Oilless turkey fryers have become increasingly popular as a safer and healthier way to make juicy, crispy turkeys without dealing with gallons of hot oil. But how long does it actually take to cook a turkey in one of these contraptions? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover oilless fryer cooking times, tips, recipes, and frequently asked questions to help you make the perfect bird every time.
What is an Oilless Turkey Fryer?
An oilless turkey fryer, sometimes called an infrared or propane turkey fryer, uses radiant heat to cook the turkey instead of submerging it in oil. It consists of a propane burner that heats up a circular metal wall surrounding the turkey. The heated metal radiates intense heat to cook the turkey quickly and evenly while retaining moisture.
Popular brand names include the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer and the Masterbuilt Butterball XL Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer. They provide the crispy skin and juicy meat associated with deep frying without the risks.
Oilless Fryer Cooking Times
Cooking time can vary based on the size and type of your turkey Here are general guidelines
- 12 lb turkey: 2 – 2 1/2 hours
- 16 lb turkey: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
- 20 lb turkey: 3 – 3 1/2 hours
Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy
For frozen turkeys, add an extra 30-60 minutes to compensate for the ice. And note that cooking time is slightly longer for an unstuffed turkey compared to a stuffed one.
Tips for Cooking Turkey in an Oilless Fryer
Follow these tips for the perfect oilless fried turkey every time:
-
Thaw completely: Ensure turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
-
Dry the skin: Pat the skin dry with paper towels before cooking for ultra crispy skin.
-
Season well: Rub skin liberally with oil and seasonings pre-cooking. Get into all the nooks and crannies.
-
Use a rack: Place turkey on the fryer’s rack, legs down, to allow air circulation.
-
Maintain heat: Check propane level regularly to maintain consistent heat.
-
Rotate periodically: Turn turkey every 45 minutes for even cooking.
-
Use meat thermometer: Test temperature in breast and thigh areas to determine doneness.
-
Let rest: Allow turkey to rest 15+ minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Oilless Turkey Fryer Recipes
An oilless fryer leaves the door wide open for creative seasoning and marinades. Here are some delicious recipes to try:
-
Cajun deep fried turkey – coat with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
-
Jerk turkey – marinate turkey in a jamaican jerk wet rub.
-
Garlic herb turkey – stuff garlic cloves under skin and coat in an herb blend.
-
Buffalo fried turkey – brush turkey with buffalo wing sauce during last 30 minutes of cooking.
-
BBQ fried turkey – baste turkey in your favorite bbq sauce as it cooks.
-
Mustard fried turkey – coat turkey with a layer of spicy brown mustard before cooking.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings, marinades, and basting sauces. An oilless fryer opens up a whole new world of flavor combinations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size turkey can I cook?
Most oilless turkey fryer models can accommodate up to a 20 lb turkey. Verify your specific fryer’s capacity.
Can I stuff the turkey?
Yes, you can stuff the turkey in an oilless fryer, but cooking time will be slightly increased. Cook until temperature of stuffing reaches 165°F.
Do I need to inject marinades or broth?
Injecting is not necessary as oilless frying retains moisture well. Brushing on marinades works beautifully.
Does an oilless fryer make the house smell?
Nope! Without gallons of oil, an oilless fryer produces very little smell compared to traditional deep frying.
What oil do you recommend for frying turkey?
An oilless fryer does not require any oil. The turkey cooks from the radiant heat.
Is fried turkey healthy?
Without submerging in oil, an oilless fried turkey eliminates a lot of the fat that makes deep fried turkey unhealthy. It’s a healthier cooking method.
Make Delicious Birds with No Mess and No Fuss
Oilless turkey fryers provide all the crispy, juicy deliciousness of deep fried turkey without the safety hazards, mess, smell, and unhealthy oil. With the proper cooking times and preparation tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked and flavored birds. Explore new seasoning combinations to take your holiday turkey to the next level with an oilless fryer this year!
Preparing the Oil-Less Fryer
1. Preheat your oil-less fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most models require preheating to around 400°F (200°C).
2. Once preheated, place the turkey in the fryer basket, breast-side up. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer, as this can affect the turkey’s cooking time and result in unevenly cooked meat.
1. Carefully insert the basket with the turkey into the oil-less fryer. Adjust the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound.
2. During the cooking process, it’s essential to monitor the turkey’s internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove the basket from the fryer and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Serving and Enjoying Your Turkey
Carve your beautifully cooked turkey and serve it alongside your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, or flavorful stuffing, your oil-less fryer turkey is sure to be the star of the feast.
Now that you know the secret of cooking a perfect turkey in an oil-less fryer, you can confidently tackle your Thanksgiving meal preparation. Not only will this method save you the mess and potential hazards associated with traditional deep-frying, but it will also result in a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try this year, and impress your family and friends with a succulent and juicy oil-less fryer turkey! Happy Thanksgiving!