How To Fry A Turkey Without A Basket

Frying a turkey is a popular choice for Thanksgiving, offering a fast, tender, and flavorful meal with a perfectly crisp skin. It is important to prioritize safety when frying a turkey, as people burn down their houses every year due to carelessness with a turkey fryer. One of the key safety considerations is whether to use a basket with your fryer or not. While some people prefer to use a basket to keep the bird stable and promote even cooking, others choose to fry their turkey without a basket to reduce the amount of oil needed.

Safety tips for using a turkey fryer

Turkey fryers can be dangerous if not used properly, so it's important to follow safety guidelines. Here are some detailed safety tips to keep in mind when using a turkey fryer:

Location and Setup:

• Always use turkey fryers outdoors, in an open space, and away from any structures, wooden decks, trees, or anything flammable.
• Place the fryer on a solid, level surface to avoid accidental spills or collapses.
• Ensure there is a safe distance of at least 2 feet between the burner and the propane tank.
• Keep the fryer away from children and pets.

Preparing the Turkey:

• Fully thaw and dry your turkey before placing it in the fryer. A frozen or wet turkey can cause hot oil to splatter or overflow, leading to flare-ups or fires.
• Do not stuff the turkey before frying.
• Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper amount of oil and the correct size of turkey. Overfilling the fryer with oil can be dangerous.

During Frying:

• Never leave the fryer unattended while in use.
• Maintain a proper oil temperature of around 350°F (177°C).
• Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
• Do not use water to extinguish a grease fire. Instead, smother the fire, turn off the heat source, and call for emergency assistance if needed.

Protective Gear:

• Wear protective clothing, such as oven mitts, BBQ gloves, and an apron to protect your skin from hot oil.
• Use eye protection, such as goggles, to shield your eyes from potential splashes of hot oil.

Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for your specific turkey fryer, and exercise caution at all times when dealing with hot oil and open flames.

Preparing the fryer

Before you start frying your turkey, it's important to prepare your fryer properly to ensure optimal cooking results and avoid any safety hazards. Here are the steps you should follow:

Clean the Fryer

Start by giving your fryer a thorough cleaning, especially if it's been used previously. Make sure there is no leftover residue from previous cooking sessions, as this can affect the taste and quality of your turkey.

Choose a Suitable Location

Set up your fryer outdoors, in a safe, open space away from anything flammable. Avoid placing it on a wooden deck, inside your garage, in your kitchen, or near any flammable materials. Opt for a flat, stable surface made of concrete, dirt, or gravel.

Prepare the Oil

Fill your fryer with oil to the recommended level. Most turkey fryers will have an oil line marked. If yours doesn't, use the water displacement method: place the turkey in the fryer, fill it with water until the turkey is covered, remove the turkey, and then mark the water line. This will be your oil line. Do not overfill the fryer, as this can lead to oil spillage and increase the risk of fire.

Attach the Propane Tank

Securely attach the propane tank to your fryer, following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the tank is placed as far away from the fryer as possible while still being connected.

Heat the Oil

Turn on the heat and heat the oil to the desired temperature. For frying a turkey, you'll typically want to cook at a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, since the temperature will drop when you add the turkey, you can heat the oil slightly higher, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, to accommodate for this drop. Always monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.

Safety Precautions

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. Oil can catch fire if it gets too hot, so it's crucial to be prepared. Additionally, never leave the fryer unattended once the flame is on. Keep an eye on the temperature and turn down the heat if the oil starts smoking.

Preparing the turkey

Thawing and Drying:

• Completely thaw your turkey before frying. A frozen turkey can take around a day per 5 pounds to thaw in the refrigerator.
• Check the cavities and joints for any hidden ice crystals. Ensure the turkey is entirely ice-free as moisture can cause oil to splatter.
• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out. Remove any excess moisture to prevent oil splatter and ensure crispy skin.

Removing Giblets and Neck:

• Take off the wrapper and remove the neck and giblets from the body cavity. You can save these for gravy or discard them.
• Check the neck cavity and ensure it is clear of any plastic pieces or other debris.

Brining and Seasoning (Optional):

• Some people choose to brine their turkey in a salt bath for a day before frying. This adds flavour and moisture to the meat.
• You can also inject marinade into the meat or apply a dry or wet rub with your choice of spices, herbs, and seasonings. Be cautious with butter or oil-based rubs as they may cause splattering when the turkey is added to the hot oil.

Final Preparations:

• Allow the turkey to come to room temperature for about an hour before frying.
• Ensure the turkey is dry once more, as any moisture can cause oil to splatter.
• Tuck the legs together and, if desired, tie them with kitchen twine.
• If using an indoor fryer with a basket, you can place the turkey inside. For outdoor frying with a hanger, skewer the turkey securely with the hanger hook.

Remember, preparing the turkey is a crucial step to ensure a safe and enjoyable frying experience. Always follow safety guidelines and use your best judgment when handling raw turkey and hot oil.

Cooking methods without a basket

Yes, it is possible to use a turkey fryer without a basket. Here are some alternative cooking methods:

Using a Hook

If your turkey is too big for the basket, you can hang it from a hook instead. Most turkey fry kits come with a hook that can be used to lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil. This method ensures that the oil does not overflow.

Laying the Turkey Down

Using a basket to fry a turkey requires a significant amount of oil to completely submerge the bird. Laying the turkey down in the pot without a basket can reduce the amount of oil needed. This method is suitable for turkey breasts, which can be challenging to keep standing on a rod.

Frying in Parts

If your pot or basket is too small to accommodate the whole turkey, you can cut the bird into smaller pieces and fry them in batches. This method ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of overflowing oil.

Using a Rack

Instead of a basket, some turkey fryers come with a stainless steel poultry rack. This rack can be placed inside the pot, and the turkey is placed on top of it. The rack elevates the turkey above the oil, allowing for even cooking on all sides.

When frying a turkey without a basket, it is important to take extra precautions to ensure safety. Always fry your turkey outdoors, away from flammable materials, and never leave the fryer unattended. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before placing it in the hot oil to prevent oil spills and splatters.

Cleaning and maintenance

Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your turkey fryer, it is important to let it cool down completely. Unplug the fryer and allow it to cool down. Do not attempt to clean a hot fryer as you may burn yourself.

Cleaning the Fryer Basket

The fryer basket can be cleaned by removing it from the fryer and placing it in a sink filled with hot, soapy water. Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub away any grease and food residue. Rinse the basket with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Cleaning the Fryer Exterior

To clean the exterior of the fryer, use a degreaser. Apply the degreaser to a clean cloth and wipe down the exterior of the fryer, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Rinse the fryer with warm, soapy water to remove any residue from the degreaser.

Cleaning the Fryer Interior

The interior of the fryer is likely to be the dirtiest part as it is where the turkey is cooked. To clean it, fill the fryer with a few inches of hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a scouring pad to scrub the interior, making sure to get into all the corners. Rinse the fryer with warm, soapy water and dry it with a clean towel.

Additional Tips

• Use a turkey fryer cover to protect the fryer from dirt and debris.
• Clean the fryer after each use to prevent grease and oil buildup.
• Store the fryer in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Use a degreaser to remove grease and oil.
• Rinse the fryer with hot water and dry it thoroughly with a towel.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling cleaning chemicals.
• Do not pour oil down the sink drain as it can cause plumbing issues.
• Do not submerge the fryer in water as it can ruin the electrical parts.
• Baking soda can be used to tackle tough grease. Create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to greasy areas, and scrub.

Frequently asked questions