Tillie Doyle
Cooking a 12-pound turkey in an oiless fryer is a great way to get delicious, crispy skin and juicy meat without the mess and danger of heating up gallons of oil. The cooking time for a whole turkey in an oiless fryer is generally around 10 minutes per pound, but this can vary depending on the outdoor temperature and wind speed. It's important to ensure your turkey is fully thawed on the inside before cooking, as this will affect how well it cooks. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer is a popular choice for cooking turkeys, and it's powered by a propane tank, using infrared heat to cook the bird evenly.
Explore related products
$4.78
What You'll Learn
Cook times for a 12-lb turkey in an oiless fryer
Cooking a 12-lb turkey in an oiless fryer will take approximately 2 hours. Oil-less fryers, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, cook turkeys with a deep-fried texture without the use of oil. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the turkey and outdoor temperature and wind, but a general rule of thumb is that a whole, thawed turkey cooks at a rate of 10 minutes per pound in an oil-less fryer. Therefore, a 12-pound turkey should take about 2 hours to cook.
It is important to ensure that your turkey is fully thawed on the inside before cooking, as this will affect how evenly it cooks. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to inject the turkey to get flavour into the meat, and to cook the turkey breast up and legs down. Additionally, the turkey should be raised about an inch off the bottom of the wire basket to ensure even cooking.
The oil-less fryer should be used outdoors, and it is advised to keep the mesh lid on during cooking to reduce oil spatter and prevent foreign objects from getting into the fryer. A remote thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature of the turkey, which should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Oil-less fryers use propane tanks as a power source, and the heat circulates in a chamber surrounding the turkey, ensuring even cooking. This method of cooking turkey produces a juicy and tender bird with a crispy skin, without the mess and cleanup associated with traditional deep frying.
Renting Turkey Fryers: A Holiday Season Option
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tips for using an oiless fryer
To cook a 12-pound turkey in an oiless fryer, it is recommended to cook it for 10 minutes per pound. This means that a 12-pound turkey should be cooked for about 2 hours. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey and the external temperature and wind if cooked outdoors. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed on the inside before cooking, otherwise, it won't cook properly.
- Ensure your turkey is fully thawed on the inside before cooking. This is important for achieving the correct internal temperature and cooking the turkey evenly.
- When using an oiless fryer, keep the mesh lid on to reduce oil spatter and prevent foreign objects from getting into the fryer.
- Line the drip tray or catch with heavy-duty foil to speed up cleanup. The foil will collect any drippings and make it easier to dispose of them.
- Some oiless fryers have a rotational mechanism that allows a small amount of oil to come into contact with more of the surface of the food. This can be useful for achieving a crispy texture on foods like fries or nuggets.
- Oiless fryers, such as air fryers, use hot circulating air to cook food. This means that you can cook a whole turkey with a deep-fried texture without using any oil.
- The size of your oiless fryer is important to consider. For example, a 16-quart fryer can typically accommodate a 16-pound turkey.
- In addition to turkey, you can use your oiless fryer to cook a variety of other meats and dishes. Some models come with accessories or utensils specifically designed for cooking ribs, wings, and more.
Air Fryer Quiche: Foil Tray Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the turkey before cooking
Thawing: Ensure that your turkey is fully thawed on the inside. Proper thawing is essential, as it ensures even cooking throughout the bird. Place the frozen turkey in the refrigerator, allowing approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight.
Seasoning and Injecting: Some recipes recommend injecting the turkey with a marinade or seasoning blend to enhance the flavour. You can purchase a pre-made injection marinade or make your own. This step should be done several hours before cooking to allow the flavours to permeate the meat.
Trussing and Stuffing: If you plan to stuff your turkey, prepare your favourite stuffing recipe and fill the cavity loosely, as the stuffing will expand during cooking. Truss the turkey securely with kitchen twine, ensuring that the legs and wings are tucked neatly against the body. This helps the bird cook evenly and promotes a moist texture.
Oil Application: While an oil-less fryer doesn't require a significant amount of oil, some cooks recommend brushing a small amount of peanut oil over the outside of the turkey. This step is optional but can contribute to a crispier skin.
Thermometer Placement: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, ensuring that the tip doesn't touch the bone. This will allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey during cooking, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature of 165° F (74° C).
