Best Fried Turkey Recipes

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Place the hot water, kosher salt and brown sugar into a 5-gallon upright drink cooler and stir until the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Add the ice and stir until the mixture is cool. Gently lower the turkey into the container. If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure that it is fully immersed in the brine. Cover and set in a cool dry place for 8 to 16 hours.
• Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse and pat dry. Allow to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
• Place the oil into a 28 to 30-quart pot and set over high heat on an outside propane burner with a sturdy structure. Bring the temperature of the oil to 250 degrees F. Once the temperature has reached 250, slowly lower the bird into the oil and bring the temperature to 350 degrees F. Once it has reached 350, lower the heat in order to maintain 350 degrees F. After 35 minutes, check the temperature of the turkey using a probe thermometer. Once the breast reaches 151 degrees F, gently remove from the oil and allow to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes prior to carving. The bird will reach an internal temperature of 161 degrees F due to carry over cooking. Carve as desired.

CAJUN DEEP-FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion juice, garlic juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper and beer. Mix until well blended.
• Use a marinade injecting syringe or turkey baster with an injector tip to inject the marinade all over the turkey including the legs, back, wings, thighs and breasts. Place in a large plastic bag and marinate overnight in the refrigerator. Do not use a kitchen trash bag. If your turkey is large, you can use an oven bag.
• When it's time to fry, measure the amount of oil needed by lowering the turkey into the fryer and filling with enough oil to cover it. Remove the turkey and set aside.
• Heat the oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). When the oil has come to temperature, lower the turkey into the hot oil slowly using the hanging device that comes with turkey deep-fryers. The turkey should be completely submerged in the oil. Cook for 36 minutes, or 3 minutes per pound of turkey. The turkey is done when the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Turn off the flame and slowly remove from the oil, making sure all of the oil drains out of the cavity. Allow to rest on a serving platter for about 20 minutes before carving.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey; rub salt mixture under skin, inside cavity and over outside of turkey. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Refrigerate 18-24 hours. Add oil to turkey deep fryer; preheat oil to 275°. Allow turkey to stand at room temperature while oil is preheating. Place turkey on deep fry rack, breast side down. Turn burner off; carefully lower turkey into oil. Turn burner on high and heat to 350°. Adjust heat to maintain 350°. Cook turkey until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, (about 35-45 minutes total time in fryer). Remove turkey from oil; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• DISCLAIMER: Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous if not done properly.
• Determine the amount of oil you will need before you start. This turkey and pot required 4 ½ gallons (17 liter) of peanut oil, you may need more or less.
• To determine the correct amount, place the turkey in the pot you will be using to fry. Fill it with water until it has just covered your turkey, that water level should also be at least 5 inches (13 cm) below the rim of your pot. Remove the turkey and see where the water levels off, this is the amount of oil you will need to fry the turkey. If the oil level is NOT 5 inches (13 cm) below the rim of your pot, use a taller pot. If too much oil is used, it will spill over when the turkey is lowered and cause a fire. If you like, as a precaution, turn off the propane burner before you add the turkey to the hot oil.
• In a large pot, container or cooler with a lid, combine salt, brown sugar and boiling water to make the brine.
• Once the salt and brown sugar have dissolved, cool down with ice.
• Place your turkey into the brine mixture, add more cold water to cover your turkey entirely. Weight down the turkey with something heavy and cover.
• Place the turkey in a cool place or refrigerator and let it brine for 8-16 hours.
• Remove the turkey from the brine, discard the brine. Pat dry the turkey. Make sure it's entirely dry inside and out, border on very dry.
• Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes prior to frying.
• While the turkey is coming to room temp, prepare your deep frying pot. The pot should be large enough to hold the turkey, oil and have enough room to contain the oil once it starts bubbling (recommend 30 quart/ 28-liter pot).
• NOTE: Make sure the deep frying pot is clean and dry, any moisture in the pot will make the oil pop when it starts heating up.
• Pour the peanut oil into the pot. You should have enough oil to just cover the turkey. Set over high heat on an outside propane burner. Bring the temperature of the oil to 350°F (180°C).
• While the oil is heating up, prepare your turkey to submerge into the oil.
• If you are using a turkey deep frying kit, use all the equipment provided (i.e. hook/basket, s-hook, retrieval handle). If not, take a stainless steel kitchen utensil with a wide bottom, long handle and looped top. Take the kitchen utensil and push the handle through the neck of the turkey. You want the wide part of the utensil to rest inside the turkey cavity. Take an s-hook with a handle attachment and loop it through the loop part of the kitchen utensil.
• Wipe down the turkey again to make sure there is no moisture. Turkey is ready.
• Once the temperature of the oil has reached 350°F (180°C), slowly and gently lower the turkey into the oil. SLOWLY AND GENTLY.
• Fry the turkey for 3 minutes per pound (455 grams). For a 15 lb (6.8 kg) turkey, this will take 45 minutes. Make sure the oil temp is maintained at 350°F (180°C).
• After 45 minutes, turn off your propane burner and then gently remove the turkey from the oil.
• Place the turkey on a large baking sheet or carving board and check the temperature. Right out of the fryer, the breast meat should be at 150°F (65°C) and will reach 160°F (70°C) due to carry over cooking.
• Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.
• NOTE: Oil will be hot for a few hours after frying. Do not touch or dispose of until fully cooled.
• Carve as desired.
• Nutrition Calories: 16381 Fat: 1761 grams Carbs: 55 grams Fiber: 0 grams Sugars: 54 grams Protein: 137 grams
• Enjoy!

