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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. There are so many new dishes you can make with the components of a Thanksgiving menu! Ree Drummond especially loves to put leftover turkey to good use—just check out her recipes for turkey tetrazzini, leftover turkey shepherds pie, and leftover turkey soup. But if you just want to keep it simple and eat a big plate of leftovers, then youre probably wondering how to reheat turkey.
If youve ever zapped a slice of leftover turkey in the microwave only for it to come out unpleasantly dry, you probably realize that there are, indeed, right and wrong ways to reheat turkey. Do it the right way and your bird can taste freshly roasted days after Thanksgiving! Speaking of, did you know you can make a Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time and reheat it on the big day? Talk about a life saver! Below youll find all the advice you need to keep your Thanksgiving turkey perfectly juicy for the big feast and beyond.
Fried turkey is a delicious, crispy treat that many families enjoy for holidays and special occasions However, like most leftovers, fried turkey often loses its magic after the initial meal Nobody wants a dried-out, flavorless turkey ruining their next day’s lunch or dinner. So how can you reheat fried turkey to get it tasting just as amazing as it did right out of the fryer?
With a few simple tricks and tips, reheating fried turkey can be easy and delicious In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the best practices for reheating whole turkeys, turkey pieces, or slices to perfection every time. Follow these steps and you can enjoy mouthwatering fried turkey for days after the big meal!
Getting Started: Thawing and Handling
Before reheating any turkey, it’s crucial to safely thaw it if frozen. Give yourself plenty of time, allowing around 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey in the refrigerator. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can start cooking the turkey unevenly.
Once thawed, inspect the turkey closely. Reheating can only salvage turkey that has been stored properly at 40°F or below. Look for signs of spoilage like foul odors, sliminess, or mold and discard any turkey that seems off.
For whole birds or pieces, pat the turkey dry with paper towels before reheating. This removes excess moisture that could interfere with crisping the skin.
Oven Reheating is Ideal for Whole Turkeys
The oven allows you to evenly and gently reheat large cuts of meat like a whole fried turkey. Aim for a slow reheating process between 325-350°F to ensure the interior reaches safe temperatures without overcooking the exterior.
Here’s a simple oven reheating method:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
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Place thawed turkey in the pan. For best results, keep whole turkeys wrapped in their original foil. This prevents drying out.
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Heat turkey for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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For crisper skin, unwrap and broil the turkey for 2-5 minutes once done reheating. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Allow the turkey to rest 5-10 minutes before carving. The temperature will continue rising slightly as it rests.
Maintaining Moisture is Key for Leftover Slices
Reheating leftover fried turkey that’s been sliced can dry it out quickly in the oven. Here are some pro tips to keep those slices juicy:
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Place turkey slices in a baking dish and add a thin layer of turkey or chicken stock to the bottom before reheating.
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Cover the baking dish with foil and heat at 325°F, until warmed through. The foil traps moisture.
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For slightly crispy skin, unwrap the turkey slices and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
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Alternatively, reheat turkey slices in gravy or au jus to infuse flavor and moisture.
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Leftover sliced turkey also reheats nicely in soups, casseroles, or sandwiches where moisture is not an issue. Get creative!
The Microwave Works in a Pinch
While the oven is ideal, you can also use the microwave to quickly reheat a few pieces or slices of fried turkey straight from the fridge.
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Arrange turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate, spaced apart. Cover with a paper towel or vented plastic wrap.
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Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes. Check frequently and stop when turkey is heated through.
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Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Microwaving can create hot spots that continue cooking after removal.
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Add a spoonful of broth, gravy, or pan drippings before reheating if the turkey seems dry.
Safety First!
No matter which reheating method you choose, food safety should always come first. Follow these tips:
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Never leave turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours before reheating.
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When checking for doneness, ensure all meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Only reheat leftovers once. Don’t risk drying out the turkey or bacterial growth by reheating again after refrigeration.
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Discard any turkey that has been reheated but not eaten within 3-4 days. Fried turkey has a shorter shelf life than fresh.
Reheat and Enjoy Your Fried Turkey Masterpiece
Fried turkey is delicious straight from the fryer, but with a little TLC, those leftovers can taste amazing for several days beyond. Now that you know how to properly reheat whole birds, pieces, or slices, you can keep enjoying the crisp, juicy flavors of fried turkey without the headache.
Follow these oven, microwave, and stovetop reheating techniques for fried turkey that looks and tastes like it was just cooked. With the right methods, you’ll be shocked at how incredible your leftover fried turkey turns out. Just remember to focus on gently reheating, maintaining moisture, and following basic food safety. Before you know it, you’ll have the perfect crispy, juicy fried turkey ready to enjoy all over again.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Yes you can! If roasting a bird on the big day sounds overwhelming, cook your turkey a day ahead. This easy trick will not only save you time on Thanksgiving, itll make the day a lot less stressful, too. The best part? No one will even know! Simply roast your bird as usual, let it cool completely, then carve it into large pieces. Remove the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, keeping the pieces whole with some skin attached. Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Keeping the turkey in the roasting pan, pour a bit of stock (chicken, turkey, or veggie stock or broth will work) over the meat to moisten it. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through. Then carve the turkey into slices and serve!
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Quicker is not always better, and thats especially true when it comes to reheating turkey. The best way to keep leftover turkey moist and delicious is reheating it low and slow. Yep, that means stepping away from the microwave! Microwaves may heat turkey in record time, but they also dry out the meat and leave the skin unpleasantly chewy. Instead, turn to your oven return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy, just-baked perfection. Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes. Before you know it, youll have fresh turkey once again!
How to Reheat a Fully Roasted Turkey | Step by Step
FAQ
What is the best way to reheat deep fried turkey?
How do you reheat a turkey without drying it out?
How do you keep a fried turkey from drying out?
How do you reheat a fried turkey?
Check the temperature, and if it’s not to 165°F, reheat for 30-second intervals until it hits that food-safe mark. Place similarly-sized pieces of sliced, chopped, or shredded turkey in a 9-x13-inch pan or Dutch oven. Top with a little broth or gravy, cover with foil or the Dutch oven lid then, bake at 350°F until the turkey reaches 165°F.
How do you cook a deep fried turkey?
1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven temperature at 325°F (163°C) for even heating. 2. Place on baking sheet: Position your leftover deep fried turkey pieces on a baking sheet or roasting pan. use parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking oil. the baking sheet. 4.
How do you reheat leftover Turkey?
Our testing found that the best way to reheat turkey leftovers is to use the low-and-slow oven method. Here’s how: 1. Preheat the oven Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Let the turkey come to room temperature Leave your turkey leftovers out on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating.
How do you reheat a deep fried turkey in an air fryer?
1. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer’s temperature to 350°F (175°C) and preheat for approximately five minutes. the basket. 2. Lightly coat with oil spray: Spray some cooking oil evenly over each piece of deep-fried turkey to help enhance its crispiness during reheating. 1.