Emilie Meyer
Frying a turkey can be dangerous, so it's important to know how much oil to use. The Butterball Electric Turkey Fryer manual recommends 2.75 gallons (11 quarts) of peanut oil, though other cooking oils can be used. The fryer has a maximum fill line that should not be exceeded. To determine how much oil is needed, place the turkey in the basket and fill with water until the turkey is barely covered. Remove the turkey and mark the water line. Use this as a guide when adding oil to the fryer.
Butterball Turkey Fryer XL Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil Amount | 2.75 gallons (11 quarts) |
| Oil Type | Peanut oil is recommended, but any common cooking oil may be used |
| Turkey Weight | 18-20 lbs (8.16-9.07 kgs) |
| Turkey Temperature | 165 °F (74 °C) |
| Oil Temperature | 375 °F (191 °C) |
| Cooking Time | 3 to 4 minutes per pound |
| Safety Instructions | Never fry a turkey indoors; always use outdoors and on a flat, concrete surface away from anything flammable |
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What You'll Learn
The amount of oil needed to fry a turkey in the Butterball XL fryer
Frying a turkey in a Butterball XL fryer requires a significant amount of oil, and it is important to get the right amount to ensure the turkey cooks properly and to avoid any safety hazards. The amount of oil needed can vary depending on the size of the turkey and the specific model of the Butterball XL fryer.
The Butterball Electric Turkey Fryer, for example, recommends using 2.75 gallons (11 quarts) of oil for an 18-20 lb. (8.16-9.07 kg) turkey. This is the amount of oil required to reach the "max fill line" in the fryer, which should not be exceeded for safety reasons. It is important to note that the turkey should not be frozen when placed in the oil, as this can be dangerous.
To determine the right amount of oil for your specific turkey, there are a couple of methods you can use:
- Place the thawed turkey in the fryer basket and put it in the fryer. Add water until the top of the turkey is barely covered. Remove the turkey, letting the water drain back into the fryer. Mark the water line, and use this as a guide for adding oil.
- Take a 5-gallon bucket and place your turkey inside. Fill the bucket with measured water until the turkey is covered by about an inch. This will give you an idea of how much oil you need, although the dimensions of the fryer may be different.
It is important to remember that frying a turkey, especially indoors, can be dangerous. Always follow safety instructions and take the necessary precautions when using a turkey fryer.
Additionally, when frying a turkey in the Butterball XL fryer, it is recommended to preheat the oil to 375° F before slowly lowering the prepared turkey into the hot oil. The cooking time is approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound, and the internal temperature of the cooked turkey should reach 175° F to 180° F for dark meat and 165° F to 170° F for white meat.
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How to prepare the turkey before frying
Frying a turkey requires careful preparation to ensure the process is safe and the end result is tasty. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your turkey before frying:
Thaw the Turkey
Take the turkey out of the freezer several days before you plan to fry it. Allow at least 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. Add an extra day if you plan to dry brine the turkey. After removing the turkey from its packaging, check for ice crystals, especially in the cavity. If there are still ice crystals, rinse them out with water.
Dry the Turkey
Use paper towels to pat the turkey dry inside and out. This step is important as any remaining moisture can cause the oil to splatter or pop when the turkey is added.
Brine the Turkey
Some cooks recommend dry brining the turkey with kosher salt. Season the turkey with salt and let it absorb for at least 24 hours in the fridge. If possible, leave the turkey uncovered as this helps to dry the skin, resulting in a crispier finish.
Inject the Turkey
Some cooks inject their turkeys with flavoured butter or marinade to add moisture and flavour. You can inject the turkey with a mixture of garlic butter, fresh herbs, and chicken broth, or try something sweeter like a mixture of mango nectar, papaya-pineapple nectar, and brown sugar.
Tie the Turkey
Tie the legs of the turkey together to create a more compact shape. This will make it easier to handle and ensure more even cooking. Some cooks also recommend binding the wings.
Bring to Room Temperature
About an hour before frying, remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking.
Prepare the Frying Area
Set up your fryer burner outdoors in a wide-open space, at least 10 feet away from vehicles, decks, trees, and structures. Concrete is the best surface for frying. Have all your equipment ready, including a long-stem fry thermometer, heat-resistant gloves, a fire extinguisher, and a pan for the cooked turkey.
Heat the Oil
Heat your chosen oil (popular choices include peanut or canola) to the desired temperature. Start with the oil about 25 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than your target temperature, as the turkey will lower the oil temperature when added.