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY MARINADE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix 3/4 Italian dressing, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Creole seasoning, and garlic powder. Rub over turkey, using remaining Italian dressing to fill cavity. Allow turkey to marinate 8 hours, or overnight, before deep-frying as desired.

EMERIL'S FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• To make the marinade: Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process for about 5 minutes. Fill a syringe and inject each turkey in the breast and thigh area, as well as the back, wings, and legs. You will have to fill the syringe several times. Next, combine the seasoning ingredients and rub the mixture evenly all over each turkey.
• Place the turkeys in large plastic bags and secure before icing them down or refrigerating them for 24 hours.
• To fry each turkey: Fill a large pot three quarters of the way full with the peanut oil and heat the oil to between 350 and 360 degrees F. Place 1 turkey in the basket insert and carefully and slowly lower it into the hot oil. Turn the turkey every 10 minutes, using long-handled forks. A whole turkey will take 3 to 5 minutes per pound to cook. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 170 to 180 degrees F on an instant read meat thermometer. Carefully lift the basket out of the hot oil. This can be done by inserting a broomstick through the handles and having two strong people lift the basket out of the pot. Using the long-handled forks, transfer the turkey to a large brown paper bag and let stand for about 15 minutes before removing to carve. Repeat the procedure for the second turkey. Carve the turkey and serve with the other traditional side items.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking" by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Wash turkey inside and out under cold running water; pat dry. Finely grind bay leaves in spice grinder; transfer to small bowl. Finely grind thyme, oregano, and peppercorns separately; add to bay leaves. Mix in Creole seasoning and garlic powder.
• Rub 1/3 spice mixture on inside of turkey, 1/3 under skin of breast, and 1/3 on outside of turkey; place in roasting pan. Cover; marinate overnight in refrigerator or up to 24 hours.
• Bring turkey to room temperature. Using a wooden skewer, thread neck flap securely to bottom of turkey. Fold wing tips under. Using steel or aluminum wire, truss legs and tail's nose together securely; form a handle with wire. This will enable you to hold turkey while submerging in hot oil.
• Heat oil in 10-gallon pot with liner basket over high heat until temperature registers 360 degrees. Holding turkey by handle, immerse in oil. Maintain temperature at 360 degrees while frying. Fry until golden brown, about 45 minutes, or 3 minutes per pound.
• Lift turkey from oil; transfer to a wire rack over a roasting pan. Drain for 15 minutes. Serve.

