Can You Deep Fry a Butterball Turkey?

Deep frying a turkey is a quick and delicious way to cook it, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist, flavorful meat. For those who love fried foods, deep frying a turkey may be a mouthwatering prospect. But is it safe to deep fry Butterball turkeys? The short answer is yes – with proper precautions, deep frying Butterball turkeys can yield amazing results. However, there are some important guidelines to follow for best results and safety.

Is Deep Frying Butterball Turkeys Recommended?

Butterball provides detailed instructions on their website for deep frying whole turkeys both indoors and outdoors. Their step-by-step process covers safety considerations proper oil amounts, ideal temperature, cook times, and more. So deep frying Butterball turkeys is certainly endorsed by the company itself.

Deep fried Butterball turkeys have a tasty, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat when cooked correctly. The Butterball company states that deep frying locks in moisture and flavor beautifully. However, proper technique is crucial to prevent undercooked meat or dangerous splatter issues. As long as you adhere to Butterball’s guidelines, deep fried Butterballs can be delicious.

Tips for Deep Frying a Whole Butterball Turkey

Here are some key tips to safely deep fry a whole Butterball turkey:

• Use a turkey of 14 lbs or less. Larger birds are harder to maneuver and may not be fully submerged.

• Completely thaw turkey before frying Ice crystals can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously

• Fry smaller birds whole For birds over 15 lbs, separate legs and thighs from the breast

• Calculate oil amount correctly. Turkey should be nearly covered, with 3-5 inches of clearance.

• Maintain oil temp at 350-375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor.

• Lower turkey slowly into hot oil to prevent overflow.

• Cook 3-4 minutes per pound. Check temp with a meat thermometer.

• Cook dark meat to 175-180°F and white meat to 165-170°F.

• Drain on paper towels before serving. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.

Potential Dangers and How to Stay Safe

Deep frying a turkey does come with some risks due to the use of large quantities of hot oil. Safety should always come first. Here are some key dangers, and how to avoid them:

• Oil spillover – Don’t overfill oil past recommended levels. Fry outside away from buildings.

• Oil splatter – Slowly lower turkey into oil. Use long handled tools and wear protective gear.

• Undercooked poultry – Monitor oil temp and cook times carefully. Check internal temp.

• ** Burns** – Wear heavy oven mitts and apron. Don’t move hot oil. Allow to cool completely before disposing.

• Fire – Keep area around fryer clear. Have proper fire extinguisher on hand. Don’t leave unattended.

Tasty Alternatives to Frying

While deep frying can yield delicious results, it does require special equipment and extra safety steps. If you’d rather not deep fry your Butterball turkey, there are other great cooking methods to try:

• Roasting – Roast in the oven at 325°F to get classic roasted turkey flavor. Baste periodically for added moisture.

• Grilling – Get smoky, char-grilled flavor by cooking over indirect heat on a gas or charcoal grill.

• Smoking – For deeper flavor, smoke the turkey slowly over low heat, about 250°F. Works great on a smoker or kettle grill.

• Air frying – Cook small turkeys or pieces in an air fryer for crispy skin without all the oil.

Delicious Deep Fried Butterball Turkey Recipes

If you decide to deep fry your Butterball turkey, use these recipes for inspiration:

Brown Sugar Deep Fried Turkey

• Brine turkey in brown sugar brine overnight
• Rinse and pat dry
• Fry turkey in peanut oil at 350°F
• Cook 3-4 minutes per pound
• Drain and serve with favorite sides

Deep Fried Cajun Turkey

• Make Cajun seasoning blend
• Coat thawed turkey with Cajun seasoning
• Deep fry in peanut oil at 350°F
• Fry 3-4 minutes per pound
• Drain and serve with spicy remoulade sauce

Deep Fried Garlic Herb Turkey

• Mix garlic, herbs and oil to make paste
• Rub paste under skin and in cavity
• Fry turkey in canola oil at 350°F
• Cook 3-4 minutes per lb
• Drain and squeeze fresh lemon over turkey

The Bottom Line

Deep frying a turkey may seem intimidating, but Butterball provides excellent guidance to help you nail it. With proper technique, oil amounts, temperature control and safety precautions, you can successfully deep fry a delicious Butterball turkey. Just be sure to follow instructions carefully. Or if you prefer, roast, grill, smoke or air fry to enjoy your Butterball another tasty way. Whichever cooking method you choose, a Butterball turkey is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.