Turkey Fryers: Versatile For Other Foods?

Turkey fryers are a serious investment, so it's good to know that they can be used for more than just frying turkeys. They can be used to boil, steam, or fry large amounts of food, making them perfect for big gatherings. Turkey fryers can be used to cook seafood, such as crawfish, crab, and shrimp, as well as for making large batches of soup or stew. They can also be used for frying a variety of foods, including onion rings, fries, chicken, mozzarella sticks, and even desserts like doughnuts and churros. With a turkey fryer, the possibilities are endless!

Boiling seafood

• Prepare the fryer: Fill the turkey fryer with water up to the maximum fill line. You can also add seasoning bags, oil, and salt at this stage for extra flavour.
• Boil the water: Turn on the fryer and heat the water to a boil. This may take around 15 minutes.
• Add the ingredients in stages: Start by adding the ingredients that take the longest to cook. For example, add potatoes first and boil for around 10 minutes, then add corn and boil for another 5-8 minutes, followed by sausage or other meat. The order and timing may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used.
• Boil the seafood: Finally, add the seafood and boil until cooked. For shrimp, this usually takes around 5 minutes or until they turn pink. For fish fillets, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Drain and serve: Carefully remove the strainer basket from the pot and drain the excess water. Spread the seafood boil out on a table or large foil pan. You can also brush the seafood with garlic butter or serve with butter, salt, mustard, or cocktail sauce on the side.

Deep-frying other foods

Turkey fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods other than turkey. Here are some ideas for what you can deep-fry:

Seafood

Turkey fryers are great for seafood boils such as crawfish, low-country, and crab boils. You can also steam seafood like tamales and boil large batches of soup or stew.

Fish

In the South, turkey fryers are commonly used for community fish-fry events. You can fry fish fillets, hush puppies, and all sorts of seafood.

Vegetables

You can deep-fry classic French fries, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and even breaded vegetables like onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and beignets.

Meat

Apart from turkey, you can deep-fry other meats like chicken.

Snacks

Some snacks you can deep-fry include corn dogs, chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, and doughnuts.

Making large batches of soup or stew

Turkey fryers can be used to make large batches of soup or stew. Here is a guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Carcass

Remove all the meat from the turkey bones and place it in a container. Break the bones apart at the joints so that they fit into your largest pot or crockpot. Remove all the skin and fatty parts as well.

Step 2: Simmer the Bones

Place the bones into a large stock pot and cover them with water. You can also add some roughly chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to add more flavour to the stock. Simmer the bones for 8-10 hours, leaving the lid off.

Step 3: Strain the Stock

Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. You can either use the stock immediately or let it cool and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Step 4: Prepare the Soup

Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add some chopped onions and cook until they are soft. Then, add some chopped carrots and celery and cook until they start to brown.

Step 5: Add the Stock and Meat

Add the reserved turkey meat, the stock, and some salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can also add some cooked pasta or rice to the soup if desired. Enjoy!

Roasting coffee beans

Choosing the Right Beans

Coffee beans come in various types, each with its own unique flavour profile. When selecting beans for roasting, consider the following:

• Coffee bean characteristics: There are two main types of coffee beans: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their mild, smooth flavour and low acidity, while Robusta beans are stronger and more bitter.
• Quality: Opt for fresh, high-quality beans that are free of defects. High-quality beans will produce better-tasting coffee and roast more evenly in the air fryer.
• Roast level: The roast level will impact the flavour profile of your coffee. Light roasts are mild and have higher acidity, while dark roasts are bold and less acidic. Choose beans based on your desired roast level.
• Quantity: Consider the capacity of your air fryer to determine the quantity of beans. Avoid overloading the air fryer, as this can result in uneven roasting and impact the flavour.

Preparing the Air Fryer

Before roasting the coffee beans, ensure your air fryer is properly prepared:

• Clean the air fryer: Remove any leftover grease or crumbs from previous cooking to prevent affecting the flavour of your coffee beans.
• Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even roasting.
• Prepare the beans: Measure the desired amount of coffee beans and spread them evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring you don't overload the basket.
• Adjust temperature and time: Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and the timer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired roast level. Light roasts require less time, while dark roasts will take longer.

Roasting the Coffee Beans

Once your air fryer is prepared, it's time to start roasting:

• Start the roast: After preheating, add the prepared coffee beans to the basket and initiate the roasting process.
• Listen for the first crack: About 5-7 minutes into roasting, you'll hear the first crack—the sound of beans expanding and releasing steam. The beans will start to change colour and become less dense.
• Watch for the second crack: For a darker roast, continue roasting past the first crack. After another 2-3 minutes, you'll hear the second crack, indicating a dark roast level.
• Stop the roast: Once you've achieved your desired roast level, stop the air fryer and promptly remove the beans from the basket to prevent over-roasting.

Cooling and Storing the Roasted Coffee Beans

After roasting, it's crucial to properly cool and store the beans to preserve their flavour and freshness:

• Cool the beans: Spread the roasted beans on a baking sheet or colander to allow them to cool down and release excess heat and steam.
• Store in an airtight container: Once the beans are completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a coffee bag with a one-way valve, to protect them from oxygen, light, and moisture.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your container of roasted beans in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, with an ideal storage temperature of 60-75°F (15-24°C).
• Use within 2-3 weeks: Coffee beans are freshest within 2-3 weeks of roasting. Consume or brew them within this timeframe to ensure optimal flavour and freshness.

Tips for Successful Air Fryer Coffee Roasting

• Start with small batches: When beginning, roast small batches of beans to get a feel for the process and avoid wasting beans.
• Use high-quality beans: The quality of the beans directly impacts the quality of your roasted coffee, so invest in fresh, high-quality beans.
• Preheat the air fryer: Preheating ensures an even roast. Preheat for about 5 minutes on the highest setting.
• Shake the basket frequently: Shake the air fryer basket every few minutes during roasting to promote even roasting and prevent bean burning.
• Listen for cracks: Coffee beans make a cracking sound as they roast. The first crack indicates a light roast, while the second crack signifies a darker roast.
• Monitor the temperature: Maintain a temperature between 400-450°F (200-230°C) for optimal results.
• Experiment with roast levels: Don't be afraid to experiment with different roast levels to find your preferred taste. Lighter roasts have a milder flavour with more acidity, while darker roasts are bolder with less acidity.

Steaming vegetables

Turkey fryers can be used to steam vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Fryer

Firstly, ensure that your turkey fryer is set up outside, away from anything flammable. This could be on concrete, dirt, or gravel. Ensure that the propane tank is as far away from the fryer as possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop your chosen vegetables to your desired size.

Step 3: Steam the Vegetables

Fill the fryer with water to just below the safe fill line. Place the vegetables in the steamer basket and slowly lower the basket into the fryer. Turn on the heat source and cook until the vegetables are tender. The time will depend on the type and size of the vegetables you are cooking.

Step 4: Remove the Vegetables

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, carefully remove the basket from the fryer and drain the vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions