Boil A Turkey In An Oil-Less Fryer?

Oil-less turkey fryers are a convenient alternative to deep-frying a turkey, offering similar results without the mess and potential dangers of handling hot oil. These devices use infrared heat and a cylindrical cooking chamber to cook the bird, producing tender meat and crispy, brown skin. While they are generally safe and easy to use, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, such as the need to cook outdoors and the challenge of cleaning the basket and cooking pot. Additionally, the absence of oil may affect the crispness of the skin, and the fryer's single-use nature and bulky size may be drawbacks for some. Nevertheless, with proper care and seasoning, an oil-less turkey fryer can be a valuable tool for preparing a juicy and delicious turkey during the holidays or any time of year.

Oil-less turkey fryers are designed for outdoor use and are powered by liquid propane tanks

One popular brand is the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, which can cook a bird of up to 16 pounds. It is important to note that oil-less turkey fryers are designed for outdoor use only and should be used in a well-ventilated area. The setup process involves connecting the fryer to a propane tank and ensuring proper ventilation.

When using an oil-less turkey fryer, it is crucial to follow certain guidelines for optimal results. Firstly, ensure that the turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Pat the skin dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve ultra-crispy skin. Additionally, rub the skin with oil and seasonings generously before placing the turkey on the fryer's rack, legs down, to allow for proper air circulation.

During the cooking process, it is important to monitor the propane level regularly to maintain consistent heat. For even cooking, rotate the turkey every 45 minutes and use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the breast and thigh areas. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Oil-less turkey fryers offer a wide range of benefits, including safety, convenience, and healthier cooking. They are a safer option than deep frying, as there is no risk of oil spills or splatters. Additionally, the cleanup process is much easier, as there is no oily mess to deal with. Oil-less fryers also produce very little smell compared to traditional deep frying, making them ideal for outdoor cooking.

In terms of versatility, oil-less turkey fryers can be used to cook various dishes beyond just turkey. With the right accessories, you can cook chicken, ribs, vegetables, and even desserts like apple pie. The frying basket can accommodate large cuts of meat, including whole chickens, wild game, hams, and pork or beef roasts.

Overall, oil-less turkey fryers powered by liquid propane tanks offer a convenient, safe, and healthy way to cook juicy and crispy turkeys outdoors. They are a great option for those looking to avoid the mess and potential hazards of traditional deep frying while still enjoying delicious and flavorful results.

The Char-Broil Big Easy is a popular oil-less turkey fryer

The Char-Broil Big Easy is highly recommended by users who have purchased it, with many praising how it produces moist and juicy meat with a crispy skin. It is also versatile and can be used to cook other meats such as chicken, ham, beef, and pork.

One user review highlights how the Char-Broil Big Easy is:

> " [E]asy to put together, easy to use, and easy to clean. I cooked with it for the 1st time on Christmas morning and closely followed the instructions. The turkey was moist as could be on the inside and the skin was nicely crisp and golden brown. Beautiful turkey and very tasty. I am very pleased with this purchase and recommend it to anyone not wanting to get into the expense of oil, and the dispos [al]/storage/safety issues associated with oil."

However, some users have noted that the assembly instructions are tricky to follow, and that the fryer gets extremely hot, so heat-safe gloves are necessary when handling it. Additionally, the fryer may not be suitable for larger families as it can only hold a turkey of up to 16 pounds.

Overall, the Char-Broil Big Easy is a popular and well-reviewed oil-less turkey fryer that offers a safer, healthier, and more convenient alternative to traditional deep-frying methods.

The Big Easy cooks a bird up to 16 pounds without oil and faster than your oven

The Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer is a popular choice for those who want to enjoy a delicious, juicy, and crispy turkey without the hassle of using oil. This fryer can cook a bird up to 16 pounds, and it does so faster than your traditional oven.

The Char-Broil Big Easy, as it is commonly known, uses infrared cooking technology powered by propane to create an even heat distribution with no flare-ups. This means you can say goodbye to the dangers of overheating oil and enjoy a safer and healthier cooking experience. Not only is it safer, but it's also more convenient. No more dealing with gallons of hot oil and the mess that comes with it!

