Frying Chicken In A Turkey Fryer: Is It Possible?

Deep-frying a whole chicken is a great way to get juicy meat and crunchy, flavorful skin. It's a simple process that can be done in a deep fryer or a skillet, and it's sure to impress. But can you use a turkey fryer for this? Well, it depends on the size of your fryer and the size of your chicken. If you're using a smaller turkey fryer, it might not be able to accommodate a whole chicken. However, if you have a larger turkey fryer, you should be able to deep-fry a whole chicken with ease. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when using a large amount of hot oil.

Chicken preparation methods

Brining

Brining is the process of soaking the chicken in salty water or buttermilk. This is done to make the chicken more tender. Some recipes recommend brining the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

Marinading

One recipe suggests injecting a marinade into the chicken and letting it sit overnight before frying. The marinade in this instance is made up of Italian dressing, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Spices and Seasoning

A variety of spices and seasonings can be used to flavour the chicken. One recipe recommends a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ground ginger, and poultry seasoning. The ground ginger is said to add a subtle warmth and earthiness without overpowering the flavour of the turkey.

Salt and pepper are also commonly used to season the chicken.

Coating

Some recipes call for a coating to be added to the chicken before frying. This can be as simple as self-rising flour, or a mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt. The coating is usually added after the chicken has been brined or marinated.

Frying

When frying chicken, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or canola oil. The oil should be heated to around 350º F before adding the chicken. The chicken should be cooked until it is golden brown, with an internal temperature of 165º F.

Deep fryers can be used to cook the chicken, but it can also be fried in a skillet or cast-iron pan. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a deep fryer to avoid injury.

Oil types and temperatures

When frying chicken, the oil temperature should be between 350 and 375 °F. This high temperature range is necessary for deep frying.

Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying chicken, as it gives a good flavour and has a high smoke point. However, it is expensive. Other oils with high smoke points include safflower oil, rice bran oil, sunflower oil, and canola oil.

When frying chicken, it is important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop, leading to longer cooking times and a soggy, greasy texture.

Frying times

For a whole chicken, it is recommended to deep fry for 6 to 8 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound chicken will take around 18 to 24 minutes to cook. It is important to ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when the thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F.

If you are frying chicken pieces, the timing will vary depending on the part of the chicken. For example, chicken breasts will cook faster than dark meat. Chicken breasts should be fried for around 10 to 12 minutes in a deep fryer, or 10 minutes per side in a skillet. Dark meat will take longer, around 15 to 17 minutes in a deep fryer or 10 minutes per side and then an additional 15 minutes in the oven to finish cooking.

It is important to note that the frying time may vary depending on the type of fryer being used and the temperature of the oil. The oil temperature should be maintained at around 350°F during the cooking process. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fryer to ensure safe and proper use.

Frying equipment

To deep fry chicken, you will need a deep fryer or a large pot. You will also need a meat injector to inject the marinade into the chicken. A meat thermometer is also required to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

For the chicken, it is recommended to use a smaller bird, as they are more tender. Broiler/fryer chickens are often used for frying.

For the oil, peanut oil is a popular choice as it has a high smoke point and a neutral taste. It is also low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Canola oil is another option, which is affordable and standard for deep frying.

Other equipment includes paper towels for patting the chicken dry, oven mitts and a solid pair of shoes for safety when frying, and a cast-iron skillet or pan for frying on a stovetop.

If frying a whole chicken, you will need a pot large enough to fit the bird. A basket or hanger is also required to lower the chicken into the hot oil safely. An instant-read thermometer is useful for checking the temperature of the oil and ensuring the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Safety considerations

Deep-frying a turkey is an inherently dangerous undertaking. While it can deliver an incredibly juicy bird with the crispiest skin imaginable, there are plenty of precautions that need to be taken to minimize the risk of hurting yourself or others.

Keep Children and Pets Away

Children and pets should be kept away from the deep-frying setup. They should not be anywhere near it, with no chance of them getting close to it.

Manufacturer's Instructions

You should read and follow all the manufacturer's instructions and warnings included with your deep fryer. In the case of any deviations from general safety advice, always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.

Indoor and Outdoor Fryers

Never use an outdoor frying setup indoors or in any enclosed or covered space, and never use an indoor fryer outdoors.

Stay Alert

Responsible turkey fryers do not leave things unattended. If you live in a cold climate, plan on being outside in the cold for a couple of hours. Alternatively, find people to relieve you if you need to go inside.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while frying.

Dry the Turkey

Drying the turkey thoroughly inside and out helps guard against oil flares. A wet or icy turkey in hot oil can be dangerous, and could land you in the hospital. Be extra careful, as a seemingly fully defrosted turkey may harbor ice in its cavity, especially between the rib bones. Quadruple-check that there is no ice hidden in there, and dry the bird well, inside and out, before putting it in the hot oil.

Fire Safety

Have a fire extinguisher nearby that is rated to work with grease fires. Attempting to extinguish a grease fire with water is incredibly dangerous.

Oil Amounts

To avoid an overflow of oil, first determine how much oil you need. Put the turkey in the pot and fill it with water, measuring as you go, until the turkey is covered by about half an inch; then remove the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Once the turkey is removed, the water in the pot should be below the maximum-fill line. Pour out the water, dry the pot well, then fill the pot with the equivalent amount of oil.

Setup Location

A good setup should be in an open area, a safe distance from anything combustible. Do not set up the fryer in or near a home or other combustible objects. Be sure not to walk between the propane tank and the burner, as you can trip on the gas line, causing the pot of oil to tumble.

Clothing

When you're ready to lower the turkey into the oil, wear heavy oven mitts and a solid pair of shoes, and avoid having any skin showing. Shorts and sandals are a bad idea.

Lowering the Turkey

Turn off the burner when lowering the turkey into the oil to keep flare-ups from becoming full-on fires. Lower the turkey very, very slowly. Ease it into the oil, and if anything seems to go wrong, abort by carefully lifting the turkey out, not by dropping it in—splashing oil can be dangerous.

Oil Temperature

Keep the oil temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (prior to the chicken going in the oil and while it is cooking).

Frequently asked questions