CHICKEN-FRIED TURKEY BREAST WITH CRANBERRY MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• Add the cranberries and sugar to a medium saucepan set over medium heat and cook until the cranberries break down and the mixture reduces by two-thirds, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the mustard and remove from the heat. Using an immersion blender or blender, pulse until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency. Season with salt if needed.
• Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese and cornmeal in a shallow dish. Sprinkle each cutlet with salt and pepper on both sides. Coat each cutlet with sour cream and press into the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack.
• Heat the coconut oil in a cast-iron skillet set over medium heat. In batches, pan-fry the turkey cutlets until the first side is golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through and golden brown, another 3 minutes. Add more oil as needed and repeat for the remaining batches. Serve with the cranberry mustard dipping sauce.

PAN-FRIED TURKEY BURGERS

Steps:

• Grate shallot with a medium plane of a grater into a large bowl. Be sure to collect the juice. Add turkey, mayonnaise, steak sauce, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until fully incorporated. Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties. Season tops with garlic salt and pepper.
• Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place in burgers, seasoned-sides down. Season the opposite sides with more garlic salt and pepper. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip; continue to cook until no longer pink, 4 to 5 minutes more.

FRIED TURKEY BREAST

Steps:

• One hour before frying, place the turkey breast on a baking sheet, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper, and let sit at room temperature.
• To figure out how much oil you will need for frying, put the breast in a large pot and cover with water by 3 inches; the pot should be large enough that the water comes no more than halfway up the sides. Remove the breast and check the water level -- that is how much oil you will need.
• Dry the pot and add the oil. Heat to 350 degrees F on a deep-frying thermometer.
• Pat the breast dry with paper towels. Using heat-resistant gloves (to protect yourself from burns), SLOWLY and CAREFULLY lower it into the hot oil.
• Fry until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season with a bit more salt. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

SIMPLE DEEP FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large stockpot or turkey fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure the fryer is located outdoors in a safe area, preferably on dirt or pavement, and far away from buildings, wooden decks, or other objects. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
• Ensure that the turkey is completely thawed. Cut any extra skin away from the neck area and make sure neck hole is at least an inch in diameter. Pat the bird completely dry with paper towels, then rub liberally with salt and pepper on both the outside and the inside. Place the turkey into a drain basket, neck-side first.
• Working slowly and carefully, gently lower the basket into the hot oil to completely cover the turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 35 minutes.
• Carefully remove basket from oil, and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Once the turkey is done, remove from the oil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

DEEP FRIED TURKEY RUB

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix together the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, pepper, garlic powder and Creole seasoning. Rub onto a turkey and refrigerate for 24 hours before frying according to your favorite recipe.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Place the turkey in the empty fryer pot and cover it with about 2 inches of water. Remove the turkey from the pot, dry it thoroughly with paper towels, and set it aside at room temperature. Use a waterproof marker to mark the water level on the inside or outside of the pot so you know how much oil to put in the pot. Discard the water then wash and dry the pot thoroughly.
• Arrange the burner on a flat surface far away from the house, garage, or anything that could easily catch fire. Place the pot over the burner and clip a long-pronged deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Using the mark you made earlier, fill the pot with oil. Heat the oil until the thermometer reaches 375°F.
• While the oil is heating, make the rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. DO AHEAD: The herb rub can be prepared ahead and kept, in an airtight container, up to 1 month.
• Starting at the neck end of the turkey, slowly and carefully slide your hand between the skin and the meat of the breast, thighs, and upper drumsticks to separate and loosen the skin. Spread the herb rub under the skin on the thighs, drumsticks, and breasts. Spread any remaining rub inside the turkey cavity and on top of the skin. To ensure good oil flow, make sure the neck cavity is wide open, and use a small sharp knife to cut a small slit through the skin where the leg meets the breast.
• Place the turkey on the poultry rack, with the breast facing down and the legs facing up. Once the oil reaches 375°F, turn off the burner. Wearing an apron and long heavy-duty oven mitts, use the hook that attaches to the rack to slowly lower the turkey into the oil using a stop-and-go method-slowly lower the turkey 1 to 2 inches into the oil then pull it back out a bit, repeating until the bird is fully submerged. Turn the burner back on and bring the oil to 350°F. Throughout frying, adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the 350°F oil temperature. Fry the turkey for about 3 1/2 minutes per pound. Use the hook that attaches to the rack to slowly and carefully remove the turkey from the oil and place it on a cutting board or large rimmed baking sheet. Using an instant-read thermometer, test the fleshy part of the thighs and the thickest part of the breasts (test both sides, close to but not touching the bone); the thermometer needs to register at least 165°F. If not, use the hook to slowly and carefully lower the turkey back into the oil to finish frying. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, transfer the turkey to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let it rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving and serving.

