Turkey Fryer Salt Potatoes: A Tasty Treat?

Salt potatoes are a delicious, tender, and fluffy treat with a crispy, flavorful browned skin. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, air frying, and deep frying. While there are many ways to cook salt potatoes, it is unclear whether they can be cooked in a turkey fryer. Deep frying potatoes after cooking a turkey is possible, but it is important to ensure that the potatoes are dry before frying and that the oil is strained and cooled between frying different foods.

Salt potatoes in a turkey fryer: recipe and ingredients

Salt potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make treat, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend afternoon. While there are several ways to cook salt potatoes, this article will focus on using a turkey fryer. So, can you cook salt potatoes in a turkey fryer? The short answer is yes! Here's a recipe and some tips to get you started.

Recipe for Salt Potatoes in a Turkey Fryer:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, Idaho, or baking potatoes are great options)
• Salt (a lot of it!)
• Fresh herbs (optional, but recommended)
• Butter (for serving)

Instructions:

• Start by washing and cutting your desired amount of potatoes into smaller, evenly sized pieces. Cutting them into smaller sizes will ensure they cook faster and more evenly.
• Prepare your turkey fryer by filling it with enough oil for deep frying. Heat the oil to the desired temperature, usually around 350-375°F (180-190°C).
• While the oil is heating, you can boil the potatoes in salted water on the stove. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt, and then add your potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on their size.
• Drain the boiled potatoes and ensure they are completely dry before placing them in the fryer. This step is crucial, as any remaining water can cause the hot oil to splatter.
• Carefully lower the potatoes into the hot oil using a frying basket or a slotted spoon. Do not overcrowd the fryer, and fry in batches if necessary.
• Fry the potatoes until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-10 minutes depending on their size.
• Remove the potatoes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Finally, serve your salt potatoes hot! You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top and offer melted butter for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Salt Potatoes:

• If you want extra crispy potatoes, consider parboiling them before frying. This means boiling them until they are just tender, then draining and drying them before frying.
• When boiling the potatoes, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. This will make the water alkaline, resulting in a bumpier exterior on the potatoes, which will get crispier when fried.
• Always ensure your potatoes are completely dry before placing them in the hot oil to avoid splattering.
• Don't overcrowd the fryer, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and affect the cooking time.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some spices or other seasonings to the salt mixture before baking. This can include garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, or any other spice blend you enjoy.

So, there you have it! A delicious and crispy treat made right in your turkey fryer. Enjoy the salty, fluffy goodness!

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing potatoes for a turkey fryer requires a few simple steps. Firstly, select the right type of potatoes; Russet, Idaho, or baking potatoes are ideal for baking. Next, cut the potatoes into smaller, evenly sized pieces. This step is important as it ensures even cooking and reduces the overall cooking time. After cutting, rinse the potatoes to remove any surface starch.

Once the potatoes are cut and rinsed, the next step is to blanch them. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the potatoes, and blanch them for 2-5 minutes. This process helps season the potatoes and improves their texture. After blanching, drain the potatoes in a colander and shake to remove excess water. It is important to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dry before placing them in the fryer.

Before frying, season the potatoes with your desired herbs and spices. You can use kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, or oregano. You can also add other herbs and spices according to your preference. After seasoning, heat the oil in your turkey fryer to the desired temperature.

Finally, carefully place the potatoes in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the potatoes in batches if needed, and use a spatula or tongs to move them around for even cooking. The potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil, drain any excess, and serve hot.

Cooking method and timing

Cooking salt potatoes in a turkey fryer is a great way to get crispy, tasty potatoes. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the type of potato and the end result you're looking for. Here is a detailed guide on cooking methods and timing:

Boiling and Deep Frying:

First, cut the potatoes into the desired shape. Boil them in water with a teaspoon of baking soda for about 5 minutes. This will make the potatoes rougher and bumpier, resulting in crispier potatoes when fried. After boiling, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before placing them in the fryer. Deep fry the potatoes in oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and season with salt immediately.

Air Frying:

Air frying is a quick and easy method to cook potatoes, especially when paired with other ingredients like smoked turkey sausages. Cut the potatoes into smaller sizes to ensure even and faster cooking. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and asparagus. Season with your choice of herbs and spices, such as creole or Cajun seasoning. Place all the ingredients in the air fryer and cook for about 20-22 minutes, depending on the size of the potato pieces.

