Crawfish Boil: Oil-Less Turkey Fryer Method

Crawfish boils are a great way to feed a crowd with minimal prep work. While it is possible to boil crawfish in an oil-less turkey fryer, the size of the pot is an important consideration. For larger groups, a bigger pot such as a 60-quart or even a 120-quart pot may be more suitable. Smaller pots, such as 30-quart pots, may require multiple batches for larger quantities of crawfish. In addition to the pot size, it is crucial to ensure that the fryer can reach and maintain the required temperature for boiling crawfish. A 30-psi setup is recommended for optimal heat retention and quicker recovery after adding food.

Crawfish boiling equipment

Heat Source

To boil crawfish, you will need a heat source to cook with. A simple single-flame burner is a good option for beginners, although multiple jets will decrease the time it takes to boil water.

Pots

A 60-quart aluminium stockpot with a matching basket is a good option for small to medium-sized crawfish boils. If you are cooking a larger batch, you may want to consider a 100-quart pot.

Hooks

Handling crawfish can be difficult due to their sharp claws and the awkward size of the bags they come in. Custom-designed hooks can be used to handle the bags and prevent injury.

Gloves

Heavy-duty, insulated gloves are essential for preventing burns when cooking crawfish.

Seasoning

Seasoning is an important part of crawfish boils. You can use liquid boil, dry seasoning, or a combination of both.

Trays

Sturdy cardboard or plastic trays can be used to serve the crawfish.

Crawfish

It is important to source high-quality crawfish that are locally sourced and hand-graded for size.

Other Equipment

Other useful items include a thermometer, a skimmer, a wooden stir paddle, and a steamer attachment.

Boiling times

First, fill your turkey fryer to the max fill line with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. This should take around 15 minutes. Once the water is boiling, add your onions, garlic, lemons, and any other seasonings or spices. Boil for 10-15 minutes.

Next, you will add your potatoes to the pot. Boil these for 7-9 minutes. After this, add your corn and boil for another 5 minutes.

At this point, you can add your sausage. Boil this for 8 minutes, then add your crab legs or lobster tails and cook for about 10 minutes. Finally, add your shrimp and boil for 5 minutes or until they turn pink.

In total, your boiling time will be around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the ingredients you choose to include in your crawfish boil. Remember to always adjust the boiling times accordingly and keep an eye on your food to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Please note that these boiling times are approximate and may vary depending on the specific equipment and ingredients used. Always refer to the recipe you are following for the most accurate boiling times and instructions.

Oil alternatives

While a turkey fryer is typically used for deep-frying, it can also be used to boil water and cook food such as crawfish, shrimp, and crab. This is a great alternative for those who want to avoid using large amounts of oil.

To boil crawfish in a turkey fryer, you will need a propane burner, a large pot, and preferably a strainer basket. The pot should be big enough to fit the amount of crawfish you plan to cook, with enough water to submerge them. A 30-quart pot is a good size for a small to medium batch of crawfish. For larger batches, a 60-quart or even a 120-quart pot may be more suitable.

When boiling crawfish, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure food safety and the best cooking results. Here is a general guide:

• Fill the turkey fryer pot with water to about two-thirds full or until the crawfish are submerged.
• Bring the water to a boil. This may take around 15 minutes or more, depending on the amount of water and the heat source.
• Add any desired spices, seasonings, or flavour enhancers such as garlic, onions, lemons, crab boil, cayenne, or salt. Boil for a few minutes to infuse the water with flavour.
• Add the crawfish to the boiling water. Depending on the size of your pot and the amount of crawfish, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Boil the crawfish for an appropriate amount of time, which can vary depending on their size and the intensity of the heat source. For example, small to medium crawfish may take around 15 minutes, while larger ones may need a few minutes more.
• Once the crawfish are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and drain the excess water. You can spread them out on a large pan or tray lined with foil or paper.
• Optional: For an extra flavour boost, brush the cooked crawfish with garlic butter or your favourite sauce. You can also sprinkle them with dried parsley or other herbs.

Using a turkey fryer for boiling crawfish offers several benefits. It allows you to cook a large quantity of crawfish at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The boiling method also ensures that the crawfish are cooked evenly and thoroughly, resulting in a delicious and consistent texture. Additionally, the leftover boiling liquid can be used as a flavourful broth for soups or other dishes.

Crawfish quantity

For a successful crawfish boil, you'll need enough water to cover the crawfish and other ingredients. As a general rule, fill your turkey fryer to the max fill line with water. This ensures that there is enough water to cook the crawfish and other ingredients thoroughly.

When it comes to crawfish quantity, a good rule of thumb is to allow 3-4 pounds of crawfish per person. This may vary depending on the appetite of your guests and the presence of other dishes. If you're serving other seafood or have hearty side dishes, you may need less crawfish. On the other hand, if crawfish is the main event, you may want to increase the amount to 5-6 pounds per person.

It's always better to have too much crawfish than too little, so consider buying a few extra pounds, just in case. You can always freeze any leftover cooked crawfish for future meals.

When adding crawfish to your turkey fryer, be sure to leave enough room in the pot to prevent boil-over. It's important to monitor the pot and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle boil.

With proper planning and the right amount of crawfish, your oil-less turkey fryer can be a great way to cook delicious crawfish for a crowd.

Safety precautions

Yes, you can boil crawfish in an oil-less turkey fryer. Here are some safety precautions to follow when doing so:

• Always use your turkey fryer outdoors, on a non-flammable base such as concrete or bare dirt. Ensure there is nothing flammable above the fryer.
• Keep young children and pets away from the fryer when it is hot.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents.
• Turn off the gas and kill the flame before lowering food into the fryer. This will help prevent a fireball if there is a boil-over.
• Measure the water level correctly to prevent boil-over. Account for oil expansion—oil expands when heated, so be careful not to overfill.
• Ensure you have a system in place for safely raising and lowering food into the hot oil.
• Only use a fully defrosted turkey in the fryer.
• Be cautious of the ground you place the fryer on. If the ground is frozen, the heat of the burner could cause the soil to thaw and the stand to tip over. Place the fryer on a stable, non-flammable surface such as a paver or a piece of plywood.
• Be mindful of the amount of oil you use. Using a wider pot will require more oil, which can be costly.

Frequently asked questions