FRIED TURKEY RUB WITH CAJUN INJECTION

Steps:

• Mix all rub ingredients together and apply ample quantities to the outside of the turkey. Let meat marinade for 8-24 hours.
• Combine injection recipe ingredients including 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the rub; boil and reduce to 1 cup. Cool and strain mixture then inject into all areas of the turkey.
• Fry turkey according to weight of bird and fryer instructions. DO NOT attempt this indoors or too close to a builidng.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY BREAST

Steps:

• Combine sea salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, granulated garlic, and chili powder in a plastic container with lid. Seal container and shake until seasonings are well mixed.
• Rub entire batch of spice mixture over turkey breast to coat completely; wrap breast in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 24 hours.
• Remove breast from fridge and let stand at room temperature as you heat the oil.
• Heat oil in a pot with a lid and large enough to hold the oil and breast to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Gently add breast to the oil, cover pot with lid, and fry until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

DEEP FRIED TURKEY FLAVOR INJECTOR MARINADE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in food processor or blender.
• Mix until thoroughly blended (about 2-4 minutes).
• Transfer into flavor injector and inject turkey in several places.
• Deep fry turkey as usual (about 3 minutes per pound).

CRISP FRIED WILD TURKEY BREAST

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl beat eggs, then add salt and pepper.
• Tear strips of turkey off breastbone.
• Dip turkey in eggs, then flour.
• Bring oil to 375 degrees in a Dutch oven or large stock pot, making allowance for the volume of the turkey, and fry turkey on medium-high until browned.
• Cover Dutch oven while frying to prevent splattering.

CAJUN RUB FOR DEEP FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Blend above and then rub over the entire turkey. This is enough for 1 (10 to 12) pound turkey.

EMERIL'S FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• Marinade Instructions:.
• Combine the Worcestershire, crab& shrimp boil, apple cider, honey, beer, 1 tbs salt, allspice, Emeril's essence, 1/4 tsp cayenne and ground cloves in a blender and puree on high for 4-6 minutes.
• Using a marinade injector, inject the breast, wings, thighs, legs and back with the marinade.
• Rub Instructions:.
• Combine the remaining salt, cayenne and pepper.
• Rub the turkey with the mixture.
• Place the turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Frying Instructions:.
• Heat the peanut oil to 350 degrees F.
• Place turkey in peanut oil and cook the turkey for 3-5 minutes per pound.
• Remove the turkey from the oil when the internal temperature reaches 170- 180 degrees F.
• Place on paper towel to drain.
• Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes prior to carving.

MATT'S FRIED TURKEY BRINE

Steps:

• Combine vegetable broth, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, remove brine from heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate brine until chilled, at least 4 hours. Add ice water, apple, onion, cinnamon stick, 1 cup water, rosemary, and sage leaves to brine just before using.