Propane Oiless Fryer: Turkey Cooking Time Simplified

Oil-less turkey fryers are a safer and healthier alternative to deep-fried turkey, eliminating the need for gallons of hot oil. The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer and the Masterbuilt Butterball XL Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer are popular options, using propane or infrared heat to cook the turkey. The cooking time varies depending on the size and type of turkey, but a general guideline is around 10-12 minutes per pound. It's important to ensure the turkey is fully thawed, patted dry, and seasoned before placing it in the fryer basket. The basket is then carefully inserted into the fryer, with the cooking time adjusted based on the weight of the turkey. It's recommended to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey, aiming for 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Once the desired temperature is reached, the basket is removed, and the turkey is allowed to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

How to prepare a turkey for a propane oiless fryer

Propane oiless turkey fryers are a great way to cook a delicious, tender, and juicy turkey. They are also a fantastic way to free up your oven during the busy holiday season. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a turkey for a propane oiless fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Fryer

Firstly, assemble your propane oiless fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once assembled, season the fryer by rubbing down the inside with vegetable oil using a paper towel. Heat up the fryer until the inside turns dark and stops smoking. Attach the propane tank and turn on the heat. Set the temperature to 350° F.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

While the fryer is heating up, it's time to prepare the turkey. Ensure that your turkey is completely thawed. If you bought it frozen, this will take a few days in the fridge, about a day per 5 pounds. An unthawed turkey can be dangerous in the fryer. Remove the neck and giblets inside the bird, and keep them aside for gravy if desired. Remove all plastic pieces and tuck the neck flap inside to avoid pockets of air or fluid, which can react with the oil.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Now, it's time to season the turkey. You can brine the turkey in a salt bath, rub it with sage leaves, or inject it with marinade. If you choose to inject marinade, ensure that it gets into the skin, as any fluid outside the bird can react with the oil. You can also rub the turkey with oil and coat it with your favorite seasonings, avoiding those with a lot of sugar as they can burn in the fryer.

Step 4: Fry the Turkey

Before lowering the turkey into the fryer, ensure that it is completely dry. Turn off the burner temporarily to avoid oil overflow. Lower the turkey slowly, allowing the moisture to fry off as you lower it down. Keep an eye on the position of the cavities, as they can create a fountain of bubbling oil. Once the turkey is in the fryer, turn the burner back on and set the temperature to 350° F.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is to fry your turkey for about 3-4 minutes per pound. For a 15-pound turkey, this would be around 45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. Dark meat should be at 175° F to 180° F, while white meat should be at 165° F to 170° F.

Step 6: Let It Cool

Once your turkey is done, remove it from the fryer and let it cool for about 20-30 minutes. Then, transfer it to a platter, cover it with foil, and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy turkey!

Pros and cons of propane oiless turkey fryers

Propane oil-less turkey fryers are a great alternative to traditional deep fryers. They are safer, healthier, and more economical. However, they may not produce the same crispy skin and flavourful meat that deep-fried turkeys are known for. Here is a detailed list of the pros and cons of propane oil-less turkey fryers:

Pros:

• Safety: Oil-less turkey fryers eliminate the risk of hot oil burns and grease fires, making them safer, especially for households with children.
• Health: By removing the oil from the equation, these fryers reduce the calorie count and the amount of unhealthy fats in your meal.
• Cost: You save money by not having to buy large quantities of cooking oil.
• Convenience: There is no need to filter and store oil, making the cooking process less messy and more convenient.
• Versatility: Some propane oil-less fryers can be used for various cooking methods such as smoking, grilling, and roasting, making them a versatile addition to your outdoor cooking setup.
• Ease of Use: Oil-less fryers are generally easy to use, even for novices, and they free up your oven for other dishes.

Cons:

• Taste and Texture: While oil-less fryers can produce juicy meat, they may not deliver the same crispy skin and flavour that deep-fried turkeys are known for. Some users have reported that the results are more akin to roasted turkey.
• Cooking Time: Oil-less fryers may take longer to cook a turkey, with some users reporting cooking times of about 10 minutes per pound, or around 3 hours for an 18-pound bird.
• Size Limitations: Smaller models may not accommodate turkeys larger than 20 pounds.
• Fuel Consumption: Oil-less fryers can use a significant amount of propane, with some users noting that they consume "lots of propane."
• Limited Versatility: While propane oil-less fryers are excellent for cooking turkey, they may not be suitable for frying other foods like fries or fish.
• Learning Curve: As with any new cooking appliance, there is a learning curve associated with oil-less fryers. You may need to experiment with different techniques, such as coating the meat with oil, to achieve the desired results.

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a propane oiless fryer?

Cooking a turkey in a propane oiless fryer is a great way to get a delicious, crispy and juicy bird without the mess and potential hazards of traditional deep-frying. The cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey and the desired level of doneness, but here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey in a propane oiless fryer:

Preparing the Turkey:

First, you need to choose the right size of turkey. Most oilless turkey fryers can accommodate up to a 20-pound turkey, but it's important to verify your specific fryer's capacity. Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking. If you're starting with a frozen turkey, add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time to compensate for the ice.

