Reusing Turkey Fryer Oil: How Many Times Is Safe?

Deep-frying a turkey can be an expensive endeavour, requiring several gallons of oil. However, it is possible to reuse the oil for frying several times, reducing the cost and waste of frying. The number of times oil can be reused depends on the type of oil, what is being fried, and how well the oil is strained and stored.

Storing and reusing turkey fryer oil

Turkey fryer oil can be reused or rendered. After frying, the oil needs to be strained, filtered, and cooled. Then, put it in a covered container and refrigerate or freeze it so that it won't go rancid. The oil will thicken but will return to its original consistency when reheated, and any cloudiness will clear up as well.

The National Turkey Federation recommends using oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut, refined canola, corn oil, rice oil, and sunflower oil. Peanut oil is the most common oil for frying a turkey and can be reused three to five times within six months before it needs to be discarded. Other types of oil, such as refined avocado oil, safflower oil, refined soybean oil, and sunflower oil, can also be used for deep frying a turkey.

When storing reused oil, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. If possible, store it in the refrigerator, especially if you plan to keep it longer than a month. You can also freeze it to extend its shelf life. Properly stored, the oil will last up to six months.

Before reusing the oil, examine it carefully. If it has separated or smells bad, it needs to be disposed of, and you'll need to start with a new batch. Otherwise, pour it back into your pot and heat it up as normal. Remember that you need to keep the total heating time of any oil to six hours. Once your oil hits the six-hour mark, dispose of it properly. Do not pour it down the sink, toilet, or put it into a septic system as it can cause clogs.

How to dispose of turkey fryer oil

Deep-fried turkey is delicious, but disposing of the leftover oil can be tricky. Here are some safe ways to get rid of it:

• Solidify it and throw it away: Use a product like FryAway to solidify the oil into a block that can be tossed into the trash. Simply sprinkle it over the cooled oil, let it solidify, then dispose of it.
• Transfer to a closed container: Pour the oil into a sealable disposable container, such as the bottle it came in, close tightly, and throw it away.
• Recycle it: Check if there are any recycling drop-offs near you that accept used cooking oil. Contact local services or use online tools like Earth 911 to find recycling options.
• Take it to a rendering facility: Used cooking oil is welcomed by rendering facilities, and many restaurants sell their used grease to these facilities. Reach out to a restaurant owner or manager to see if they can take the oil off your hands.
• Contact a grease collection company: Some companies, such as F.W. Renner & Sons, collect used grease from restaurants and grocery stores. While they may not collect from households, they might accept your grease if you drop it off at their plant.
• Use it as fuel: If you have a fire pit, you can mix leftover oil with dryer lint and toilet paper tubes to make fire starters.
• Dispose of it with your regular trash: Let the oil cool, then pour it into an airtight container such as a jar, can, or carton, and throw it away with your regular trash.

Remember, never pour used cooking oil down the sink drain or outside. It can clog your pipes and lead to plumbing disasters. Also, always handle the oil carefully to avoid burns or spills.

The best oils for frying turkey

Frying a turkey is a great way to save time and oven space, and it can deliver a moist and flavourful bird. There are several types of oil that are suitable for frying a turkey, and the best one for you will depend on availability, price, and your intended use of the oil. Here are some of the best oils for frying turkey:

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is the most common oil for frying turkey and is considered the gold standard by many chefs. It has a high smoke point, which means it can be safely heated to high temperatures. Peanut oil also has a neutral flavour and adds a crisp texture to fried foods. However, peanut oil can be expensive and may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Refined Avocado Oil

Refined avocado oil has a smoke point of 520 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for frying turkey. It is a healthy alternative to other frying oils and has a neutral flavour that won't overpower your food.

Safflower Oil

With a smoke point of 510 degrees Fahrenheit, safflower oil is another good option for frying turkey. It is a type of polyunsaturated fat that is high in omega-9 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Refined Soybean Oil

Refined soybean oil has a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for frying turkey. It is a common ingredient in vegetable oil blends and is high in polyunsaturated fats.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil, with a smoke point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, can also be used for frying turkey. It has a neutral flavour and is rich in polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a good alternative if you're looking for a less expensive option than peanut oil. It has a smoke point of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's important to keep an eye on the oil temperature when using it for frying.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a general term that can refer to soybean, canola, or grapeseed oils. Some vegetable oils have a high smoke point suitable for deep frying, while others may not. Look for vegetable oil specifically meant for deep frying if you want to use this option.

When choosing an oil for frying your turkey, it's important to consider the smoke point, flavour, and cost. Oils with a high smoke point are safer to use for deep frying, as they can be heated to higher temperatures without smoking or burning. Additionally, some oils may be reused several times before they need to be discarded, so proper storage is important. Always store used frying oil in a covered container in a cool, dark place, and pay attention to any signs of deterioration, such as a rancid smell or dark colour.

How much oil is needed to fry a turkey

Frying a turkey is a great way to save oven space and time, and it guarantees a juicy, tender bird. The amount of oil you will need depends on the size of your turkey and the pot you will be frying it in.

A good rule of thumb is that for every pound of turkey, you will need about a third of a gallon of oil. So, for a 12-14 pound turkey, you will need around 3-4 gallons of oil.

To know exactly how much oil you will need, you can try this hack: place the turkey in the pot you will be frying it in and fill it with water. Remove the turkey and measure the water. This will give you the exact amount of oil needed.

It is important to note that the oil will expand with heat, so make sure you have plenty of space in the pot when it is cold. Also, remember to dry the turkey thoroughly before frying, as any water can cause the oil to bubble up and overflow, and moisture can prevent the skin from becoming crispy.

When reusing oil, it is best to strain it and store it in a lidded container in a cool, dark place. It can be used several times, but pay attention to any changes such as darkening or a rancid smell, as this means it's time to dispose of it.

How long can you fry turkey for

Frying a turkey is a great way to get delicious, juicy meat with a crispy skin. However, it can be an expensive endeavour, requiring a lot of oil. The good news is that you can reuse the oil you fry your turkey in, reducing the cost and waste of frying.

How to Reuse Turkey Frying Oil

First, choose the right oil. Oils with a high smoke point are best as they can be heated to high temperatures without breaking down. Good choices include peanut oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.

Once you've finished frying your turkey, let the oil cool down completely. Then, strain the oil through a fine strainer, and filter it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. This is especially important if you've used seasonings or breading on your turkey.

Next, you need to store your oil in a covered, lidded container in a cool, dry, dark place. Refrigerating the oil is ideal, but most people don't have the space for this. If you plan to keep the oil for longer than a month, or won't be using it within a month, it's best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Properly stored, frying oil can last up to six months. However, you need to keep the total heating time of the oil to six hours. A turkey can be fried in under an hour, so you can fry six items on six different occasions with a single batch of oil.

Peanut oil, the most common oil for frying turkey, can usually be reused three to five times before it shows signs of deterioration. These signs include foaming, darkening, or smoking excessively. Other signs that the oil has gone bad include a rancid smell and a failure to bubble when food is added.

How to Dispose of Turkey Frying Oil

It's important to dispose of used cooking oil properly. Do not pour it down the sink, toilet, or put it in a septic system as it can clog pipes and drainage fields. The best option is to find an oil collection point in your area or to recycle it into biodiesel.

Frequently asked questions