Tiffany Haney
Oil-less turkey fryers are a great way to cook a whole turkey with a crispy, fried texture without the use of oil. The fryer uses circulating hot air from a halogen infrared light to cook the turkey, resulting in juicy meat and a crispy skin. This method is not only healthier but also safer than traditional deep frying, as it eliminates the risk of dealing with hot oil. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is a popular choice, powered by a propane tank and used outdoors. While there is no preheating required, it is important to ensure you have enough propane to fully cook the turkey. The oil-less fryer is a convenient option that frees up oven space and delivers delicious results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cooker | Oil-less fryer |
| Type of Fuel | Propane |
| Type of Cooking | Infrared |
| Preheating | Not required |
| Taste | Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside |
| Skin | Crispy |
| Ease of Use | Easy |
| Safety | Safer than deep frying |
| Cleanliness | Less messy than deep frying |
| Space | Frees up oven space |
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What You'll Learn
Propane-powered infrared cooker
The Char-Broil Big Easy is a propane-powered infrared cooker that can be used to cook a turkey without oil. It uses TRU-Infrared™ cooking technology to cook food with even heat and no flare-ups, resulting in juicy meat with a crispy exterior. The cooker can hold up to 16 pounds of meat and can be used to cook turkeys, chicken, roasts, and pork shoulders. It is designed for outdoor use and features handles for easy lifting and transport, making it suitable for camping and tailgating. The Big Easy also includes a range of accessories, such as a cooking basket, basket lifting tool, meat thermometer, and a removable drip tray.
To use the Char-Broil Big Easy, the device must first be assembled and hooked up to a propane tank. The unit should then be seasoned by rubbing the interior with vegetable oil and heating until it stops smoking. After seasoning the turkey, place it over the flavor infuser and lower it into the fryer cage. The machine can then be ignited with a turn of a knob, and the temperature should be monitored throughout the cooking process.
The Char-Broil Big Easy offers several advantages over traditional oil-filled turkey fryers. It is safer, with no hot oil or visible flames, and produces less mess and smoke. It also frees up oven space and can cook large cuts of meat faster than a traditional oven.
However, it is important to note that assembling the Char-Broil Big Easy can be frustrating due to the small and unclear instructions provided. It requires two people for correct assembly and must be handled with care as all pieces become very hot during use.
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No preheating required
No preheating is required when cooking a turkey in an oilless fryer. The oilless turkey fryer, also known as an infrared or propane turkey fryer, uses radiant heat to cook the turkey instead of submerging it in oil. This means there is no need to preheat the fryer before adding the turkey.
The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer is a popular option for those looking to cook a turkey without oil. This fryer is powered by a propane tank and uses infrared heat to cook the turkey. The benefit of using this type of fryer is that it produces moist, juicy meat with a crispy skin that is difficult to achieve in a traditional oven.
To cook a turkey in the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, simply place the turkey in the fryer basket, breast-side up, and insert the basket into the fryer. It is important to ensure that the turkey is not overcrowded in the fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked meat. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound. For example, a 14-pound turkey should take around 2.3-3 hours to cook.
It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to test the temperature of the turkey in the breast and thigh areas to determine when it is done. The minimum safe finishing temperature is 165°F. Once the turkey has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the fryer and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, resulting in juicier meat.
In addition to the Char-Broil Big Easy, there are other oilless turkey fryers available on the market, such as the Masterbuilt Butterball XL Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer and the Big Boss air fryer. These fryers use similar technology to cook the turkey without oil, resulting in a juicy and crispy final product.
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$4.78
Use outdoors
Using an oilless fryer outdoors is a great option for cooking a turkey, especially for large groups. The oilless fryer can be used outside, connected to a propane tank, freeing up your kitchen oven for side dishes. This is also a safer option, keeping the hot oil away from your home.
The oilless fryer is also energy efficient, using less power than a traditional oven, and it cooks the turkey quicker. It is important to note that the weather is a factor when cooking outdoors, so be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
When preparing the turkey for the oilless fryer, make sure it is fully thawed on the inside. Remove the giblets, neck bones, and any other items from the turkey cavity. You can use these parts for your gravy or dressing. It is recommended to cook the stuffing separately, rather than stuffing it inside the turkey, to ensure even cooking.
