How to Cook a Perfect Turkey in a Big Easy Cooker

Every year, for the past 16 years, we’ve deep-fried a turkey for Thanksgiving. It took a near-accident around year 2 for us to realize that there must be a better way than to dangerously heat up 6 gallons of cooking oil on my front porch!

Cooking a juicy, flavorful turkey can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with the right equipment and techniques The Big Easy oil-less infrared turkey fryer makes it easy to cook a perfect turkey with crispy skin and tender, moist meat Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey in a Big Easy cooker for a foolproof feast.

Benefits of the Big Easy Cooker

The Big Easy cooker uses infrared heat to cook food evenly without the risks of traditional deep frying. Some key advantages include:

  • Oil-less cooking – No need to deal with multiple gallons of hot oil Much safer and healthier

  • Infrared heat – Penetrates meat to cook inside and out evenly and quickly.

  • Moist, juicy meat – Seals in natural juices for incredibly tender results.

  • Crispy skin – Infrared heat gives skin a perfect, crispy texture.

  • Simple clean-up – The Big Easy cooker has fewer messy splatters compared to frying.

  • Versatile – Can be used to cook a variety of proteins beyond just turkey.

Selecting and Preparing the Turkey

  • Choose a turkey that fits comfortably in the Big Easy cooker without touching sides. Allow 1⁄2 pound per person.

  • Thaw frozen turkey completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

  • Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.

  • For added flavor and moisture, brine turkey 12-24 hours before cooking. Make sure to pat very dry after brining.

  • Rub skin liberally with oil or melted butter to promote browning and crispiness.

  • Season inside cavity and under skin with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Follow these simple steps for turkey cooking success:

1. Set Up the Big Easy Cooker

Assemble cooker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure propane tank is full. Preheat cooker on high for 10-15 minutes.

2. Prepare Turkey for Cooking

Place seasoned turkey breast-side up in cooking basket. Insert oven-safe meat thermometer into thickest part of breast, without touching bone.

3. Cook Turkey

Carefully lower basket into preheated Big Easy cooker. Cook turkey for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, adjusting time based on size.

4. Monitor Temperature

Check temperature periodically, especially nearing end of estimated cook time. Turkey is done when thermometer reaches 165°F in breast and 180°F in thighs/legs.

5. Allow Turkey to Rest

When turkey reaches proper internal temperature, remove basket and allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.

6. Crisp the Skin

If skin is not as crispy as desired, increase heat to high and cook 5-10 minutes more to finish browning the skin. Watch closely to avoid burning.

7. Carve and Serve

Carve turkey and serve immediately for an incredibly moist and flavorful meal. Enjoy with favorite side dishes and gravy.

Turkey Cooking Times

Use these approximate turkey cooking times as a guide, but always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness:

  • 8-12 lb turkey: 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours
  • 12-16 lb turkey: 1 3⁄4 – 2 1⁄4 hours
  • 16-20 lb turkey: 2 1⁄4 – 3 hours
  • 20-24 lb turkey: 3 – 3 1⁄2 hours

Handy Turkey Cooking Tips

  • For optimum moisture, cook stuffing separately and avoid overpacking cavity.

  • Use a cooking bag or foil to prevent overbrowning of drumsticks and wings.

  • Adding a small amount of broth or water to bottom of cooker provides extra moisture.

  • Brush skin with oil/butter a few times throughout cooking for enhanced crispiness.

  • Letting turkey rest after cooking is crucial to redistribute juices. Don’t skip this step!

Get Creative with Flavor

The Big Easy cooker lets you easily impart new flavors into your turkey. Try these ideas:

  • Coat turkey with complementary oil like olive, avocado or sesame oil.

  • Rub spices under skin such as cumin, thyme, rosemary, curry or jerk seasoning.

  • Stuff cavity with quartered onions, garlic, citrus, fresh herbs or cornish hens.

  • Inject turkey breast with low-sodium chicken or turkey broth for added moisture.

  • Serve turkey with flavored aioli, chimichurri or infused gravy for extra kick.

Handling Leftovers

Leftover turkey freezes remarkably well. Follow these tips:

  • Let turkey cool completely before refrigerating.

  • Carve meat from bone in portions ready to reheat later.

  • Store turkey in air-tight freezer containers or bags up to 4 months.

  • Use leftover turkey in soups, sandwiches, salad and other delicious recipes.

More Big Easy Cooker Recipes

The Big Easy cooker excels beyond just turkey. Try these other proteins for amazing results:

  • Fried chicken – Crispy, juicy chicken in a fraction of the time.

  • Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone tender with crisped edges.

  • Beef roasts – Well-marbled roasts turn out incredibly tender.

  • Pork loin – Impressive, uniform doneness when roasted whole.

  • Fish – Delicate texture is maintained without oil.

With the Big Easy oil-less cooker, you can now enjoy fried turkey flavor and moisture without the risks or hassles. Follow these helpful tips and your holiday turkey will be the star of the show.

how to cook a turkey in a big easy

What is Liquid Smoke?

Liquid smoke is a natural seasoning that makes your food taste like it’s been smoked. Woods, such as hickory or mesquite, are burned. Smoke is collected, condensed, and cooled. Water is added and the liquid smoke is bottled.

Some brands add flavoring and artificial colors, so try to stay away from those. My favorite brand is Wrights Liquid Smoke. There are only 2 ingredients: water and hickory smoke concentrate.

I love this stuff, but only in very small amounts. If you think, “ewww…fake smoke?” Well, it’s made from real smoke, and chances are, if you enjoy bacon, smoked gouda cheese, beef jerky, smoked sausages….you’ve probably had liquid smoke.

Liquid smoke, just a tiny amount, gives the turkey the faintest hint of smokey flavor. This is definitely one of those ingredients that a little goes a long ways.

There’s a right way and wrong way to inject a turkey. Do not just go injection happy like a mad scientist and puncture the turkey all over the place! Do not puncture the turkey skin. Going through the skin will just cause the marinade to leak out onto the skin, which is what you want to avoid.

Instead, go under the skin, and inject the turkey.

how to cook a turkey in a big easy

Just find spots where you can inject without going through the skin.

how to cook a turkey in a big easy

After injecting, place the turkey, breast side up, in a large pot. It’s nice and plump, like turkey botox.

how to cook a turkey in a big easy

Refrigerate 2 hours (up to 24 hours) without covering. If you must cover, just use a sheet of tin foil and tent. This allows the skin to stay dry, which results in crispy skin.

Choosing the Perfect Turkey for Deep Frying Without Oil

how to cook a turkey in a big easy

Their sustainable practices have earned the company a 5+ welfare rating, the highest possible rating from the nonprofit Global Animal Partnership. You can find their turkeys at Whole Foods or on their website. The bird we used in the photos for deep frying turkey without oil is from Diestel – last year, they sent over a Pasture-Raised turkey and a fully cooked turkey for us to try. Since then, we’ve purchased a Diestel turkey from Whole Foods and plan on another one this Thanksgiving.

Also, if you’re not into cooking a whole turkey, they do sell already cooked whole turkey, that you can just warm up in the oven and serve.

How to Cook Turkey In Char Broil Big Easy Turkey Fryer

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Big Easy?

Additionally, if the turkey isn’t thawed completely it will have a huge effect on cook time. It’s best for the meat to be at room temperature when placed in the cooker. Generally, you can expect it to take approximately 10 minutes per pound.

Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy?

Brining your Big Easy-bound bird ensures it will be as moist as it is delicious.

How to cook a turkey in a fryer?

Fry the turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound of turkey. A 12-pound turkey will take about 42 minutes, a 15-pound turkey closer to 52 minutes. Again, someone should be present near the turkey at all times during frying. Check the turkey for doneness and remove it.

How do you cook a turkey breast in a big easy oil less fryer?

Preheat the Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer on high for 15 minutes. Place the turkey in the Big Easy Oil-Less fryer until it reaches 165 degrees F. For this turkey the cook time was 1 hour 45 minutes. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes.

How do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy cooker?

Cooking the turkey Drop the turkey and basket into the cooker. Make sure your propane is on, turn the cooker to “on”, then turn the rotary igniter to light The Big Easy burner. That’s it! Now you just have to wait. The Big Easy cooker comes with a wire mesh lid.

Can one have turkey and carrots?

Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.

How long do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy?

Season the turkey liberally inside and out. Place the turkey into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker. Cook for 10 minutes per pound. Check for doneness, 180°F in the thighs and legs, and 170°F in the breast. Always check in multiple locations. Remove the basket from the Big Easy and let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

How many pounds does a Big Easy Turkey hold?

Prepping the Turkey The Big Easy will hold up to a 16-pound turkey. Before cooking, be sure the turkey is completely thawed and remove the giblets, neck, and anything else from inside the cavity. Be sure to remove the metal or plastic tie that may be used to bind the legs together as well.

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