How Long To Fry A Turkey Breast For Perfectly Cooked Meat

Frying a turkey breast can seem intimidating but it results in amazingly juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when done right. The key is frying the turkey breast for the right amount of time. Undercook it and you’ll end up with raw dangerous meat. Fry it too long and you’ll have an overcooked, dry breast. So how long should you fry a turkey breast for ideal doneness? Read on for tips on fry times as well as judging doneness when frying a turkey breast.

Factors That Affect Fry Time

Several factors impact how long it takes to fry a turkey breast, including:

• Size of the breast – A larger breast will take longer to fry through to the proper internal temperature. A small 5 lb breast may only need 15 minutes while a 10 lb breast may need 25-30 minutes.

• Thickness of the breast – A thicker cut of meat will require more fry time than a thinner breast Allow extra time for thick parts like the thickest section of the breast,

• Oil temperature – The temperature you fry at dramatically impacts cook time. If the oil is too cool, it will take much longer for the heat to penetrate and cook the breast. Fry at 350°F or higher for best results.

• Frozen vs thawed – A frozen breast needs to be thawed first. Frying a frozen breast is dangerous and will result in undercooked meat. Only fry fully thawed turkey.

• Brined or not – Brining infuses moisture and salt into the turkey, which can slightly extend the cook time needed to reach the proper internal temperature.

Judging Fry Time By Look

While fry times vary, you can also judge when the turkey breast is done based on its appearance:

• Golden brown skin – The skin on a fully cooked breast will be a rich golden brown. If the skin is still pale, keep frying.

• Bubbling oil – The oil may bubble vigorously at first then calm down as the breast cooks through. When the bubbling slows to gentle, occasional bubbles, it likely nears doneness.

• Turkey floats – As the breast cooks, the meat will start to turn opaque and shrink slightly, causing it to float higher in the oil. If nicely floated, it’s a sign it’s nearly finished frying.

Using A Meat Thermometer

While visual clues help, the only sure way to confirm your fried turkey breast is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

To check, insert an instant-read digital thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone. Double check a couple areas to ensure even doneness. If it hasn’t hit 165°F, continue frying, checking the temperature every 5 minutes until it reaches the safe internal temperature.

Fry Times Based On Breast Size

As a general guideline, these are typical fry times for various turkey breast sizes at 350°F:

• 2-3 lb breast – Fry for 12-15 minutes

• 4-5 lb breast – Fry for 15-18 minutes

• 6-7 lb breast – Fry for 20-25 minutes

• 8-10 lb breast – Fry for 25-30 minutes

However, always rely on a thermometer for accuracy since fry times vary based on all the factors mentioned. It’s possible a turkey breast may fry faster or slower than expected.

For very large breasts over 10 pounds, it can be difficult to achieve even frying and full cook through to 165°F in the center. For large breasts, it’s often better to butterfly them or cut them into two pieces for more manageable frying.

Fried Turkey Breast Safety Tips

To safely deep fry a turkey breast:

• Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Maintain 350°F oil for optimal frying.

• Do not overfill the fryer more than 1/3 full of oil to prevent boil overs.

• Dry the breast well before frying so the oil doesn’t pop and splatter.

• Fry outside or with good ventilation to prevent issues with smoke/steam.

• Turn off the propane tank when not actively frying for safety.

• Monitor the fryer at all times until the breast is done. Don’t leave it unattended.

• Use long cooking tongs and wear long heat-resistant gloves/mitts to avoid burns.

• Check the turkey is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer as described above.

Fried Turkey Breast Is Worth The Time

While frying a whole turkey is quite an undertaking, frying just a turkey breast is much quicker and safer. When fried at 350°F for an appropriate time based on size, turkey breasts emerge from the oil juicy, golden, and flavorful. Just be sure to factor in adequate fry time for the breast size and always rely on a thermometer to guarantee it cooks to a safe 165°F internally. Follow these tips for hassle-free, foolproof deep fried turkey breast.