Marianne Martinez
Oil-less turkey fryers are a great way to cook a whole turkey without the mess and hassle of using oil. These appliances use infrared cooking technology to create an even heat with no flare-ups, resulting in a juicy and tender bird with a crispy skin. The most popular option on the market is the Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer by Char-Broil, which can cook a turkey of up to 16 pounds. This fryer is quiet, safe, and easy to use, even in small outdoor areas. It's an excellent option for those who don't have a pellet grill or smoker and want to free up oven space for side dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cooker | Oil-less turkey fryer |
| Example products | Char-Broil Big Easy, The Big Easy |
| Power source | Propane |
| Seasoning | Salt-less or low-salt herb/dry rub poultry seasoning |
| Oil | Peanut oil |
| Sugar | Avoid using sugar in the seasoning as it will burn |
| Cooking time | 10 minutes per pound |
| Pre-heating | No pre-heating required |
| Lid | Put the lid on for the first 30 minutes, then remove |
| Cleaning | Clean the basket while it's still hot |
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What You'll Learn
How to season the turkey
To season your turkey, start by mixing your chosen spices. You can either buy a pre-made dry rub seasoning or make your own by combining spices such as smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme.
Once you have your spice mix, it's time to prepare the turkey. Remove any giblets and the neck from the turkey cavity. Make sure the turkey is fully thawed, as this will affect how it cooks. Rinse the turkey with warm water, or soak it in warm water for no more than 30 minutes to ensure the cavity is free of ice.
Pat the turkey dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Using a marinade injection syringe, inject the marinade into the turkey. Inject 1/2 cup of marinade into each breast, and 1/4 cup into each leg and thigh. You can make your own marinade by combining oil, water, lemon juice, mustard, salt, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder.
After the turkey is injected with marinade, sprinkle the dry rub seasoning generously over the turkey, making sure to coat the outside and inside of the cavity. You can also separate the skin from the breast and massage the rub onto the meat.
Finally, place the turkey in the fryer basket, breast side up, and slowly lower it into the hot oil, being careful not to splatter.
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How to position the turkey in the fryer
Positioning the turkey correctly in the fryer is crucial to ensure even cooking and the best possible results. Here are some detailed instructions on how to position the turkey in the oil-less fryer:
Firstly, it is important to note that the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer uses infrared cooking technology, powered by propane, to cook the turkey. This means that the maximum amount of infrared heat is concentrated in the very centre of the cooking chamber. Therefore, when positioning the turkey, ensure that it is placed in the centre of the chamber. This will ensure that the infrared heat cooks the turkey evenly from all sides.
Before placing the turkey in the fryer, it is recommended to pat it dry both inside and out. Then, brush the skin of the turkey with a bit of cooking oil and season it with a salt-less or low-salt herb rub. Remember to choose a seasoning with little to no sugar, as sugar can cause the skin to burn. You can make your own seasoning by mixing paprika, chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper.
Once the turkey is prepared, place it into the basket of the fryer, ensuring that the wing tips and drumsticks are nicely tucked in. This will help prevent the turkey from sticking to the basket and make for easier removal once it is cooked. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with your particular fryer for any specific guidelines or precautions.
During the cooking process, consider rotating the turkey halfway through. This is because the meat at the top of the cooker will receive some additional heat from the hot air escaping through the open top. By rotating the turkey, you can ensure even cooking throughout the bird.
Finally, it is important to note that the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer can cook a turkey of up to 16 pounds. Larger turkeys may not fit properly in the fryer, affecting the cooking process and the overall results.
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How to clean the fryer
Cleaning your oil-less turkey fryer is an important step in maintaining your appliance and ensuring optimum performance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your fryer effectively:
Step 1: Disassemble the Fryer
Most turkey fryer models are designed to be easily disassembled for cleaning. Refer to your instruction manual to ensure you are following the correct steps for your specific model, and to be aware of all the care requirements of your appliance.