To get the best flavour, you can inject the meat with a store-bought injection or a mixture of your choice. Rub the turkey with oil and your preferred seasonings. Oil the basket of the fryer to prevent sticking, and place the turkey inside, legs side down. Insert a meat thermometer into the breast, ensuring the tip does not touch the bone.
Place the basket in the oilless fryer and turn it on to medium-high heat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey, but it is typically around 10 minutes per pound. For a 14-pound turkey, it will take approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the temperature during the final 20 minutes of cooking to determine when the turkey is done. The recommended internal temperature is 165°-170°F.
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Convection technology
Oil-less turkey fryers use convection technology to cook a turkey without the use of oil. This technology uses circulating hot air from a halogen infrared light to cook the turkey. The Char-Broil Big Easy propane oil-less deep fryer is one such fryer that uses this technology. It connects to a propane tank and cooks the turkey with hot air. There is a ring of flames at the base of the fryer that leads into a hollow-walled chamber. The hot circulating air inside the chamber cooks the turkey, with the more intense heat directed towards the legs, ensuring the breast meat does not overcook and dry out.
The Char-Broil Big Easy is an outdoor cooker, freeing up oven space for other dishes. It is powered by a propane tank and is easy to store, although it is big and bulky when assembled. The manufacturer recommends cooking the turkey separately from the stuffing. It is important to ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey at a rate of 10 minutes per pound in the Char-Broil Oil Less Deep Fryer. For example, a 14-pound turkey will take approximately 140 minutes or 2 hours and 20 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°-170°F.
The oil-less fryer produces a crispy-skinned, juicy turkey that tastes like it has been deep-fried without the greasiness or danger of hot oil. It is a game-changer for cooking a whole turkey, offering a healthier, safer, and equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-frying.
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Seasoning and injecting the turkey
Cleaning and Preparation:
Start by cleaning the turkey thoroughly, washing it inside and out. Remove the giblet bag and neck bone, which can be used for gravy or dressing. Ensure that the turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Pat the skin dry with paper towels, as this will help you achieve crispy skin.
Injection:
To add flavour to the meat, you can inject the turkey with a variety of liquids. You can opt for store-bought injections, such as Creole butter, or make your own. Some popular injection flavours include Cajun, Creole butter, Worcestershire, and crab boil. Use an injection needle to inject the liquid into the meaty areas, such as the breasts and thighs. Aim for 2-3 injections per thigh and 3-4 per breast. If there is any liquid left over, rub it on the outside of the turkey.
Marinade:
After injecting the turkey, let the marinade sit for up to 24 hours. This step is crucial in allowing the flavours to penetrate the meat and ensure a juicy, tender outcome.
Rub and Seasoning:
Once the marinade has had time to work its magic, it's time to rub the turkey with oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil or any other oil of your choice. As for seasonings, the options are endless. A popular choice is Cajun seasoning, which can be store-bought or homemade. You can also keep it simple with just salt and pepper or use your favourite blend of herbs and spices. Make sure to coat the bird liberally, rubbing the seasonings into the skin to ensure maximum flavour.
Cooking:
Now that your turkey is seasoned and injected, it's time to cook it in your oilless fryer. Preheat your fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually to around 400°F (200°C). Place the turkey in the fryer basket, breast-side up, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Insert the basket into the fryer and adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Remember, the key to a delicious oilless fried turkey is taking the time to inject and season it properly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and seasonings to find your perfect combination!
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Frequently asked questions
The time it takes to cook a turkey in an oilless fryer depends on the weight of the turkey and the type of oilless fryer being used. Some oilless fryers, like the Char-Broil Big Easy, cook by temperature and not time.
Oilless fryers use convection technology, which circulates hot air from a halogen infrared light to cook the turkey.
A turkey cooked in an oilless fryer has a crispy outside and is juicy on the inside, tasting similar to a deep-fried turkey without the grease.
