How to Cook a Juicy, Crispy Turkey in an Oil-Less Fryer

Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, especially if you want crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat. Many people deep fry their turkeys for ultimate crispiness, but dealing with gallons of hot oil can be dangerous. Thankfully, oil-less turkey fryers like the Char-Broil Big Easy provide an easier, safer alternative to deep frying. In this article, I’ll explain how to use an oil-less fryer to make a restaurant-quality turkey with crispy skin and juicy meat.

Why Cook Turkey in an Oil-Less Fryer?

Oil-less fryers like the Big Easy circulate super hot air (up to 16,000 BTUs) around the turkey to crisp the skin and cook the meat The results are similar to deep frying with oil, but without the risks. Here are some of the benefits of using an oil-less fryer

• No dangerous hot oil – You avoid the hazards of dealing with several gallons of 350°F oil. No oil means no chance of painful splatter burns.

• Moist, juicy meat – The circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly sealing in moisture even in the breast meat.

• Crispy skin – The high heat gives you shatteringly crispy, golden brown skin that you just can’t achieve in a regular oven.

• Faster cooking – A 12-14 lb turkey cooks in only 1-1.5 hours, compared to 3-4 hours in an oven.

• Easier cleanup – With no oil to dispose of, cleanup just involves wiping out the cooking pot and basket.

While most oil-less fryers can only fit smaller turkeys the Char-Broil Big Easy accommodates birds up to 16 lbs.

Step-By-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey in an Oil-Less Fryer

Follow these simple steps for foolproof crispy, juicy turkey using an oil-less fryer:

1. Thaw and prep the turkey

Completely thaw turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking. Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey inside and out, then pat very dry with paper towels.

2. Inject turkey with broth

Injecting keeps the turkey moist and adds flavor. In a bowl, mix:

• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• 1⁄4 cup kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 1⁄2 tsp liquid smoke

Draw mixture into injector syringe. Carefully insert needle into thick areas of breast, thighs and drumsticks. Inject about 1-1.5 oz per pound of turkey.

3. Let sit

Place turkey breast-side up in a pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for 2 hours. This allows the skin to dry out for crisping.

4. Prepare the fryer

Heat up fryer outdoors according to manufacturer’s instructions. My Char-Broil Big Easy takes just 1 minute to preheat.

5. Coat and season

Coat turkey skin lightly with oil or cooking spray. Season inside and out with salt-free poultry seasoning.

6. Cook turkey

Place turkey breast-side up in fryer cooking basket. Lower into fryer chamber.

Cook 10-11 minutes per pound, until breast meat registers 150°F on a meat thermometer. If you want darker skin, cover turkey with lid for last 15 minutes.

7. Check for doneness

Double check doneness by wiggling drumstick – it should move freely. Meat near thigh bone should register 165°F.

8. Let rest

Carefully remove turkey and let rest 15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute.

9. Carve and serve

For easiest carving, remove each breast half by slicing down along breastbone. Then slice breast meat across the grain into slices. Slice leg meat off drumsticks and thighs.

Serve turkey hot with your favorite holiday sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Enjoy!

Turkey Fryer Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra pointers to ensure perfect turkey every time:

• Don’t stuff – Stuffing causes uneven cooking. Cook it separately in a baking dish.

• Don’t brine – It makes the skin soggy instead of crispy. Injecting is better.

• Pat turkey very dry – Eliminate excess moisture for crispy skin.

• Cook to 150°F – Meat will continue cooking as it rests.

• Use a thermometer – It’s the only way to accurately check doneness, especially in the breast.

• Let turkey rest – This allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.

• Use broth injections – It keeps the meat succulent and adds flavor.

• Cook at higher temp – If it’s below 40°F out, cover turkey to retain heat.

Get the Perfect Turkey Every Holiday

Oil-less turkey fryers provide a convenient, foolproof way to get ideal crispy-skinned, moist and tender turkey for holiday meals and other celebrations. With no hot oil to deal with, they’re much safer and easier to use than traditional deep frying.

Follow the straightforward steps above to take the guesswork and stress out of roasting turkey. In just over an hour, you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious, golden bird that looks and tastes like you spent all day laboring over it. Your family and guests will be impressed, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the oven.