Frying turkey has a lot of advantages, both culinary and sanity-wise, especially on Thanksgiving. With limited oven room, you need all the space you can get for the side dishes. That makes frying the turkey all the better because you can do it outside. Furthermore, all of the men won’t be able to resist going out and frying it. So you have three great reasons to deep fry a turkey: it simultaneously clears the kitchen of the many taste testers, takes one chore off of your plate, and makes room in the oven for all those great Thanksgiving sides.
Fried turkey has become a popular alternative to the traditional roasted turkey for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The appeal is easy to understand – a juicy, crispy, golden brown turkey in a fraction of the time. But one question many home cooks have is whether you can use regular vegetable oil to deep fry a turkey, or if you need a special type of oil.
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely use vegetable oil to deep fry a turkey! Vegetable oil is a common choice and works very well Here’s a detailed look at using vegetable oil for deep fried turkey, including pros, cons, tips, and more.
Why Choose Vegetable Oil for Frying Turkey?
There are a few key reasons why vegetable oil is an excellent option for deep frying turkey:
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High smoke point – Vegetable oil can typically withstand temperatures between 400-450°F before smoking, making it suitable for deep frying which requires temps around 350-375°F.
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Neutral flavor – Since vegetable oil is a blend of oils, it has a relatively neutral taste that won’t overpower the turkey or spices.
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Affordability – Vegetable oil is typically cheaper than oils like peanut or canola oil. When you need multiple gallons, the cost savings can be significant.
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Accessibility – Vegetable oil can be readily found at any grocery store, making it easy to purchase.
So in terms of performance, taste, price, and availability, vegetable oil ticks all the boxes for deep frying success.
Tips for Frying Turkey in Vegetable Oil
If you decide to use vegetable oil for your fried turkey, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a turkey fryer – Invest in an outdoor turkey fryer for safety. Make sure to thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Determine oil amount – Figure out exactly how much oil you’ll need to submerge the turkey without overflow. Do a test with water first.
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Dry the turkey thoroughly – Remove all moisture from the turkey’s cavity and skin to prevent splattering. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Maintain oil temperature – Heat oil to 350-375°F and use a thermometer to monitor it throughout cooking.
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Fry 3-4 minutes per pound – Lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per pound.
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Be prepared – Have protective gear ready and never leave the fryer unattended during the process.
Vegetable Oil vs. Other Oil Options
While vegetable oil is a great choice, it’s also worth looking at how it compares to some other popular oils for deep frying turkey:
Peanut Oil – Has a higher smoke point and more distinct flavor. However, it’s also more expensive.
Canola Oil – Similar smoke point to vegetable oil but also costs a bit more. Imparts a subtle flavor.
Corn Oil – Has a mildly sweet flavor that could come through on the turkey. Cheaper than vegetable oil.
Soybean Oil – Made from soybeans, so could add a slight beany flavor. Very affordable option.
Sunflower Oil – Doesn’t have as neutral a taste as vegetable oil, so could impact flavor.
Olive Oil – Has too low a smoke point and strong flavor for deep frying turkey.
When comparing the properties and price points, vegetable oil remains a leading choice for deep fried turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frying Turkey in Vegetable Oil
Here are answers to some other common questions about using vegetable oil for fried turkey:
Can you reuse the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can reuse the oil a few times if you strain out food particles. Be sure to store it properly between uses. The more you reuse oil, the more the quality declines.
What’s the best type of vegetable oil to use?
Opt for a vegetable oil blend with a neutral taste and high smoke point. Soybean, canola and peanut oils are commonly used.
Is frying turkey in vegetable oil unhealthy?
Frying adds more fat and calories than other cooking methods. But in moderation, deep fried turkey can be part of a balanced diet.
How long does it take to fry a turkey in vegetable oil?
Figure around 3-4 minutes per pound. So a 15 lb turkey will take 45-60 minutes to fry. Always use a thermometer to verify doneness.
Can you flavor the vegetable oil for frying?
Absolutely! Adding herbs, spices or garlic to the vegetable oil is a great way to impart extra flavor.
What size turkey fryer do I need?
Make sure your fryer can hold the turkey fully submerged in oil, with room for the oil to bubble. Bigger birds need bigger pots.
Get Golden Brown Fried Turkey with Vegetable Oil
Armed with these tips, you can confidently use vegetable oil to achieve mouthwatering fried turkey. Just be sure to focus on safety and proper technique. And be prepared for your best fried turkey ever with simple, economical vegetable oil straight from the grocery store. Happy holidays!
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What do you do with the oil after frying a turkey?
After the turkey has finished frying, the oil is usually spent. Let the oil cool, and then carefully pour it into an old milk jug or the container it was brought in. Use a funnel to avoid spillage. This way, you can carefully dispose of the oil without the worry of it leaking everywhere or an animal getting into it.
How do I make my fried turkey skin crispy?
To produce crispy skin, the turkey needs to be thoroughly dried. This step cannot be skipped or cheated on. If the turkey is still wet, the moisture will cling to the turkey during the cooking process and not only will make the skin soggy but will prevent it from turning golden brown. Also, hot oil and water don’t tend to get along with each other. If you’re not careful to dry the turkey, a grease fire can start quickly.