Salt-Baking:

This method involves baking potatoes in a bed of salt, which acts as an insulator and helps the potatoes cook evenly. It results in potatoes with fluffy interiors and a light, crispy exterior. Use a wide baking dish and cover the potatoes with salt, or bury them in salt with some fresh herbs mixed in. Bake according to your oven's settings, and adjust the timing as needed. Check the potatoes' tenderness by gently squeezing them with an oven mitt or skewering them with a fork. If they are still firm, continue baking in 5-minute increments until the desired tenderness is achieved.

Skillet Frying:

For skillet frying, quarter the potatoes lengthwise and then cut each piece into 1-inch wide chunks. Use a 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the potatoes in a single layer, cut-side down, and season with kosher salt. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 10-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the bottoms are golden brown. Flip each piece and season with more salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 5-10 minutes, moving the pieces around for even browning. Finally, add herbs and butter if desired, and cook for about 1 minute more.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your stove, oven, or fryer, so keep an eye on your potatoes to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to check if the potatoes are ready

While there are no specific sources mentioning cooking salt potatoes in a turkey fryer, there are some general guidelines for checking if potatoes are ready. Here are some detailed instructions:

First, it's important to note that the cooking time for potatoes can vary depending on the method used, such as boiling, roasting, or frying. For example, when boiling potatoes, you should drain the water when the outsides just start to fall apart, indicating they are ready for the next step in the cooking process.

When roasting potatoes, it's crucial to ensure they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior. This can be achieved by roasting them in the oven at the recommended temperature for the specified time. To check if they are ready, you can insert a fork or knife into the centre of the potato. If it slides in and out easily, the potatoes are likely cooked through. Additionally, the exterior should be golden brown and crispy, indicating they are ready to be served.

For skillet-fried potatoes, the cooking time can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. To check if they are ready, you can use a similar method as for roasted potatoes by inserting a fork or knife into the centre. The potatoes should be tender, and the bottoms should be golden brown. If they are still firm or lack colour, they may need additional cooking time.

When cooking air fryer turkey sausages and potatoes, the recommended temperature is 375 degrees, and the cooking time is set to 22 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of potatoes used and their size. To check if the potatoes are ready, you can use a similar method as mentioned above by inserting a fork or knife into the centre. The potatoes should be tender, and if they are still hard, they may need additional cooking time.

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can ensure that your salt potatoes are ready and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serving suggestions

Salt potatoes can be cooked in a turkey fryer, and there are several ways to serve them. Here are some serving suggestions:

Air Fryer Turkey Sausages and Potatoes

This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner for the family. You'll need smoked turkey sausage, potatoes (russet potatoes are recommended), and vegetables of your choice, such as asparagus, onions, and green bell peppers. Cut the potatoes into smaller sizes to ensure they cook faster. Season the potatoes and vegetables with Creole seasoning, which already contains salt, but you can add a little extra if needed. Start by air frying the sausages alongside the potatoes, as raw sausages will take longer to cook. The cooking time for this recipe is around 20-22 minutes, and it's a great way to get that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

Pan-Fried Potatoes

For this method, you'll need a skillet and a lid. Cut the potatoes into ¼” thick round coins or 1-inch wide chunks. Heat vegetable oil or a combination of vegetable and extra-virgin olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, ensuring they are in a single layer, and season with kosher salt, rosemary, and pepper. Leave undisturbed until the potatoes are golden and crispy, which should take around 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side. Sprinkle with garlic powder and chilli powder, stirring occasionally, and cook for a further 2 minutes. Serve warm alongside your chosen meal.

Deep-Fried Potatoes

For deep-frying potatoes, it's important to ensure they are dry before putting them in the oil. You can parboil them first for 5 minutes, or even freeze them, although this is not necessary. You can also blanch them by dunking them in boiling water for a few seconds before frying. Once cooked, make sure to strain the oil so that it can be reused.

Roasted Potatoes

To ensure your roasted potatoes are crispy and ready at the same time as your turkey, parboil them first, then deep fry them, salting them immediately after removing them from the fryer. You can also parboil, season, and preheat the pan before the turkey comes out of the oven, so they are ready to go in as soon as the turkey is removed. You can also stir the potatoes with olive oil and salt to get an even coating before roasting them in the oven.

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