One of the finer aspects of hunting is the opportunity to enjoy the hunt long after you’ve left the woods. The memories you make, and the meat you haul out of the woods, ensure there’s more to the hunt in the days to come. That’s why if you’ve found success in the turkey woods this spring, the meat you’ve stored in your freezer is such an added bonus to the good times spent in the field. And if you’re looking for the best way to prepare that turkey meat, we’ve got a recipe you really need to try.
Fried turkey nuggets are standard table fare among turkey hunters, but this wild turkey recipe will take things to the next level.
These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, will quickly become a household favorite.
Turkey nuggets are a tasty and fun way to enjoy turkey meat. Deep frying turkey nuggets results in a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy. But getting the frying time right is key to achieving perfectly cooked nuggets. Here’s a guide on how long to deep fry turkey nuggets.
Factors That Affect Fry Time
Several factors determine how long you should fry turkey nuggets:
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Size of nuggets – Smaller nuggets fry faster than larger chunks. Aim for 1-2 inch nuggets.
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Temperature of oil – Ideal frying temperature is 350-375°F. Higher heat = faster cooking.
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Type of coating – Thicker breadings take longer to fry than thin dustings of flour.
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Doneness – Nuggets for kids or those who prefer them less done will fry faster.
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Quantity – Frying a few nuggets takes less time than frying dozens. Work in batches.
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Oil amount – More oil around the nuggets distributes heat better for even cooking.
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Meat temperature – Nuggets straight from the fridge take longer than those at room temp.
Recommended Fry Times
For 1-2 inch turkey nuggets fried at 350-375°F, average frying times are
- Lightly floured nuggets: 2-3 minutes
- Breadcrumb or cracker coated: 3-4 minutes
- Thick battered nuggets: 4-5 minutes
For best results:
- Cut nuggets evenly so they fry at the same rate
- Use a thermometer to test oil temp
- Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drop
- Turn nuggets over halfway through frying
- Check internal temp for doneness
Key Tips for Deep Frying Turkey Nuggets
- Pat nuggets dry before coating to help browning
- Allow coated nuggets to rest before frying for crisper crust
- Use tongs and handle gently when flipping to keep coating intact
- Drain fried nuggets on a wire rack or paper towels
- Keep fried nuggets warm in a low oven if frying in multiple batches
Safety First
Take proper precautions when deep frying:
- Use a heavy pot designed for frying
- Prevent oil spillovers by not overfilling pot
- Keep pot stable on a flat surface
- Attach thermometer clip securely
- Turn heat off before removing fried items
- Supervise oil at all times
The Takeaway
For 1-2 inch nuggets, fry lighter breaded nuggets for 2-3 minutes and heavier breaded for 3-5 minutes at 350-375°F oil temperature. Monitor color and internal temperature to ensure proper doneness. With the right technique, you’ll achieve crispy, golden deep fried turkey nuggets everyone will love.
Cooking Methods for Turkey Nuggets
While deep frying yields the crispiest results, you can cook turkey nuggets using these methods too:
Oven Baked
- Heat oven to 425°F
- Place nuggets on baking sheet
- Bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway
Air Fried
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F
- Cook in batches, 10-12 minutes
- Shake basket halfway
Pan Fried
- Heat 1⁄4 inch oil in skillet over medium heat
- Fry in batches 2-3 minutes per side
- Drain on paper towel
Adjust cook times as needed to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Top Turkey Nugget Tips
- Season the raw turkey with salt, pepper, herbs before coating
- Chill coated nuggets 30-60 minutes to help adhesion
- Use buttermilk instead of milk for extra crispy coating
- Toss nuggets in sauce after frying for extra flavor
- Fry a test nugget before cooking a whole batch
With the right frying time and a well-seasoned, crispy coating, you’ll have a tasty, quick and easy turkey dinner everyone will love. Satisfy that fried food craving in a fun new way with homemade deep fried turkey nuggets.
Ingredients for Fried Wild Turkey Nuggets
There are only a few simple ingredients for these delicious fried turkey nuggets. The hidden gem here, though, is the pickle juice. It creates a taste that brings a smile to my face every time! You will need the following:
- Pickle Juice
- Zatarain’s Chicken Fry Mix (or your preference)
- Wild Turkey Breast
- Oil for frying
How To Cook Turkey Nuggets | Wild Turkey Recipe
FAQ
How many minutes to deep fry a turkey?
Do you fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
When you deep fry a turkey do you cover it?