Basket Preparation: Line the drip tray or catch of your oil-less fryer with heavy-duty foil to facilitate easier cleanup. Place the turkey in the provided basket, breast side up, and ensure that the lid fits securely to prevent oil spatter and potential contamination from foreign objects.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing a delicious turkey in your oil-less fryer. Remember to refer to specific instructions provided by your fryer's manufacturer for the best results.
Air Fryer Baskets: Dishwasher Safe or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Benefits of cooking a turkey in an oiless fryer
A 12-pound turkey cooked in an oil-less fryer will take approximately 120 minutes, or two hours, to cook. The general rule is that a turkey cooked in an oil-less fryer takes 10 minutes per pound to reach the correct internal temperature.
Now, here are some benefits of cooking a turkey in an oil-less fryer:
Benefits of Cooking a Turkey in an Oil-Less Fryer
Oil-less fryers are a game-changer when it comes to cooking a whole turkey. With an oil-less fryer, you can achieve a deep-fried texture and taste without the use of oil. This means you can enjoy a crispy, golden turkey without the greasiness that often comes with traditional frying methods. The absence of oil also eliminates the risk of dealing with dangerous vats of scalding oil, making it a safer option.
Oil-less fryers, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy propane oil-less fryer, use convection technology and infrared light to cook the turkey. They are powered by a propane tank and can be used outdoors, freeing up your oven space during big feasts. This is especially useful if you're cooking multiple dishes and have limited oven capacity.
Another advantage of oil-less fryers is that they cook the turkey evenly, ensuring that the legs and breast meat are all cooked to perfection. The hot circulating air inside the chamber ensures that the turkey is cooked thoroughly and remains juicy and tender. The cooking process seals in the flavor and moisture, resulting in a delicious and juicy turkey with a crispy skin.
Additionally, oil-less fryers are versatile and can be used to cook various other meats and dishes. With the right utensils and accessories, you can prepare ribs, wings, and more, making them a valuable addition to your cooking arsenal. They are also easy to clean as the crevices are coated with clean cooking oil, preventing organic drippings from sticking. Moreover, there is no need for preheating with oil-less fryers, making the cooking process even more convenient.
Air Fryer Low-Carb Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, Crunchy!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Different types of oiless fryers
To cook a 12-pound turkey in an oiless fryer, it is recommended to cook it for about 10 minutes per pound. This should ensure that the turkey is cooked to the correct internal temperature. However, it is important to ensure that the turkey is fully thawed on the inside before cooking, as this will affect how it cooks.
Now, let's take a look at the different types of oiless fryers available:
Char-Broil Oil Less Deep Fryer
This type of oiless fryer is a popular choice for cooking turkeys. It uses propane power and infrared technology to cook the turkey to a crispy, juicy finish. The cooking time is typically around 10 minutes per pound.
Halogen/Infrared Air Fryer
This type of oiless fryer can accommodate larger turkeys, up to 16 pounds. It uses a combination of halogen and infrared heat to cook the turkey evenly and efficiently.
Big Easy Oil Less Fryer
The Big Easy oil less fryer is another popular option for cooking turkeys. It is important to keep the mesh lid on during cooking to reduce oil spatter and prevent foreign objects from getting into the fryer. This fryer can also be used to cook other meats, such as ribs and wings.
Air Fryers
There are a variety of air fryers available on the market that can be used for oiless frying. These typically use hot circulating air to cook food, and some come with additional functions such as baking, roasting, and dehydrating. Air fryers vary in size and capacity, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for the type of food you want to cook.
Convection Ovens
While not technically a fryer, a convection oven can be used for oiless frying. However, some people argue that the temperatures achieved in a convection oven may not be as high as those in a deep fryer, and the cooking process may take longer.
Crawfish Feast: Choosing the Right Fryer Size
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes about 2 hours to cook a 12-pound turkey in an oiless fryer. The general rule is that it takes 10 minutes per pound of turkey to cook in an oiless fryer.
You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey. The deep breast should be cooked to about 173°F, guaranteeing the thigh reaches 165°F.
Make sure your turkey is fully thawed on the inside, otherwise it won't cook properly. You can also try injecting the turkey to get more flavor into the meat.
Yes, always use your oiless fryer outdoors. It is also important to note that you must not put the inner cooking pot in the dishwasher.
