How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a Turkey?

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, theres no better time to deep fry a turkey! When a turkey is deep fried, its better able to hold in juices, so the end result is moist, flavorful meat with crispy skin on the outside. If your mouth is already watering, read on for everything you need to know about deep frying a turkey!

Deep frying a turkey is a quick and delicious way to cook a moist, flavorful bird for your holiday meals But how long exactly does it take to deep fry a whole turkey to perfection? The cooking time can vary based on the size of your turkey as well as your equipment, oil temperature and technique Follow this guide to learn how long you can expect deep frying your turkey to take.

Factors That Affect Cook Times

Several key factors impact how long it takes to deep fry a whole turkey

Turkey Size – A small 8-10 lb turkey may take only 30-40 minutes while a large 20 lb bird could take over an hour. The general rule is about 3-4 minutes per pound.
Oil Temperature – The oil should maintain a temperature of 350-375°F. If the temperature drops, it will take longer to cook the turkey.
Equipment – Large propane turkey fryers heat oil faster than smaller electric fryers. The amount of oil also affects heat retention.
Thawed vs Frozen – A completely thawed turkey will cook much faster than one still partially frozen.
Marinades/Rubs – Injected or marinated turkeys may cook slightly faster than an unseasoned bird.

Average Turkey Fry Times

Here are some general guidelines for estimated cook times based on turkey sizes:

8-10 lb turkey – 30-40 minutes
12-14 lb turkey – 40-50 minutes
16-18 lb turkey – 50-60 minutes
20-22 lb turkey – 60-75 minutes

So for a typical 12-14 lb turkey, expect the frying process to take 40-50 minutes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step-by-Step Process

Here is an overview of the basic deep frying process and timing:

15 minutes – Heat oil to 350-375°F in propane fryer
10 minutes – Thaw and dry turkey, inject marinade, coat with rubs
30 seconds – Lower basket into oil to preheat
40-50 minutes – Slowly lower turkey into hot oil and deep fry
20 minutes – Remove turkey and let rest before carving

The key is maintaining the oil at the proper temperature throughout the cooking time. If the oil cools below 325°F, the turkey will take longer to cook. Monitor the temperature and adjust the burner as needed.

Internal Temperature

Regardless of estimated cook times, always check the internal temperature of the turkey to determine doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Once both have reached 165°F, the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.

For whole turkeys, expect the thighs to reach the target 165°F several minutes before the breast. If the thighs are cooked but breast still under, use the stop-and-go method. Turn off the burner, slowly lift turkey from oil for 2 minutes to let the oil temperature recover. Then lower back into the hot oil to finish cooking the breast to 165°F.

Safety Tips

Keep these safety tips in mind when deep frying turkey:

Never leave the hot oil unattended
Thaw turkey completely before frying
Use propane fryer outdoors away from structures
Don’t overfill oil past recommended levels
Turn off burner before lowering/lifting turkey
Monitor oil temperature continuously
Check internal temperature to confirm doneness

Follow this advice and your deep fried turkey will turn out perfectly moist and delicious right on time for your holiday feast! Enjoy your quick crispy bird.

how long does it take to deep fry turkey

Equipment for Deep Frying Turkey

In order to deep fry a turkey, you will need:

A fryer big enough to fit a turkey.
A deep fryer thermometer with a clip if your fryer doesnt come with one.
A poultry hook and lifter to lower and lift the turkey in and out of the fryer.
Heat-resistant gloves are the best way to protect your arms from hot oil splatter. You will want a pair that comes all the way up to your elbows, and they should also be heat-proof, waterproof and grease-proof.
Aninstant-read meat thermometer for measuring the internal temperature of the turkey to know when its finished.
Finish it all off with a fire extinguisher… just in case!

Preparing Turkey for Deep Fryer

A 14 lb turkey is about as big as a standard 30-quart pot fryer can hold. To fry a larger turkey, you would need to fry the parts separately. Youll also want to measure the oil level before frying your turkey. To do this, place your turkey in the pot, then fill the pot with water until the turkey is fully covered by about half an inch. Remove the turkey and mark a line where the water settles, then mark about 10% below that line. This will be your maximum fill line because oil expands when heated. It should end up somewhere around 3.5 gallons. If for any reason this new maximum fill line is higher than the manufacturers fill line, youll need to fry the turkey parts separately to prevent oil spill and a potential grease fire.

Because moisture can increase the risk of splatter when placing the turkey in a deep fryer, we recommend using a dry brine or spice rub for your bird. Doing this the day before youre ready to fry your turkey will pack in the flavors. All of the salt and spices help to break down tough muscle proteins, resulting in very tender and juicy meat. We recommend refrigerating the turkey for 18 to 24 hours. There are plenty of dry brine and spice rub recipes out there, so just pick the one that sounds best to you!

Heres a quick video demo on how to truss a turkey. For even cooking, you will definitely want to tuck the wings behind the turkey and tie the legs together.

How Long To DEEP FRY a Turkey (PER POUND)

FAQ

How long to deep fry a 20 lb turkey?

Set the timer for 3 to 4 minutes per pound. For example, if you’re trying to decide how long to deep fry a 20 pound turkey, 3 x 20 = 60 minutes minimum. Turkey fry time for a 10 pound bird should be 30 to 40 minutes.

How long before deep-frying a turkey should you inject it?

I recommend injecting the turkey the night before you plan to fry, but it can be done as soon as one hour in advance. I’ve found that the flavor is more intense if you allow it to set overnight in the fridge.

How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?

However, this amount of salt is needed to help cut through the oil and help the turkey taste well-seasoned. This is the best part of deep-frying a turkey. Instead of the usual 13 to 15 minutes, fried turkey takes just three and a half minutes per pound. A ten-pound turkey will take 35 minutes; a 12-pound turkey about 42 minutes.

How long do you cook a Turkey in a frying pan?

While the oil is heating, prepare your turkey with any seasonings, marinades, or injected flavor that you desire. When the oil is hot, turn the burner off and slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Slowly lowering the basket helps prevent the oil from bubbling over. Turn the burner back on. Cook the turkey about 3 to 4 minutes per pound.

How do you cook a Turkey in a fryer?

Add oil to the fryer (based on the water line). While the oil is heating, prepare your turkey with any seasonings, marinades, or injected flavor that you desire. When the oil is hot, turn the burner off and slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Slowly lowering the basket helps prevent the oil from bubbling over. Turn the burner back on.

How do you Dry a fried turkey?

Season the turkey with kosher salt and then let it absorb the salt for at least 24 hours in the fridge. If space allows, leave the turkey uncovered, which helps dry the turkey even further. Pat the turkey dry again just before frying. Turn off the burner and lower the turkey into the oil very slowly.