooking to maintain a consistent temperature and reduce heating time.
• Never move the appliance when oil or water is above 100 °F (37 °C).
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Always use the lifting hook handle to handle hot items.
• To prevent electric shock, do not immerse the cord, plugs, or any part of the control panel in water or other liquids.
• This appliance should not be left unattended during use. Always unplug it from the outlet when not in use.
• Do not operate the appliance if the cord or plug is damaged, or if the appliance has malfunctioned or been damaged in any way. Contact Masterbuilt Customer Service for assistance.
• Do not use accessory attachments that are not supplied by Masterbuilt Manufacturing, Inc., as they may cause injury.
• The Butterball electric turkey fryer is for indoor use only. Do not use it outdoors.
• Always attach the breakaway cord with the plug to the appliance first, and then plug the cord into the outlet.
• To disconnect, turn the temperature button to the OFF setting, and then remove the plug from the outlet.
• Do not use an extension cord with this appliance, as it increases the risk of entanglement or tripping, and may cause improper heating.
• If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn off the appliance.
• Open the lid with caution to prevent burns from escaping steam.
• Always add food slowly to avoid boil-over.
• Place the unit on a level and stable surface to prevent tipping.
• Do not overfill the pot past the max fill line.
• Do not mix different types of oil at the same time.
• Never melt fat or lard on the heating element or in the basket, as it poses a risk of fire and electric shock.
• Use only the manufacturer's cord set for replacement.
• Ensure that the turkey is completely thawed and free of ice and water before frying.
• Always wear protective gloves or mitts when handling hot items.
• Keep children and pets away from the hot oil at all times.
• Allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it.

Cooking time

The cooking time for a Butterball turkey in an electric fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the turkey, the temperature of the oil, and whether the turkey is thawed or frozen. The recommended cooking time is 3 to 4 minutes per pound, with a target internal temperature of 165°F. However, it's important to note that the oil temperature should be maintained at a consistent 350°F to 375°F for even cooking.

For a larger bird, you can expect a longer cooking time. Additionally, a frozen turkey will take significantly longer to fry than a thawed one. If you're using a frozen turkey, ensure that it's completely defrosted before frying to avoid any safety hazards.

To calculate the cooking time, you can use the following formula: fry the turkey for 3.5 to 4 minutes per pound. Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the breast to ensure it reaches 165°F to 170°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, fry the turkey for 4 minutes per pound.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when frying a turkey. Make sure to monitor the temperature closely and avoid overfilling the fryer with oil. Always use protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling hot oil.

By following these instructions and tips, you can achieve a delicious and safely cooked Butterball turkey in your electric fryer.

Frequently asked questions