Frying Turkey Without Grease: How Long Does It Take?

Frying a turkey without oil may seem impossible, but it can be done with the right equipment. The CharBroil Big Easy propane oil-less deep fryer, for example, cooks a turkey with a propane tank and infrared heat. The turkey is placed in a basket and cooked for about 10 minutes per pound. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F. The whole process should take about 2 to 3 hours for a 14-pound turkey.

The cooking time varies depending on the weight of the turkey

For a more precise estimate, you can refer to the following cook times for different weights of turkeys:

• 10 pounds - 35 to 40 minutes
• 12 pounds - 42 to 48 minutes
• 14 pounds - 49 to 56 minutes
• 16 pounds - 56 to 64 minutes
• 18 pounds - 63 to 72 minutes
• 20 pounds - 70 to 80 minutes

It is worth noting that the cooking time can also be affected by other factors such as weather conditions when cooking outdoors. Additionally, it is recommended to check the temperature of the turkey using a probe thermometer to ensure it has reached the desired internal temperature.

When cooking a turkey in a greaseless fryer, it is important to follow certain safety precautions. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking, as any remaining ice or water can cause the oil to bubble or splash. Always set up the fryer on a flat surface away from any flammable objects, and avoid stuffing the turkey beforehand to prevent cross-contamination.

The internal temperature of the cooked turkey should be 165°F

How Long to Fry Turkey in a Greaseless Fryer

The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that all harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, are killed. This is the temperature at which salmonella is killed in less than 10 seconds.

However, it is important to note that salmonella is also killed at lower temperatures if the turkey is held at that temperature for a long enough time. For example, if a turkey is held at 150°F for 3.8 minutes, salmonella is killed. Therefore, if you are removing your turkey from the grill at 150°F, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature.

When checking the internal temperature of your turkey, it is important to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone. The temperature should read 165°F when the turkey is done cooking.

It is also important to note that the internal temperature of the turkey will continue to rise after it is removed from the oven or grill. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the turkey from the heat source when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

When frying a turkey in a greaseless fryer, it is recommended to cook the turkey for about 10 minutes per pound. For example, a user on Smoking Meat Forums reported that they cooked an 18-pound turkey in their greaseless fryer for approximately 3 hours.

In conclusion, while it is essential to ensure that your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria, it is also important to note that lower temperatures can be achieved if the turkey is held at that temperature for a sufficient amount of time. Additionally, allowing your turkey to rest after removing it from the heat source ensures that it reaches the desired internal temperature and results in a more juicy and flavorful final product.

The fryer should be placed on a flat surface, away from flammable objects

When frying a turkey, it is important to prioritise safety. For this reason, the fryer should always be placed on a flat surface, away from any flammable objects, such as wooden decks, trees, and buildings. This is to prevent fires and other accidents.

The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, for example, is powered by propane and is to be used outdoors only. It is important to follow the instructions for this type of fryer, as well as any other. The Big Easy fryer has a ring of flames at its base, which lead to a hollow-walled chamber. The hot air circulates inside the chamber, cooking the turkey. This type of fryer also frees up your oven space, which is especially useful when cooking for a large group of people.

Another type of fryer is the electric fryer, which can be used indoors. This type of fryer also requires specific safety precautions, such as ensuring the turkey is completely thawed and that the oil does not exceed the maximum fill line.

Whether frying a turkey outdoors or indoors, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and take the necessary safety precautions. By placing the fryer on a flat surface, away from flammable objects, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable cooking experience.

The oil should be preheated to 350°F

Frying a turkey without oil, using a greaseless fryer, is a much quicker process than roasting, and it still yields a turkey with tender meat and crispy, brown skin. When frying a turkey in a greaseless fryer, the oil should be preheated to 350°F. This is because, when the turkey is lowered into the fryer, the temperature of the oil will drop. Therefore, it is important to preheat the oil to a higher temperature than the required food safety internal temperature of the turkey, which is 165°F.

When frying a turkey, it is important to be aware of safety considerations. Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous, and there is a risk of fire and oil spills. Therefore, it is important to follow safety suggestions, such as thawing the turkey completely before frying, setting up the fryer on a flat surface away from flammable objects, and wearing protective clothing.

The time it takes to fry a turkey in a greaseless fryer depends on the weight of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is that it takes approximately 10-15 minutes per pound to cook a turkey in a greaseless fryer. For example, a 15-pound turkey would take around 50 minutes to cook. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

When frying a turkey, it is also important to choose an oil with a high smoke point so that it can be heated to high temperatures without smoking or burning. Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying turkeys because it has a high smoke point, a neutral flavor, and it adds a crisp texture to fried foods. Other oils that can be used for frying turkeys include refined avocado oil, safflower oil, refined soybean oil, and sunflower oil.

The turkey should be cooked breast-side up

When cooking a turkey in a greaseless fryer, it is important to place the bird breast-side up. This is because the legs and breast meat cook at different intensities, with the legs cooking with more heat and the breasts with less. By placing the turkey breast-side up, you can ensure that the breast meat does not overcook and dry out by the time the leg meat is cooked to perfection. This way, you get juicy, tender meat throughout the bird.

The CharBroil Big Easy propane oil-less deep fryer, for example, cooks the turkey with a ring of flames at the base, which then lead into a hollow-walled chamber. The hot circulating air inside the chamber cooks the turkey, with the legs getting more heat and the breasts less.

The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, which is powered by TRU-Infrared technology, also cooks the turkey with varying heat intensities, resulting in a crispy crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside.

When using the CharBroil Big Easy, it is recommended to place the turkey breast-side up in the roaster basket and then lower it into the cooking chamber. This ensures that the legs, which require more heat, are closer to the heat source, while the breasts are further away, preventing them from overcooking.

Similarly, when using the Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer, placing the turkey breast-side up allows the heat to circulate in a way that cooks the legs and breasts evenly. This ensures that the breasts do not dry out or overcook before the legs are done.

In addition to cooking the turkey more evenly, placing the bird breast-side up in a greaseless fryer can also help with presentation. By cooking the turkey breast-side up, you can ensure that the side of the bird that is typically presented facing up when serving is cooked to a nice, even colour. This can make for a more aesthetically pleasing dish when it comes time to carve and serve the turkey.

Overall, cooking a turkey breast-side up in a greaseless fryer is the best way to ensure even cooking, with the legs and breasts both reaching the desired level of doneness at the same time. It also helps to prevent the breast meat from drying out, resulting in a juicier, more tender bird.

Frequently asked questions