Thinking about deep-frying your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Naturally, your next thought might be “How long does it take to deep fry a turkey? Is it faster than cooking in the oven?” We’ve got the answer for you! To achieve a moist and flavorful turkey, it is important to pay attention to Temperature as well as time. See below for our recommended temperature and time instructions for deep frying your turkey. Also, be sure to make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dried off before introducing it to the oil. Ice and hot oil are a combustible combination. Check out Deep Fried Turkey Made Safe and Delicious post to learn how to deep fry a turkey safely.
Deep frying a turkey is the ultimate way to get a moist juicy, and flavorful bird with crispy skin. When done properly, deep fried turkey can be one of the best treats of the holiday season. However deep frying a turkey does require precision and care to ensure food safety and proper cooking. One of the most common questions when deep frying turkey is how long to cook a 14 pound bird.
Understanding Deep Fried Turkey Cooking Times
The general rule of thumb when deep frying turkey is to cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per pound This cooking time gets the turkey up to the safe internal temperature of 165°F needed to destroy any potential foodborne illnesses
For a 14 pound turkey, this equals a cooking time of 42-56 minutes when deep fried. The range accounts for differences in turkey shapes and oil temperature variations.
It’s important to note that the 3-4 minutes per pound timeframe is for a fully thawed turkey. Frozen birds take significantly longer. Any ice crystals that turn to steam during cooking can cause hot oil to violently splatter. Always fully thaw turkey in the refrigerator before deep frying.
Key Tips for Deep Frying a 14 Pound Turkey
Follow these tips when deep frying a 14 pound turkey:
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Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Heat oil to 350-375°F before carefully lowering turkey into the pot. Maintain this temperature throughout the cooking process.
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Use a large stock pot and plenty of peanut oil. The turkey must be fully submerged in oil during cooking. Allow at least 5 inches of space between oil and pot rim.
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Inject flavors and rub seasonings under the skin rather than on the skin. Anything on the skin can burn or fall off during frying.
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Cook turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, adjusting time up or down based on oil temperature. Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness, not just time.
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When turkey reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in thighs, carefully remove from oil. Drain excess oil before serving.
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Allow turkey to rest 20-30 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute. This makes the meat extra juicy and tender.
Step-By-Step Guide to Deep Frying a 14 Pound Turkey
Follow this simple step-by-step process for deep frying a 14 pound turkey for perfect results:
1. Select Your Turkey
Choose a high quality fresh or thoroughly thawed turkey. Do not deep fry a frozen turkey – this can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously.
For a 14 pound bird, allow roughly 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator. Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
2. Prepare Your Turkey
Remove giblets from the turkey cavities. Trim any excess skin or fat.
Create a flavorful marinade or use an injector to infuse turkey with broth, herbs, spices, or rubs. Get the flavor under the skin rather than directly on it.
If stuffing the turkey, only use a small amount to allow hot oil to penetrate and cook the bird fully.
3. Set Up Your Fryer
Select a stock pot or turkey fryer pot that can fully submerge the 14 pound turkey in oil. Allow ample headspace above oil level.
Add enough peanut oil to completely cover the turkey while frying. Slowly heat oil to between 350-375°F.
Use cooking thermometers to monitor oil temp. Maintain this heat level throughout the cooking process.
4. Fry Your Turkey
Once oil is at proper temp, slowly lower turkey into hot oil using the fryer basket. Oil may bubble up slightly.
Cook turkey for approximately 42-56 minutes based on a 3-4 minutes per pound timeframe. Monitor oil temp and adjust cooking time up or down accordingly.
Use an instant read thermometer to check breast and thigh temperatures. Cook to 165°F in the breast, 180°F in thighs.
5. Finish and Serve Turkey
When turkey reaches proper internal temperature, slowly lift out of oil using the basket. Allow oil to drain back into pot.
Place turkey on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest 20-30 minutes before carving.
Carve turkey and serve immediately for incredibly moist, juicy meat. Enjoy your perfectly fried 14 pound bird!
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Frying a 14 Pound Turkey
Should I brine a turkey before deep frying?
Brining is not necessary since deep frying already keeps turkey very moist and juicy. However, you can brine for added flavor. Be sure to pat turkey dry before frying.
How much oil do I need for a 14 pound turkey?
Allow roughly 1 gallon of peanut oil per 4 pounds of turkey. A 14 pound bird needs about 3.5 gallons of oil to fully submerge.
Is it safe to stuff a deep fried turkey?
Only use a small amount of stuffing, otherwise the inside may be undercooked. For fuller stuffing flavor, cook it separately.
Can I reuse oil after deep frying turkey?
While possible, reused oil may impart strong flavors. Fresh peanut oil provides the best results. Properly store or dispose used oil.
What if my turkey isn’t done after estimated cook time?
If the breast hasn’t reached 165°F or thighs 180°F, lower turkey back into the 350°F oil for 2-5 extra minutes until fully cooked.
Why is deep fried turkey skin so crispy?
The high heat of the hot peanut oil rapidly crisps up the skin, while retaining lots of juicy meat. It’s one of the best parts of deep fried turkey!
Get Perfectly Cooked Deep Fried Turkey Every Time
When cooked properly, deep fried turkey is hard to beat in terms of taste, texture, and efficiency. For a 14 pound bird in a peanut oil fryer heated to 350-375°F, cook for approximately 42-56 minutes based on 3-4 minutes per pound. Rely on a thermometer for doneness, not just time. Rest and drain turkey before serving for best results. Enjoy your incredible deep fried turkey feast!
Turkey Temperature Tip: Pull the turkey out of the oil at 157ºF*. Most 12-14 pound turkeys will cook in 30-45 minutes. (With turkeys larger than 14 pounds, you run the risk of overcooking the outer parts of the meat while you wait for the inner meat to reach pull temperature.)
*When removing the turkey from the oil use extreme caution. When the turkey reaches 157ºF turn off the gas completely. Very slowly and carefully lift the turkey out of the oil and place into a clean roasting pan. Use an instant-read thermometer, like a Thermapen®, to verify the temperature in multiple spots throughout the turkey. If you see any internal temperature below 157°F, return the turkey to the oil for more cooking until done.