Tiffany Haney
Deep-fried turkey is a relatively new culinary phenomenon that has become a popular alternative to roasting a turkey, especially for Thanksgiving. Frying a turkey is not an easy feat, and it requires specialised equipment like a large pot, powerful outdoor burner, meat thermometer, safety gear, and lots of oil. There are several options available for turkey-frying kits, including the King Kooker, which has been endorsed by NYT Cooking's Kim Severson. The King Kooker package includes a lightweight aluminium pot, thick leather gloves, and flavour injectors. Other popular options include the Bayou Classic 44-Quart Big Bird Turkey Fryer Kit, the Char-Broil Big Easy, and the Masterbuilt countertop fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best turkey fryer | King Kooker |
| NYT Cooking recommendation | Kim Severson |
| Size | 12-20 pounds |
| Type of fryer | Propane |
| Type of oil | Peanut oil |
| Amount of oil | 4 gallons |
| Temperature | 325 degrees |
| Other uses | Large batches of soups, stews, chilis, seafood boils |
| Other uses | Fill the pot with water to boil potatoes or corn on the cob |
| Other uses | Fry other meats, chicken wings, and fries |
| Other uses | Mozzarella sticks, fried calamari |
| Other features | Flavor injector |
| Other features | Thermometer |
| Other features | Fryer basket with a lifting hook |
| Other features | Oven mitts |
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What You'll Learn
Propane vs. electric fryers
Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a culinary gimmick, but New York Times food correspondent and Pulitzer Prize winner Kim Severson swears by the method, claiming that "fried turkey is superior. It is so unctuous and delicious and moist." Severson recommends the King Kooker fryer, which can cook a turkey of up to 20 pounds, although she says that 12 to 14 pounds is "the sweet spot".
When it comes to propane vs. electric fryers, there are a few things to consider. Propane fryers have traditionally been used for outdoor deep frying, requiring a large setup and leaving those without outdoor space unable to attempt the method. Electric fryers, on the other hand, can be used indoors and are a good option for those without outdoor space. For example, the Masterbuilt XL Electric Fryer can be placed on a tabletop while still accommodating a 20-pound bird.
One user on myrvtalk.com described their experience choosing between a propane and an electric fryer. They ultimately decided on the propane-fired Big Easy fryer because it was better built, more consistent in cooking time and quality, and received more favourable feedback from customers. However, they noted that the electric model they considered was not bad.
Another factor to consider is the power delivered by the fryer. Some fryers offer more power than is necessary, with some delivering as much as 54,000 Btu. The King Kooker, for example, delivers 33,000 Btu, which Severson claims is plenty, heating up the oil quickly.
In conclusion, both propane and electric fryers have their advantages and disadvantages. Propane fryers have traditionally been used outdoors and may offer more power, but electric fryers provide the convenience of indoor use and are more compact. Ultimately, the decision may depend on factors such as available space and preferred cooking method.
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Indoor vs. outdoor frying
Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a gastronomic gimmick, but some people swear by the method. NYT Cooking pro Kim Severson, for example, considers it vastly preferable to roasting. "I don't feel this is stunt food," she said. "From a culinary standpoint, from a deliciousness standpoint, I think the fried turkey is superior. It is so unctuous and delicious and moist."
When it comes to indoor vs. outdoor frying, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, safety is a key concern. Indoor fryers tend to be safer as they don't use propane, which can be a fire hazard next to boiling oil. However, outdoor fryers provide natural ventilation and reduce cleanup by containing any splatters.
Indoor fryers are generally more convenient as they simply need to be plugged into an outlet, whereas outdoor fryers require a propane tank. Weather conditions can also impact the cooking process when using an outdoor fryer.
Propane fryers are usually heavy-duty and can only be used outdoors. They heat a large pot of oil, which is then used for frying the turkey. Electric fryers, on the other hand, can be used indoors and tend to be safer than propane fryers as there is no open flame or hot oil to monitor. They often feature a thermostat control and an auto shut-off feature.
When choosing between indoor and outdoor frying, consider factors such as safety, convenience, and the impact of weather conditions. Additionally, ensure that you follow safety guidelines and use the proper equipment, such as a vented lid, a sturdy lifting hook, and protective gear, regardless of the frying method you choose.
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Safety features
Safety is a key consideration when deep-frying a turkey. Here are some essential safety features to look for when choosing a deep fryer:
Propane vs. Electric Fryers:
Propane fryers are typically used outdoors due to safety concerns, while some electric fryers are designed for indoor use. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines for the specific fryer you are using.
Size and Capacity:
Choose a fryer that is the appropriate size for your needs. Ensure it has enough capacity to handle the size of the turkey you intend to cook. A fryer that is too small may lead to overflowing oil, which can be a fire hazard.
Thermometer and Temperature Control:
A long thermometer is essential to monitor the oil temperature accurately. Maintain an oil temperature of around 325 degrees Fahrenheit for deep-frying a turkey. Some fryers have temperature control knobs, allowing you to set the desired temperature.
