Deep Fried Turkey: Southern Holiday Feast with Crispy Golden Skin
Deep Fried Turkey: Southern-Style Holiday Feast
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Deep fried turkey brings the ultimate combination of succulent meat and super crispy skin—perfect for outdoor holiday cooking that frees up your oven.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Fried Turkey
- Speedy Cooking: Hot peanut oil crisps the skin in minutes.
- Juicy Interior: Rapid frying seals in moisture.
- Oven-Free Sides: Frees up oven space for all your holiday sides.
- Showstopper Presentation: Golden-brown, crispy skin that wows guests.
Ingredients for Deep Fried Turkey
- 1 (12 to 14 lb) whole turkey, thawed and patted dry
- 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Your favorite poultry seasoning or Cajun rub
Step-by-Step Deep Fried Turkey Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck. Rinse inside and out, then thoroughly pat dry.
- Season Generously: Rub salt, pepper, and optional spices under and over the skin for maximum flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a turkey fryer or large stockpot, pour in enough peanut oil to cover the bird, leaving at least 4 inches of headspace. Heat to 400°F (200°C).
- Safety First: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, wear heatproof gloves, and never leave hot oil unattended.
- Fry the Turkey: Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes per pound—approximately 45–50 minutes total—until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Carve: Lift the turkey out, drain well, and transfer to a platter lined with paper towels. Let rest for 20 minutes to lock in juices.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice against the grain for tender breast meat and revel in that crispy skin.
Expert Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Turkey
- Monitor oil temperature with a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
- Keep kids and pets at least 10 feet away from the fryer.
- Use high smoke-point oil like peanut oil for safety and flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 603 kcal
- Protein: 69 g
- Fat: 34 g (Saturated Fat 9 g)
- Cholesterol: 229 mg
- Sodium: 571 mg
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
With these tricks and a trusty turkey fryer, you’ll wow guests and make holiday cooking a breeze with this ultimate deep fried turkey.
Deep Fried Turkey
Deep fried turkey brings the ultimate combination of succulent meat and super crispy skin—perfect for outdoor holiday cooking that frees up your oven.
Ingredients
Method
- Remove giblets and neck. Rinse inside and out, then thoroughly pat dry.
- Rub salt, pepper, and optional spices under and over the skin for maximum flavor.
- In a turkey fryer or large stockpot, pour in enough peanut oil to cover the bird, leaving at least 4 inches of headspace. Heat to 400°F (200°C).
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, wear heatproof gloves, and never leave hot oil unattended.
- Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Fry for about 3 minutes per pound—approximately 45–50 minutes total—until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Lift the turkey out, drain well, and transfer to a platter lined with paper towels. Let rest for 20 minutes to lock in juices.
- Slice against the grain for tender breast meat and revel in that crispy skin.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
View Original Recipe on AllRecipes
