Fried turkey is a delicious Southern tradition perfect for holiday feasts and anytime you’re craving juicy, crispy, cajun-seasoned poultry If you live in Jacksonville, FL or are visiting the area, you’re in luck – this city has some of the best fried turkey around!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover where to find the top spots for fried turkey in Jacksonville, what to look for when ordering, side dish pairings, and step-by-step frying tips to make your own at home. After reading, you’ll be an expert on savoring these crispy cajun birds!

The Best Places for Fried Turkey in Jacksonville

From established restaurants to popup holiday markets, there are great options for fried turkey all over town Here are the top spots as recommended by locals on review sites like Yelp

• Copeland’s of New Orleans – Consistently top-rated for their juicy 12-14 lb cajun fried turkeys available for pickup year-round. Their holiday meals complete with sides are very popular.

• Beach Road Chicken Dinners – A longtime neighborhood joint frying turkeys fresh daily. Call ahead to reserve yours.

• Metro Diner – Serves seasoned deep fried turkey breast on po’ boy sandwiches and platters.

• Harpoon Louie’s Oyster Pub – Offers fried turkey legs along with Cajun seafood boils.

• Safe Harbor Seafood Market – Prepare your own fried turkey with an uncooked, cajun-injected bird from their market.

• Food trucks like What the Cluck and Rock Star Bistro – Check their social media for holiday season fried turkey availability.

• Farmers markets and popup markets – Find local farms and vendors selling ready-to-eat fried turkeys.

What to Look for When Ordering

Not all fried turkeys are equal – here’s what to keep in mind:

• Size – Whole turkeys are often 12-15 lbs and feed 8-10 people. You can also order by the pound.

• Cajun style – Look for turkeys seasoned, marinated, or injected with Cajun spices and flavors.

• Extras – Some places offer convenient complete meals with sides and fixings.

• Advanced ordering – Holiday demand is high so reserve your bird 1-2 weeks early.

• Pickup vs. delivery – Check if your restaurant offers pickup, delivery, or both.

• Pricing – Expect to pay around $70-100 for a whole cajun fried turkey.

Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes and Sauces

A fried turkey is only as good as its accompaniments. Here are some tasty pairings:

• Cornbread stuffing or dressing – The classic to soak up turkey drippings.

• Mashed potatoes – Butter, milk, and loads of black pepper.

• Collard greens – Slow cooked with ham hocks.

• Mac and cheese – A holiday must-have.

• Cranberry sauce – Tart, fruity contrast to the savory turkey.

• Giblet gravy – Made from the turkey trimmings.

• Biscuits – Flaky, hot rounds for soaking up gravy.

• And don’t forget sauces like BBQ, hot sauce, and spicy remoulade for drizzling.

How to Deep Fry Your Own Turkey at Home

Want to fry your own? Here are some tips:

• Buy an uncooked, uninjected turkey – Brine if desired, then rub your own cajun seasoning under and on the skin the night before.

• Inject flavor – Using an injection needle, pump cajun marinade deep into the turkey meat.

• Use a thermometer – Monitor oil temp and turkey internal temp for doneness.

• Have safety equipment – Frying requires propane, a pot, tripod, thermometers, heavy gloves, and fire extinguisher.

• Choose peanut oil – It has a very high smoke point and neutral flavor.

• Dry thoroughly – Pat the turkey dry inside and out before frying for maximum crispiness.

• Fry outside – Don’t attempt indoors! Deep frying requires high heat and releases vapors.

• Slowly lower turkey – Gently place turkey in hot oil using the tripod rig to prevent splatter.

• Maintain oil temp – Keep oil between 325-375°F. Higher heat = faster cooking time.

• Flip halfway – For even cooking, carefully flip turkey using rig hooks halfway through frying.

• Check internal temp – Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F in the thigh.

• Rest before carving – Allow turkey to drain and cool slightly for easier carving.

Crispy, Cajun Perfection in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, you have plenty of spots to try fried turkey prepared by the experts. Or test your skills with a DIY fry at home. Either way, use this guide to find the city’s best fried turkeys.

Keep an eye out for new restaurants and food trucks serving up this crispy treat. And don’t wait for the holidays – indulge in fried turkey anytime! From perfectly seasoned meat to ultra crispy skin, this iconic Southern specialty is worth celebrating year round.