This Deep Fried Turkey Recipe is not only easy, but it’s also crispy and succulent. The perfect combination for a memorable Thanksgiving Turkey dinner!
Frying a turkey in a Masterbuilt fryer allows you to quickly cook a moist, juicy and crispy bird with ease. By following some simple steps, you can deep fry a Thanksgiving or holiday turkey to golden, crunchy perfection using this handy kitchen appliance.
Overview of Masterbuilt Fryers
Masterbuilt makes electric turkey fryers that allow you to safely deep fry foods indoors They have features like
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Large frying baskets to accommodate whole turkeys up to 20 lbs.
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Temperature controls and timers for accurately cooking
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Safety features like breakaway cords.
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Easy draining with a built-in valve.
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Dishwasher safe parts for easy cleanup.
The most popular Masterbuilt fryer for turkeys is their XL 30 Qt model, which can fit up to a 20 lb bird.
Benefits of Frying Your Turkey
Compared to roasting in the oven, deep frying your turkey has several advantages:
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Cooks much faster, in about 3-4 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes only 45-60 minutes!
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Hot oil crisps the skin perfectly for crunchy texture.
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Seals in moisture and juices exceptionally well.
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Infuses awesome flavors into the meat when marinating.
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Frees up your oven space for sides and desserts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Frying a Turkey
Follow these steps for foolproof deep fried turkey:
1. Prepare the Turkey
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Thaw the turkey completely over 24-48 hours in the refrigerator. Do not fry a frozen bird!
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Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey under cold water and pat very dry, inside and out.
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Inject marinade all over turkey using a ratio of 1 oz marinade per pound of meat.
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Rub seasoned salt generously all over the outside and inside of the turkey.
2. Set Up the Fryer
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Place fryer on a level, outdoor surface away from structures.
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Check that drain valve is closed before filling with oil. Peanut oil works best.
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Fill oil to the maximum line. This may take 2-3 gallons for a big turkey.
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Plug in the fryer and set temperature to 375°F. Wait for the green “ready” light.
3. Fry the Turkey
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Spray the fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
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Using heavy gloves, slowly lower turkey into hot oil, breast side down first.
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Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound. Set timer accordingly. A 15 lb bird will need 45-60 min.
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Monitor oil temp and keep around 350-375°F. Adjust heat if needed.
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When timer goes off, check internal temp of 165°F in thickest part of breast.
4. Drain and Remove Turkey
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Turn fryer off and, wearing gloves, carefully lift turkey basket out.
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Hook the drain clips and drain oil back into the fryer appliance.
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Let turkey drain/rest for 5-10 minutes before removing for carving.
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Drain oil completely and dispose properly after cooking.
5. Carve and Serve the Fried Turkey
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Place turkey on a cutting board and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
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Use a sharp knife to carefully slice breast meat, legs, thighs and wings.
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Arrange pieces nicely on a serving platter.
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Serve while hot and enjoy the crispy, juicy fried turkey!
Tips for the Best Fried Turkey
Keep these tips in mind:
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Completely submerge the turkey in oil. If exposed, meat may burn.
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Marinate turkey overnight for ridiculously moist, flavorful meat.
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Use broth, wine, sauce in the marinade cavity for extra juicy interior.
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Let oil return to temp between batches. Don’t overload the fryer.
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Allow oil to cool completely before straining through cheesecloth and storing.
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Use an oil thermometer to maintain proper temps. Overheating can be dangerous.
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Keep base of fryer free of moisture so hot oil does not splatter out.
Recipes and Flavor Ideas
Some popular marinades, rubs and injections for fried turkey include:
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Cajun – cayenne pepper sauce, paprika, garlic, onion, oregano
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Lemon-Herb – lemon juice, rosemary, sage, oregano, garlic
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Spicy Sriracha – sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger
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Tuscan – olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon zest, red pepper flakes
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Tex Mex – cumin, chili powder, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño
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Asian – sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red chili flakes
Get creative and infuse bold flavors into your fried bird!
Troubleshooting Common Turkey Frying Problems
Issue | Solution
Frying a Turkey Safely
I know, I know. I’ve seen those clips on Youtube and America’s Funniest Home Videos, of the guy lowering the turkey into a gas fryer and the whole thing going up in flames. (I have a hard time understanding why this is considered funny.)
Trust me, I’ve seen those clips.
Yet the adventurous side of me has always wanted to throw caution to the wind and try it anyway.
So this year I got my chance, and it just so happens my dangerous-side and practical-side met in the middle. I was going to try deep-frying turkey from scratch.
Masterbuilt, makers of superb smokers, grills, and fryers, sent me one of their Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryers. You cannot imagine the fusion of exhilaration and fear that bubbled up inside of me the day it arrived.
Nevertheless, I was aching to test it out…
How long does this stay fresh?
You can keep turkey meat in an airtight container in your fridge for 4 to 5 days. When you are ready to reheat it, warm it up in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
The whole process of making this Deep Fried Turkey Recipe was completely peaceful.
- This Masterbuilt Fryer is electric, so it’s safe to use in the house without fear of explosion.
- The lid protected me and my counters from splattering oil.
- The specially designed vent in the lid, allowed steam to come through, but not smoke, so my house didn’t reek of fry oil.
- Using the lifting hook and an oven mitt to lower and lift the turkey, further protected me from burns.
My turkey was cooked to perfection, in less than half the time it takes in the oven. That is a seriously easy turkey recipe!
The skin was dark, but very flavorful… Not burnt tasting. The turkey meat was ultra-tender and juicy from breast to tail.
To top it all, after the oil had cooled and I got around to cleaning out the fryer, it came with a little spout that made draining it a cinch.
With this kind of cooking method, you do not tie the wings and body together with twine.
If you have always wanted to fry a turkey for Thanksgiving, I can tell you without reservation that this is a great product.
It’s easy to use, super safe, easy to clean up, and you can also use it to boil and steam large quantities of food.
Find it online with quick-ship options on Masterbuilt and Amazon.
Or in nationwide retailers like:
- Home Depot
- Wal-Mart
- Costco
- Lowes
- Academy Sports & Outdoors
- Bass Pro
- Sears
- Target
Masterbuilt’s Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer is a product I can recommend wholeheartedly.
How to Fry a Turkey in the Masterbuilt XL Butterball Electric Fryer
FAQ
How long do you fry a turkey in a masterbuilt fryer?
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a Masterbuilt air fryer?
How much oil for a masterbuilt turkey fryer?
Can you fry a Turkey in a Masterbuilt Fryer?
It is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point for frying a turkey in a Masterbuilt fryer. Some suitable options include peanut oil, canola oil, and vegetable oil. These oils have high smoke points, which means they can withstand the high temperatures required for frying without breaking down and producing unpleasant flavors.
How many LBS can a Masterbuilt deep fryer Fry?
The Masterbuilt 3-in-1 Deep Fryer makes it easy to get a fried turkey without all the mess and stress. *As a note, for the 10-liter fryer, you can fry up to a 20-pound turkey and for the 8-liter fryer, you can fry up to a 12-pound turkey. Here’s a guide for how to use it.
How do you cook a Turkey in a gas Fryer?
Attach the propane tank to the fryer and check all connections for any leaks. Add the recommended amount of oil to the fryer, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Preheat the fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F or 190°C). 3. Season and prepare the turkey Now comes the fun part – seasoning the turkey!
How to set up a Masterbuilt Fryer?
Before you start frying, it is essential to properly set up your Masterbuilt Fryer. Follow these steps: Place the fryer on a flat, stable surface outdoors. Ensure there is plenty of space around it for safety. Attach the propane tank to the fryer and check all connections for any leaks.