Once your turkey is thawed, remove any plastic ties or pop-up timers, and pat the skin dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving ultra-crispy skin. You can also choose to inject your turkey with a marinade or brine solution, but this is optional. If you do inject your turkey, allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 2 hours up to 24 hours so that the marinade can settle into the meat.

After the turkey is dry and injected (if desired), brush the skin with cooking oil and season liberally with your choice of oil and seasonings. Get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure even flavour. Popular seasoning options include Cajun seasoning, Jamaican jerk rub, garlic herb blend, spicy brown mustard, and BBQ sauce.

Preheating the Fryer:

Preheat your oil-less fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most models require preheating to around 400°F (200°C). This step is important to ensure your turkey cooks evenly.

Cooking the Turkey:

Once your fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the turkey. Place the turkey in the fryer basket, breast-side up, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Then, carefully insert the basket with the turkey into the oil-less fryer. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your turkey, but a good rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound.

During the cooking process, monitor the turkey's internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh. For an unstuffed turkey, the cooking time will be slightly shorter than for a stuffed one. If you're cooking a stuffed turkey, ensure the temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F.

You may also need to rotate the turkey every 45 minutes for even cooking. Check the propane level regularly to maintain consistent heat.

Resting and Serving the Turkey:

Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the basket from the fryer and let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

After resting, carve your beautifully cooked turkey and serve it alongside your favourite Thanksgiving side dishes. Enjoy the juicy and crispy flavours of your oil-less fryer turkey!

Cooking Time Estimates:

12-pound turkey: 2-2.5 hours

16-pound turkey: 2.5-3 hours

20-pound turkey: 3-3.5 hours

How does a propane oiless fryer work?

A propane oiless fryer, such as the Char-Broil Big Easy, uses infrared cooking technology to cook food. This technology is powered by propane and is said to create an even heat with no flare-ups. The fryer uses a propane tank to cook the meat, possibly by heating the walls of the container.

To use the fryer, you must first assemble it and season it by rubbing down the shiny metal inside with vegetable oil. Then, you need to season the meat and place it inside the wire basket, which is then lowered into the fryer. The mesh lid is placed on top, and the fryer is ignited with a turn of a knob. The fryer will cook the meat without any additional attention required, aside from checking the temperature.

The Char-Broil Big Easy can cook a bird of up to 16 pounds and is said to be faster than a conventional oven. It takes about 10 minutes per pound to cook a turkey in this fryer, compared to about 13 minutes per pound in an oven.

Some people have expressed concerns about the fryer's ability to produce juicy meat and crispy skin. While it may not produce the same results as a traditional deep fryer or a smoker, it is still a convenient option for those who want to cook a whole bird outdoors or free up oven space.

How to assemble a propane oiless fryer

To assemble a propane oiless fryer, you will need to follow the steps outlined in the product manual. While the exact steps may vary depending on the specific model and brand of the fryer, here is a general guide on how to assemble and use a propane oiless fryer:

Step 1: Unbox and Identify the Components

Start by carefully unboxing your propane oiless fryer and laying out all the components on a clean, flat surface. Identify each part by matching it with the parts list in the manual. This will help you familiarize yourself with the various components and ensure that you have all the necessary parts for assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the Work Area

Choose an open and well-ventilated area for assembly, away from flammable materials. A driveway or outdoor space is ideal, as it provides ample space and reduces the risk of any oil spills. Make sure you have enough room to work comfortably and safely.

Step 3: Assemble the Fryer

Refer to the product manual for specific instructions on how to assemble your particular model. Assembly usually involves attaching the legs, handles, and any other accessories included with the fryer. Carefully follow the instructions, making sure all parts are securely fastened and aligned. If your fryer requires any additional tools for assembly, such as a screwdriver or wrench, have them ready before you begin.

Step 4: Season the Fryer (If Necessary)

Some propane oiless fryers may require seasoning before their first use. This process typically involves rubbing the interior of the fryer with cooking oil and heating it up to a certain temperature to burn off any residue. This step helps to prevent food from sticking and creates a non-stick surface.

Step 5: Connect the Propane Tank

This step is crucial for the safe operation of your fryer. Carefully attach the propane tank to the fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that all connections are secure and tight to avoid any gas leaks. This step may require the use of a wrench or adjustable spanner.

Step 6: Test the Fryer

Once your fryer is assembled and the propane tank is connected, it's time to test it. Follow the safety precautions outlined in your manual, and ignite the fryer. Let it run for a few minutes to ensure that it is functioning properly. Adjust the heat settings to familiarize yourself with the controls.

Step 7: Prepare the Food

After testing your fryer, it's time to prepare your food. Propane oiless fryers are suitable for cooking a variety of foods, including turkey, chicken, ribs, and even vegetables. Ensure that your food is properly thawed, seasoned, and prepared according to your recipe.

Step 8: Cook Your Food

Place the food in the fryer, following the instructions in your manual for loading and unloading. Adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed. Always monitor the fryer during the cooking process to ensure food is cooked thoroughly and safely.

Step 9: Clean and Maintain Your Fryer

After cooking, allow the fryer to cool down completely before cleaning. Refer to your product manual for specific cleaning instructions. Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your propane oiless fryer.

Frequently asked questions