Creative Uses For Your Turkey Fryer All Year Round

Turkey fryers are large investments, and it would be a waste to only use them once a year. Fortunately, they can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as boiling water, steaming tamales, and frying a range of foods. They can also be used for homebrewing, although some people worry that this will make their beer taste like turkey.

Boiling seafood

To start, fill the fryer pot with water up to the maximum fill line. You can also add seasoning bags, oil, salt, and/or halved lemons to the water. Bring the water to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, you can start adding your ingredients. The order in which you add the ingredients matters, as some take longer to cook than others. Here is a suggested order:

• Onions, garlic, lemon, and/or seasoning: Add these first and boil for about 10 minutes.
• Potatoes: Add these next and boil for about 7-12 minutes, depending on their size.
• Corn: Boil for about 5-9 minutes.
• Sausage: Boil for about 8-9 minutes.
• Crab legs: Boil for about 10 minutes.
• Shrimp: Add the shrimp last and boil for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink.

Once everything is cooked, remove the basket from the pot and drain the water. You can then serve the seafood boil with a variety of sauces, such as garlic butter, butter, mustard, or cocktail sauce.

In addition to boiling, you can also steam seafood in your turkey fryer.

Making large batches of soup

Turkey fryers are not a once-a-year appliance. They can be used for a lot more than just frying turkeys. They are a great investment and can be used to make large batches of soup.

The turkey fryer is essentially a supersized stock pot, so it's perfect for making and storing large quantities of soup or stew. It can be used to make multiple batches of soup at once, which is ideal for large families or meal prepping. It's also great for parties or gatherings where you need to feed a lot of people. You can make a big batch of soup or chilli and keep it warm in the fryer until serving.

The large capacity of the fryer means you can cook large quantities of ingredients at once, saving time and effort. For example, you can cook all the vegetables for your soup in one go, rather than having to cook them in batches. The fryer's powerful heating element also ensures that your soup reaches the desired temperature quickly and efficiently.

Another advantage of using a turkey fryer for making soup is that it can be used outdoors. This means you can avoid having your house filled with cooking smells, as the odours will dissipate quickly outdoors. Cooking outdoors can also be a more social experience, allowing you to chat with guests or family while you prepare the soup.

Turkey fryers typically come with a range of accessories, such as steamer baskets and racks, which can be useful for preparing soup ingredients. The large size of the fryer also means you can use it to make stock in bulk, which can be frozen and used for future batches of soup.

When using a turkey fryer to make soup, it's important to follow safety precautions. As with any deep pot, it's essential to avoid overfilling the fryer to prevent spillage. Additionally, always ensure that the fryer is placed on a stable, level surface, and never leave it unattended while in use.

Canning fruits and vegetables

Turkey fryers can be used for canning fruits and vegetables. This can be done by following these steps:

Firstly, place the fryer in a safe, open location, such as a backyard or concrete patio. This is because the process involves an open flame and hot liquids, so it is important to be cautious and avoid any hazards. Next, pour water into the fryer until it is about half full, but not more than three-quarters full. The water level should be considered in relation to the jars that will be placed inside, as the water will rise when the jars are added.

Then, use the fryer basket to carefully lower the open jars into the fryer. Ensure that the jars do not have lids on at this stage. The basket will prevent the jars from touching the bottom of the fryer and protect them from direct heat, reducing the risk of them exploding. The water level should be one to two inches above the jars.

Now, light the flame on the turkey fryer and adjust the temperature to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or keep the flame on a low setting. While the water boils, prepare the fruits and vegetables that will be canned.

Once the water is boiling, remove the jars from the fryer using canning jar tongs or gloves. Pour out any excess water from the jars and dry the insides. At this point, you can fill the jars with your chosen fruits and vegetables and secure the lids on top.

Place the filled jars back into the fryer basket and slowly lower them into the boiling water. Ensure that the water covers the jars by one to two inches; if not, add more water to reach the desired level.

Finally, cook the jars and their contents in the boiling water for the amount of time specified in your recipe. Different foods will require varying cooking times, so be sure to refer to your recipe for the appropriate duration. When the jars have been cooked for the required time, remove them from the fryer and place them carefully onto a cooling rack or towel to prevent breakage. Allow the jars to cool before storing your freshly-canned fruits and vegetables!

Making maple syrup

Turkey fryers can be used for a variety of purposes beyond frying turkeys. One such use is for making maple syrup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make maple syrup using a turkey fryer:

Firstly, you will need access to maple trees, with sugar maple trees being the best option. In the spring, the maple sap runs for about 3-4 weeks, depending on your region. To tap the trees, drill a hole about three feet from the ground and about two inches into the trunk. Insert a tap into the hole and collect the sap into a container.

Once you have collected at least five gallons of sap, you can start the boiling process. This is where the turkey fryer comes in. Using a propane burner with your turkey fryer is a popular method for boiling the sap down to syrup. Propane burners have the advantage of high heat output, making them perfect for evaporating sap efficiently. They also allow for easier temperature regulation, which is crucial for achieving high-quality maple syrup.

Place the sap in a large pot or boiling pan and submerge it in water. Turn on the burner and adjust the valve to your desired temperature, usually a sustained rolling boil. Leave the sap to boil for several hours. The time required will depend on the volume of sap you are boiling. For example, boiling down five gallons of sap typically takes about four hours.

As the sap boils, it will reduce in volume and become more concentrated. Keep an eye on the consistency and taste as it approaches completion. The syrup should still be watery but taste very sweet.

Finally, when the syrup has reached the desired consistency and sweetness, turn off the burner and let it cool. You now have your very own homemade maple syrup!

Using a turkey fryer for making maple syrup offers several benefits, including cleaner and less smoky results compared to traditional wood-burning methods. It also provides better temperature control, requires less babysitting, and is easier to start or stop, making it a convenient choice for those with busy schedules.

Boiling water for laundry

If you're looking to hand-wash your clothes, a turkey fryer can be used to boil water and soak your clothes. This method of washing clothes is more time-consuming than using a washing machine, but it can help extend the lifetime of your garments by reducing wear and tear.

To boil water for laundry using a turkey fryer, fill the pot with water and heat it over a high flame until it reaches a rolling boil. This may take around 15 minutes, depending on the quality of your pot and burner. Keep in mind that it's important to use your turkey fryer outdoors, as boiling large amounts of water can create a lot of steam and cause odours that may linger inside your home.

Once the water has reached a boil, you can add your laundry and let it soak. Be sure to use gloves or tongs to handle your clothes, as the water will be very hot. The amount of time your clothes need to soak will depend on the fabric type and level of soiling. For most fabrics, 10 to 30 minutes of soaking should be sufficient.

After soaking your clothes, you can turn off the fryer and let the water cool before removing the laundry. Be careful not to spill any hot water on yourself or others nearby. You may also want to consider using a large tub or bucket to transfer the hot water and clothes for easier handling and to prevent messes.

Using a turkey fryer for boiling water and laundry is a unique but effective method for those who want to try hand-washing their clothes. Just be sure to exercise caution when handling hot water and follow all safety guidelines for using your turkey fryer.

Frequently asked questions