For many families, deep fried turkey is the highlight of the holiday table. When properly cooked, it emerges with skin rendered to a shatteringly crisp, golden brown exterior encasing moist, flavorful meat But deep frying a whole bird can seem daunting. With the right gear, technique and safety steps, though, you can masterfully deep fry turkey at home with ease using Masterbuilt’s purpose-built electric turkey fryers
Why Deep Fry Your Bird?
Fried turkey has boomed in popularity in recent decades, and for good reason. Compared to roasting, deep frying cooks the turkey faster, keeps it incredibly moist, and gives the skin an unbeatably crunchy texture. The high heat of the oil crisps up the skin and seals in juices before they have a chance to escape.
Because it cooks so rapidly, you can have a perfectly cooked, piping hot turkey ready to serve in under an hour. And when you use an electric turkey fryer, you avoid having to deal with an open flame or dangerous hot oil, making the process much safer
Gear Up with Masterbuilt’s Electric Turkey Fryers
To turn out fabulous deep fried turkey, having the right equipment makes all the difference. That’s where Masterbuilt’s line of electric turkey fryers comes in.
Masterbuilt offers electric turkey fryers in 10-liter and 8-liter sizes. The larger 10-liter accommodates up to 20 lb birds, while the 8-liter model can handle up to 12 lb. Both feature an enclosed metal chamber to contain hot oil and Digital thermostats for dialing in and maintaining perfect frying temperature.
Key design elements like the built-in drain valve and hook system also simplify handling hot oil and getting birds in and out of the fryer safely. The fryers reach high temperatures rapidly while their cool-touch exterior keeps the outside touchable. An indicator light tells you when the oil is ready for frying.
For convenience, Masterbuilt turkey fryers do triple duty as not only deep fryers but steamers and boilers as well. So you can use them year-round for all kinds of recipes beyond holiday birds.
Prepping Your Bird for the Fryer
Proper preparation before frying is crucial for best results:
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Choose the right size bird – Follow fryer weight limits to allow for complete submersion. Oversize birds won’t cook evenly.
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Thaw completely – Ensure no ice crystals remain inside cavity by thawing in the refrigerator 2-3 days before frying.
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Brine if desired – For added moisture and flavor, brine the turkey 12-24 hours before frying. Rinse and pat very dry before frying.
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Dry thoroughly – Blot inside and out well with paper towels right before frying. Residual water will cause hot oil to splatter dangerously.
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Inject flavor – Using a flavor injector to infuse marinade deep into the meat amps up juiciness and taste.
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Apply rub – For crackly, well-seasoned skin, coat the outside with a dry spice rub. Sprinkle some inside the cavity too.
Once prepped, you’re ready to fry up the perfect bird!
Step-By-Step Frying Instructions
Follow these simple steps for fried turkey success:
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Fill fryer basin with peanut or canola oil to max fill line. Heat oil to 375°F.
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Slowly lower bird into hot oil using handles to avoid splashing. Breast side up is ideal.
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Maintain oil at 350-375°F. Fry 3 1/2 – 4 minutes per pound, monitoring oil temp.
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Use thermometer to test doneness, inserting into thickest part of breast. Turkey is done at 165°F.
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When finished frying, turn heat to minimum temp and unplug fryer.
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Carefully remove turkey and let drain on hooks 10 minutes before serving.
It’s that easy! In 30-45 minutes you’ll have a picture-perfect fried turkey ready to dazzle your guests.
Fried Turkey Safety Tips
Like any cooking method involving hot oil, caution must be exercised when deep frying turkey. Follow these tips:
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Set up outside on a flat, stable surface a safe distance from structures. Keep children and pets away.
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Wear long sleeves and closed toe shoes. Ensure hair is tied back.
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Use well-insulated potholders or gloves when handling hot oil or turkey.
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Do not overfill fryer with oil. Allow room for turkey displacement.
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Never leave oil unattended at high temps. Monitor constantly.
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Allow oil to fully cool before disposing or storing.
Make It a Masterbuilt Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, wow your family with the crispiest, juiciest deep fried turkey they’ve ever tasted. With Masterbuilt’s electric fryers, you’ll turn out a showstopper of a bird safely and easily.
Get ready for rave reviews on your impossibly moist, golden fried turkey when you let Masterbuilt take the hassle out of holiday frying. Just sit back, relax and enjoy time with loved ones while Masterbuilt does the hard work – now that’s something to be thankful for!
How to Fry a Turkey in the Masterbuilt XL Butterball Electric Fryer
FAQ
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