If turkey’s the only thing you cook in your turkey fryer, you’re missing out. We get it. A turkey fryer is a serious investment, and nobody wants to spend $200 on a large contraption that will be used only once a year. Fortunately, you can use your turkey fryer for a whole lot more than frying turkeys.
Large-format feasts are the turkey fryer’s forte. It is the ultimate party tool, big enough to boil, steam, or fry heaps of food—and quick. (Check out our tips for how to safely fry things in a turkey fryer.) And because you’re cooking outside, any odors dissipate quickly, so your house doesn’t end up smelling like whatever you cooked for the rest of the week.
If you already have a turkey fryer or are interested in getting one, here are some of our other favorite uses for them.
A turkey fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to fry much more than just turkey. With its large capacity and ability to heat oil to high temperatures, a turkey fryer opens up a whole world of quick and easy fried foods. From chicken wings to apple fritters, read on for 10 delicious ideas for what else you can fry in a turkey fryer.
1. Cajun Chicken Wings
You can fry any chicken wings in your turkey fryer, but in a nod to the fryer’s Louisiana roots, cajun chicken wings are a great option. Simply toss the wings in Cajun seasoning before frying for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and crispy. The heat from the Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the juicy, fried wings.
2. Vegetables and Veggie Fries
Get your vegetable fix by frying up favorites like zucchini, squash, okra, and potatoes in the form of fries or bites. Cut the veggies into stick shapes toss with cornstarch and spices and fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Make healthier sweet potato fries, kale chips, and fried green tomatoes for a southern twist.
3. Donuts
Fried donuts are a classic fairground treat that you can easily make at home in your turkey fryer. Roll out your favorite cake or yeast donut dough and use cookie cutters to cut fun shapes before carefully lowering them into the hot oil with a slotted spoon. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Funnel Cake Fries
For a cross between a donut and fried fair food, try your hand at funnel cake fries. Make a simple batter from flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and egg. Pour through a funnel into the hot oil and fry until crispy and golden, 2-3 minutes. Top with powdered sugar for the full funnel cake effect.
5. Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Get a dose of veggies by breading and frying cauliflower florets in your turkey fryer. Separate the florets, dredge in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp. Toss the fried cauliflower in Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a tasty, low-carb snack.
6. Soups and Broths
Believe it or not, your turkey fryer isn’t limited to frying. Use it to prepare flavorful soups and broths by filling with vegetables, herbs, and spices and adding water or stock. Simmer for 1-2 hours, then strain out the solids. You’ll be left with a tasty homemade soup or broth ready for sipping.
7. Seafood Boils
For a southern seafood spread, use your turkey fryer to boil up a Low Country boil. Fill the pot with water, sausage, potatoes, corn, and your choice of shellfish like shrimp, crawfish, or crab legs. Boil until the shellfish are cooked through and serve with melted butter for dipping.
8. Apple Cider
Warm up with a mug of apple cider made right in your turkey fryer. Simply fill the fryer with apple juice, orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and other spices. Heat on medium-low until warmed through and flavors meld, about 20 minutes. Ladle into mugs and enjoy on crisp fall days.
9. Carnival Treats
Unleash your inner carnie by frying up classic carnival treats like funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and candy apples. You can even fry Spam and candy bars for adventurous eaters. The turkey fryer lets you easily recreate these deep-fried indulgences at home.
10. Fried Desserts
End your fried feast on a sweet note with classic fried desserts. Fry sliced apples, bananas, and peaches in a simple batter until golden. Or, for fried ice cream, roll scoops of ice cream in a cornflake crust before flash frying for 20-30 seconds. The possibilities are endless when it comes to frying dessert in a turkey fryer.
With its high heat and large capacity, a turkey fryer is designed for so much more than frying birds. Put this handy appliance to work frying up quick snacks, enticing sides, comforting soups and stews, and your favorite fried treats. Just be sure to follow safety precautions when working with hot oil. With some creativity and care, you can enjoy an incredible variety of delicious fried foods all year long using your turkey fryer.
Other Uses for Turkey Fryers
You can boil as well as fry in your turkey fryer. Crawfish boils, low-country boils, crab boils—the fryer is ideal for all of these. Just load the seafood and fixings into the steamer basket and have at it.
In the South, turkey fryers might as well be called fish fryers, given how often they’re used for community events. Have your own Friday-night fish fry: Invite a bunch of folks over and let the turkey fryer turn out enough fish fillets and hushpuppies for all.
Yes, you can steam in turkey fryers, too. Get your friends and extended family together to assemble tamales, and steam enough for everyone to take some home.
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