Fryer Basket and Lifting Hook:
A fryer basket with a lifting hook is crucial for safely lowering and removing the turkey from the hot oil. This helps prevent splashing and potential burns.
Splash Guard and Lid:
Look for a fryer with a lid that has a view window. This prevents hot oil splash and allows you to monitor the frying process safely.
Cool-Touch Handles and Anti-Slip Pads:
Cool-touch handles are essential to prevent burns when handling the fryer. Anti-slip pads provide stability and prevent the fryer from slipping, reducing the risk of accidents.
Cleanup and Maintenance:
Easy cleanup is important to remove any built-up grease or residue. Removable heating elements and non-stick coatings can make the cleaning process more accessible and reduce the risk of oil buildup.
When using a deep fryer, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. Additionally, consider using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands and arms from hot oil. Deep-frying a turkey requires careful attention to safety measures to ensure a pleasant and incident-free cooking experience.
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Deep-frying accessories
Deep-frying a turkey may sound like a gastronomic gimmick, but NYT Cooking pro Kim Severson swears by it and recommends the King Kooker fryer. She also suggests using silicone oven mitts, which you’re more likely to already own and can offer sufficient grip in case things get slippery. You will also need lots of oil—approximately 4 gallons to deep-fry a turkey weighing 12 to 16 pounds. Severson uses peanut oil, which is stable at high temperatures and inexpensive in the South.
When it comes to deep-frying accessories, there are several options to consider. Firstly, heat-resistant mats and gloves are essential for safety when handling hot oil and surfaces. Deep fryer cleaning tools, such as brushes and rods, are also necessary for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Additionally, filter bags and cones, along with shortening quality test kits, are useful for oil maintenance and ensuring the removal of food particles. You can also find air fryer basket liners and trays in various sizes and materials, like stainless steel and silicone, to suit your specific needs. Some accessories, like flavour injectors, are unnecessary, as Severson points out that "you don't need to inject your turkey with anything for flavor".
- Air Fryer Basket Tray Replacement for Cuisinart TOA-60 TOA-65 TOA-70 Toaster Air Fryer Convection Oven
- Redfly Silicone Air Fryer Liners, 2PCS Square Reusable Air Fryer Liner 4-6 QT
- Stainless Steel Baking Tray Pan and Air Fryer Basket Compatible with Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-060, TOA-065, and TOA-070
- Nuenen 3 Pieces Fryer Cleaning Tools, including an L-Shaped Fryer Cleaning Brush, Deep Cleanout Rod, and Long Handle Basket Brush
- BYKITCHEN 9 Inch Square Silicone Air Fryer Liners for 6 to 8QT, Set of 2, Reusable Silicone Air Fryer Tray Insert, Air Fryer Accessories for Corsori 6QT, Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6.5QT, Gourmia & More
- 10QT Air Fryer Silicone Liners, 2Pcs Rectangular Air Fryer Silicone Pot Baking Tray for Ninja Dual DZ401/DZ550 Reusable Replacement Basket Insert with Magnetic Cheat Sheet
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Deep-frying alternatives
Deep-fried turkey may sound like a culinary gimmick, but some people swear by this method. While deep-fried foods are certainly indulgent, they are also linked to numerous long-term health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. If you're looking for alternatives to deep frying, here are some popular and healthy options to consider:
Air Frying
Air frying is a popular alternative that uses an appliance called an air fryer. This method cooks food under the convection method using little to no oil, resulting in crispy and tasty dishes. It is also excellent for reheating, making it a useful appliance in the kitchen.
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting is another alternative that delivers a similar crunch and taste to deep frying. By baking food at a high temperature, you can achieve a crispy and crunchy texture without using large amounts of oil. This method is particularly suitable for chicken wings or fish fillets.
Pan-Frying and Stir-Frying
These methods use a comparatively low quantity of oil to fry foods. Pan-frying is suitable for various dishes, while stir-frying is typically used for cooking vegetables and some meats at a higher heat and faster speed.
Sauteeing
Sauteeing is similar to stir-frying but is done at a much lower heat and slower speed. It uses minimal oil, making it a healthier option for cooking vegetables and some types of meat.
Baking
Baking is a popular and versatile cooking method for both sweet and savoury dishes. It requires minimal oil and can be used to create a variety of recipes, from baked goodies to roasted savoury dishes.
Grilling
Grilling is another healthy alternative to deep frying that can help reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats and potentially harmful compounds formed during the frying process.
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Frequently asked questions
NYT Cooking’s Kim Severson recommends the King Kooker Outdoor Deep Fryer, which can cook a turkey of up to 16 pounds.
The Bayou Classic 44-Quart "Big Bird" Turkey Fryer Kit can cook a turkey of up to 25 pounds. Masterbuilt also makes a unit that can accommodate an 18-pound bird indoors.
The King Kooker has a burner that can heat up to 33,000 Btu. Severson says this is "plenty" and that it "heats up your oil pretty quickly".
You will need oven mitts, a meat thermometer, and lots of oil. NYT Cooking’s Kim Severson recommends peanut oil, but you can also use other types of oil.
You can buy a deep fryer from Best Buy or Home Depot.
