Turkey Fryers: Fry Fish, Too?

Turkey fryers can be used for a variety of purposes besides frying turkey. In fact, in the South, turkey fryers are frequently used for community fish fries. You can also use a turkey fryer to boil seafood, such as crawfish, crab, and low-country boils. Turkey fryers are also great for steaming tamales and large batches of soup or stew. If you're looking for other foods to fry, you can try chicken wings, chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or even desserts like churros and doughnuts.

Can you use a turkey fryer to fry fish?

Turkey fryer safety

Turkey fryers can be dangerous, with the potential to cause fires, burns, and other injuries. To ensure safety when using a turkey fryer, consider the following precautions:

Location and Setup

• Always use turkey fryers outdoors.
• Set up the fryer on a solid, level surface, such as concrete, a safe distance away from buildings, wooden decks, trees, and other flammable materials.
• Ensure there is adequate space between the burner and the tank, typically recommended as 2 feet.
• Avoid operating the fryer in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

Equipment and Precautions

• Use a fryer with temperature controls to monitor and regulate the oil temperature carefully.
• Continuously monitor the fryer and never leave it unattended.
• Choose the proper size of turkey, typically a bird that's 8 to 10 pounds, and ensure it is completely thawed and dry before placing it in the fryer.
• Avoid stuffing the turkey before frying.
• Wear protective gear, including goggles and oven mitts, to shield your eyes and protect your hands and arms from hot oil splatter.
• Keep protective equipment, such as an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher, within reach.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.

Oil Considerations

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling the fryer with oil.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil, and turn it back on once the turkey is fully submerged.
• Never attempt to fry a frozen turkey. Ice or water mixing with hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Be cautious of the sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles, as they can get dangerously hot.
• Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot. Place it on a level surface, cover it, and allow the oil to cool overnight before disposing of it.

Other foods to fry

Turkey fryers are a serious investment, and they can be used for a lot more than just frying turkeys. They are great for large-format feasts and can be used to boil, steam, or fry large quantities of food. Here are some other foods that you can prepare in a turkey fryer:

Seafood

The turkey fryer is a popular choice for seafood boils such as crawfish, low-country, and crab boils. You can also use it to steam tamales or boil seafood and vegetables for a seafood broil. In the Southern United States, turkey fryers are commonly used for fish fries and community events.

Soups and Stews

The large capacity of a turkey fryer makes it perfect for preparing large batches of soup or stew. It can hold and cook generous amounts of ingredients, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. You can also use it to make broth or gravy with water and leftover bones.

Fried Foods

Pretty much anything that can be fried can be cooked in a turkey fryer. This includes fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, beignets, onion rings, and vegetable fries such as zucchini and sweet potato strips. For a crunchy treat, you can even deep-fry vegetables like broccoli and carrots.

Sweet Treats

Turkey fryers can be used to make sweet treats such as donuts, funnel cake fries, and fruit fritters. The consistent high heat of the fryer is perfect for frying up a batch of desserts. Just make sure the dough is firm and the oil is hot to get an even coating on your treats.

Other Savory Options

You can also use your turkey fryer to make Cajun chicken wings, parmesan cauliflower bites, or even apple cider or mulled wine. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make the most of your turkey fryer!

Reusing oil

Reusing cooking oil can pose some serious health hazards. The most common risk when reusing cooking oil is that it becomes rancid or spoiled, which can lead to strange flavours and odours. Rancid oil may also contain harmful byproducts that can be absorbed into the food and ingested.

To avoid these risks, it is important to choose the right type of oil for frying. Oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats (such as linoleic acid) generate more harmful byproducts when compared to oils with low amounts of polyunsaturated fats and high amounts of monounsaturated fats. Therefore, it is recommended to choose oils such as olive oil or canola oil instead of safflower oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or corn oil.

Additionally, it is important to note that it only takes one use to alter the composition of the oil, and reusing oil, especially at high heat, can cause a build-up of harmful byproducts. To minimise this risk, consider the following tips:

• Avoid using iron or copper pots or pans for frying oil that will be reused, as these metals can accelerate the rancidification process.
• Shake off excess batter from food before frying to reduce residue in the oil.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and avoid exceeding 375°F (190°C).
• Turn off the heat after cooking to prevent exposing the oil to prolonged heat, which can accelerate rancidity.
• Strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove any food particles before storing.
• Allow the oil to cool before handling and storing it in a secure container in a cool, dark place, such as a cabinet.

For normal home use, reusing oil 3-4 times is generally considered safe. However, it is important to check the texture, colour, and smell of the oil before each use. If the oil appears cloudy or foamy, or has a foul odour, taste, or smell, it should be discarded.

Seafood boils

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

For a classic low country seafood boil, you will need:

• Water
• Seafood of your choice (e.g. crab legs, shrimp, lobster tails)
• Corn on the cob
• Smoked sausage
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Spices and seasonings (e.g. Old Bay, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper)

Step 2: Fill the Turkey Fryer

Fill your turkey fryer with water up to the maximum fill line. Set the heat to 375°F to bring the water to a boil. This step will take around 20-25 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Ingredients in Stages

Once the water is boiling, add the whole potatoes and cook for 12 minutes. Then, add the corn and boil for an additional 9 minutes. Next, add the sausage and continue boiling for another 9 minutes. Finally, add your chosen seafood and boil for 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through. For example, if using shrimp, boil until they turn pink.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully lift the basket from the hot water and allow it to drain. Spread the seafood boil out on a large foil pan or directly onto a table covered with freezer paper. For an extra touch of flavour, brush the seafood and vegetables with a garlic butter sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labour! Seafood boils are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.

So, if you're looking to put your turkey fryer to good use beyond Thanksgiving and Christmas, a seafood boil is a perfect choice. It's a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-prepare dish that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Steaming

Turkey fryers can be used for steaming, boiling, and frying a variety of foods, including fish.

If you're looking to steam with a turkey fryer, you're in luck! Turkey fryers are versatile and can be used for steaming, in addition to frying and boiling. Here are some tips and guidelines for steaming with a turkey fryer:

Safety First

When using a turkey fryer, it's important to prioritize safety. These appliances can be dangerous if not used properly, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take necessary precautions. Use the appliance outdoors, away from your house or garage, to reduce the risk of fire or explosion. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any accidents.

To steam with a turkey fryer, you'll need a steamer basket that fits inside the large pot. Place the steamer basket inside the pot, and fill the pot with water until it reaches just below the bottom of the basket. You don't want the water to touch the food you're steaming. Turn on the heat and let the water come to a boil. Once it's boiling, carefully place the food you want to steam into the basket. Make sure the food is in a single layer and not overcrowded, so that steam can circulate properly. Put the lid on the pot and let the food steam according to your recipe's instructions.

Foods to Steam

Turkey fryers are perfect for steaming large quantities of food. You can steam seafood, tamales, vegetables, dumplings, or anything else that can be steamed. If you're steaming seafood, use the steamer basket that comes with your fryer. For other foods, you might need to purchase a separate steamer basket that fits your turkey fryer. You can also steam foods like tamales by wrapping them in foil and placing them directly in the steamer basket.

Temperature Control

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for steaming. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the pot. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure a steady flow of steam without reaching a temperature that will scorch the food.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

Always clean your turkey fryer and its accessories, such as the steamer basket, after each use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your appliance.

Final Thoughts

Turkey fryers are not just for frying turkeys; they can be used for steaming as well. With the right techniques and safety precautions, you can steam large quantities of food efficiently and safely. So, go ahead and experiment with steaming different types of foods in your turkey fryer!

Frequently asked questions