Step 2: Drain and Wipe Down
Before you start cleaning, make sure your fryer is switched off and has completely cooled down. Then, drain the oil from the fryer. You can use a drain spout if your fryer has one, or carefully pour the oil into a sealed container for disposal or future use. Wipe down the fryer with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
Step 3: Soak the Parts
Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Soak the fryer parts in the sink for approximately 30 minutes to help loosen and lift any grease, oil, or food particles. You can also use a vinegar and baking soda solution for this step, which is particularly effective for stubborn stains.
Step 4: Scrub and Rinse
After soaking, use a soft scouring sponge or scrub pad to scrub the fryer parts. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse the parts thoroughly with warm water and ensure all soap residue is removed.
Step 5: Dry and Reassemble
Use a towel to dry the outside of the fryer, and leave the inside to air dry. Once all parts are completely dry, reassemble your fryer according to the instructions in your manual.
Remember to clean your fryer regularly, ideally once or twice a week, to prevent a build-up of oil, grease, and food debris, and to ensure your appliance functions properly and hygienically.
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How to ensure the turkey cooks evenly
To ensure your turkey cooks evenly in an oil-less fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking; you don't want to put a frozen turkey in an oil-less fryer. You should also ensure the bird is breast up and legs down, as this promotes more even cooking. Raising the bird an inch or so off the bottom of the wire basket can also help with even cooking.
The Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer, for example, uses infrared cooking technology to create an even heat with no flare-ups. The heat is more intense by the legs and lessens by the time it reaches the breasts, helping to keep the breast meat from overcooking and becoming dry.
Another tip to ensure even cooking is to preheat a turkey Himalayan salt egg to 350°F and place it in the chest cavity of the bird. This can help the meat cook faster and more evenly. You can also brush some peanut oil on the skin before cooking to promote even cooking and a moist interior.
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How to choose the right oil for the fryer
When it comes to choosing the right oil for your fryer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to understand the basic scientific principles behind the cooking process, specifically the smoke point of the oil. The smoke point refers to the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and produce smoke. Oils with lower smoke points will rapidly burn and degrade at high heat and are therefore not suitable for deep frying. Examples of oils with low smoke points include flax seed, walnut, hazelnut, almond oil, and extra-virgin olive oil.
For deep frying, it is recommended to use oils with high smoke points that can withstand higher temperatures without burning. Some common oils with high smoke points include peanut oil, canola oil, safflower oil, and vegetable oil. These oils are suitable for high-heat cooking and will give your food a crispy golden texture. In addition, these oils are relatively inexpensive and can be used for a variety of different foods, making them a popular choice for commercial kitchens.
Another factor to consider when choosing an oil for deep frying is the desired flavor profile. Ideally, you should use an oil with a neutral flavor that will not overpower the taste of the food being fried. However, in some cases, you may want to use an oil that complements the flavor of the dish, such as peanut oil, which adds a subtle hint of flavor to fried chicken or French fries.
Finally, cost and health considerations come into play when selecting an oil for deep frying. Oils can be expensive, and the costs can add up quickly, especially for commercial kitchens that require several gallons of oil for their deep fryers. Therefore, it is important to analyze your needs and determine the most cost-effective oil that meets your requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
An oil-less turkey fryer, such as The Big Easy, uses infrared cooking technology (powered by propane) to cook a turkey without the need for hot oil. This creates an even heat with no flare-ups and results in a juicy turkey with an extra-crispy skin.
First, pat the turkey dry inside and out, brush the skin with cooking oil, and season with a salt-less or low-salt herb rub. Preheat the oil-less fryer for a minute, then place the turkey in the basket, ensuring the wing tips and drumsticks are tucked in. The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes per pound.
Ensure you have enough propane, as the oil-less fryer uses infrared energy to cook the turkey. Always turn off the gas at the unit first, then the tank when shutting down, and vice versa when turning on. Do not stuff the turkey, as it can cause uneven cooking.
Oil-less turkey fryers are safe, quiet, and efficient. They are ideal for cooking outdoors and freeing up oven space. They are also a good option for those who don't own a smoker or grill and want a convenient way to cook a whole bird.