Now your turkey is prepared and your oil is hot, you're ready to start frying! Carefully lower the turkey into the oil, wearing heat-resistant gloves, and fry to your desired level of doneness.
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Safety instructions for using the Butterball XL fryer
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Butterball XL fryer is designed for indoor use. While it can be used outdoors, it is not recommended by the manufacturer as exposure to rain showers may damage the unit. If you must use it outdoors, do so in a covered area, such as a garage or patio.
Before frying, ensure that your turkey is completely thawed and not frozen. Rinse the turkey with warm water or soak it in a warm water bath for no more than 30 minutes to ensure that the cavities are free of ice. Then, pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
When preparing the oil for frying, do not fill the fryer past the maximum fill line. The amount of oil needed will depend on the size of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is to place your turkey in a 5-gallon bucket and fill it with water until the turkey is covered by about an inch. This will give you an idea of how much oil you will need. Alternatively, you can place the turkey in the fryer, fill it with water to the appropriate level, and then remove the turkey before filling the fryer with oil.
Always wear protective gloves or mitts when handling the fryer. When using the drain hook on the basket, ensure that the basket is securely in place on the rim of the pot before releasing the handle. This will prevent the basket from falling back into the hot oil and causing injury.
During the frying process, keep the fryer away from flammable materials and surfaces. It is recommended to use the fryer on a concrete pad outdoors to reduce the risk of fire. Never leave the fryer unattended while in use, and always supervise children and pets to keep them at a safe distance.
After frying, turn the fryer off and unplug it from the outlet. Allow the oil to cool completely before disposing of it safely. Ensure that all components of the fryer are cleaned and dried properly before storing the unit.
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The temperature to heat the oil to
The ideal temperature to heat your cooking oil in a Butterball Turkey Fryer XL is 375° F. This temperature is recommended by Butterball itself, so it is a safe and reliable guideline to follow.
Heating the oil to this temperature ensures that your turkey will cook through evenly and efficiently. It is important to note that the temperature of the oil will drop slightly when you first place the turkey into the fryer, so starting at 375° F is a good idea to compensate for this drop.
While the oil is heating, you should prepare your turkey. Remove the turkey from its wrapper and take out the neck and giblets, discarding them. You can then pat the turkey dry and apply any desired seasonings, marinades, or injected flavors.
The target internal temperature for the cooked turkey varies depending on the type of meat. Dark meat, for instance, should reach an internal temperature of 175° F to 180° F, while white meat should reach 165° F to 170° F. To check the internal temperature of your turkey, use a meat thermometer.
Once the oil and turkey are ready, slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Be cautious during this step to prevent the oil from bubbling or boiling over.
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How long to fry the turkey for
Frying a turkey in a Butterball Turkey Fryer XL takes approximately 3 to 4 minutes per pound. For example, if your turkey weighs 14 pounds, the timer should be set somewhere between 42 and 56 minutes. The oil temperature should be set to 375° F. The temperature of the cooked turkey should be 175° F to 180° F for dark meat and 165° F to 170° F for white meat.
Before frying, it is important to prepare the turkey properly. Start with a fully thawed turkey and heat the oil to 375° F. Rinse the turkey inside and out to ensure there are no ice crystals. Dry the turkey completely with paper towels to prevent splattering when it is lowered into the oil. You can also add your preferred marinade, seasonings, or injected flavour to the turkey before frying.
Once the oil is heated, place the basket in the fryer for 30 seconds. Remove the basket from the oil, place the turkey in the basket, and slowly lower the turkey into the fryer. The turkey may not be totally immersed in the oil, which may cause the top part of the breast to remain white even though it is cooked to the proper temperature.
When the timer goes off, slowly lift the turkey from the pot and place it in a pan or on paper towels to drain the oil. Let the turkey stand for about 20 minutes before removing it from the rack or basket and carving it.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need 2.75 gallons (11 quarts) of oil to deep fry a turkey in your Butterball Turkey Fryer XL.
You can measure the amount of oil you need by placing your turkey in the fryer basket and then filling it with water until the turkey is barely covered. Remove the turkey and mark the water line. This will be the line you use when adding oil to the fryer.
Peanut oil is recommended for its taste and higher smoke point, but you can use any common cooking oil.
You should fry the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound.
Preheat the oil in the fryer to 375° F.