The Big Easy is easy to use. Simply place your bird, weighing up to 16 pounds, into the cooking basket and lower it into the fryer. Put on the lid, turn it on, and let it work its magic. It's as simple as that! The general guideline for cooking time is about 10 minutes per pound of turkey. So, for a 16-pound bird, you're looking at around 2 hours and 40 minutes of cooking time.

One of the best things about The Big Easy is that it frees up your oven space. No more juggling multiple dishes and trying to fit everything in the oven. With this fryer, you can cook your turkey outdoors, making it the perfect solution for those with limited kitchen space.

Not only does it cook your turkey to perfection, but it also makes clean-up a breeze. The drippings from the bird collect in an aluminum pan, which can be easily removed and used to make delicious gravy. So, not only do you get a mouth-watering turkey, but you also get to make gravy with minimal effort!

So, if you're looking for a safer, healthier, and more convenient way to cook your bird, The Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer is definitely worth considering. It might just become your new go-to for cooking not just turkey, but also chicken, roast beef, and more!

The Big Easy uses infrared cooking technology (powered by propane) that's said to create an even heat with no flare-ups

The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is an outdoor cooker that uses infrared cooking technology. It is powered by propane and cooks food with radiant heat, ensuring even cooking without hotspots or burnt edges. This is achieved through the use of infrared radiation (IR) or infrared light, a type of electromagnetic radiation that is generally invisible to the human eye.

Infrared cooking technology offers two main benefits. Firstly, it provides direct heat, with infrared burners minimising the output of convection heat to prevent food from drying out. This allows food to retain more of its juices, resulting in moist and juicy turkey meat. Secondly, it is highly efficient, with infrared grills boasting higher temperatures of up to 1,000 F. This enables food to cook extremely quickly, minimising the amount of time spent on the grill.

The Char-Broil Big Easy offers a simple and stress-free way to cook a turkey. With no oil required, you can avoid the mess and danger associated with deep frying. The infrared technology also means there is minimal monitoring required as there is no chance of burning. Simply set the desired cook time, and the Big Easy will do the rest.

For fresh, unfrozen turkeys, the general rule is 10 minutes of cooking per pound of turkey. For example, a 12-pound turkey will take about 120 minutes, while a 20-pound turkey will take 200 minutes. It is recommended to check the thickest part of the breast and thigh for doneness, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F when finished.

The Char-Broil Big Easy is a versatile cooker that can be used for more than just Thanksgiving turkey. The Char-Broil website offers recipes for other meats, including ham, chicken wings, roast beef, and prime rib. It is a great option for those who want to cook a whole bird outdoors, especially if they don't have experience with smoking meats or the equipment for it.

The Big Easy is safe to use – there are no worries about tipping over or oil splattering

The Big Easy is a safe, reliable option for cooking your turkey. With no hot oil involved, there's no risk of it tipping over and causing a mess or even a hazard. The Big Easy uses infrared technology, so there's no need to worry about oil splattering, which is often a concern with other fryers. You can cook confidently without the worry of hot oil spilling or splashing onto your skin or stovetop.

The Big Easy's design ensures even cooking without the need for oil. It uses a propane burner to heat a circular metal wall surrounding the turkey, creating intense heat that cooks the meat evenly while retaining moisture. This means you get all the benefits of a fried turkey—crispy skin and juicy meat—without the safety hazards and mess associated with traditional deep-frying.

The Big Easy is also versatile. While it's perfect for cooking a whole turkey, you can also use it for other meats like ham, chicken wings, roast beef, and prime rib. It's an excellent option for those who don't have a pellet grill or smoker but want to achieve that delicious, smoky flavour.

Additionally, The Big Easy is easy to use. After a simple assembly and seasoning process, you can start cooking. There's no need to constantly monitor the turkey as it cooks; simply set the timer and let it do its job. The compact tray beneath the heating element collects all the drippings, making it easy to whip up gravy afterward.

With The Big Easy, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey without any of the usual hassles and worries associated with oil-based frying. It's a safe, convenient, and effective way to prepare your holiday feast.

Frequently asked questions