Around this time of the year, turkey sales take off. All these family holidays call for some delicious holiday meals. While your family may be debating whether to have turkey or ham, there’s another debate to be had once everyone agrees on having turkey.
The debate is this; deep-fried vs oven-roasted turkey, which is best? At face value, the difference might be trivial. But once we dig a little deeper, it turns out the difference is more than deep skin.
Read on to discover the differences between deep-fried and oven-roasted turkey, so you can decide which one is best for you.
Before we get into the meat of this post, if youre new to cooking turkeys, check out our tutorial on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.
An oven-roasted turkey is the most popular way of preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner. It’s the traditional roasted turkey on the dinner table.
The number one reason is that it’s relatively straightforward and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. A roasting pan and an oven are all you need for this traditional meal.
Once the bird is in the oven, most of the work is done. You can leave that turkey to roast for a few hours while you do other things. That’s another great thing about oven roasting a turkey. You don’t have to do much. It means you can prepare the rest of the meal or spend some quality time with your family while your oven takes care of roasting that turkey.
Firstly, you have to know how long you need to roast said bird. Too long, and the meat dries out, especially the breast meat. Nobody likes dry turkey.
Not long enough, and you risk undercooking the turkey and opening your family up to the potential of food poisoning. Nobody likes that, either.
The best way to prevent both scenarios is to calculate the cooking time and temperature relative to the size of your turkey. A good rule of thumb is 13 minutes per pound at 350℉ for an unstuffed turkey. Its about 3 hours for a 12-14 pound turkey.
If you’re stuffing your turkey before roasting, adjust your calculation to 15 minutes per pound of bird. A meat thermometer could also come in handy, so you can check the internal temperature and minimize mistakes.
Another downside is that roasting a turkey takes a long time. It isn’t a quick meal you can whip up in a hurry. You have to plan this out well in advance, and any mishaps on the day could mean no turkey for dinner.
Now it’s time for the non-traditional approach. As you may have guessed, deep-frying turkey involves submerging the turkey in a vat of very hot oil and cooking it this way.
To deep-fry a turkey, you need a lot of oil. You need a deep fryer or a turkey fryer, a propane tank, and you need to do this outside for safety reasons. Deep-frying turkey is not as easy as the oven-roasted alternative, and you require some specialized equipment to make it all work.
All this specialized equipment can make this method of preparation a lot more expensive. The many gallons of oil you need to make this work also add to this cost.
On the topic of oil, you may think all that oil makes this method less healthy than oven roasting your turkey. Since turkeys are often deep-fried in peanut oil, which is one of the healthier cooking oils out there, it’s similar in calorie count to an oven-roasted bird.
It can also be a messier way of preparing your turkey. Making too much of a mess with this method could result in a fire if the hot oil comes into contact with the burner, so make sure you’ve taken all the necessary safety precautions beforehand.
With all that aside, there are some great benefits to deep-frying a turkey too. One of the most obvious ones is that the cooking time is a lot quicker than oven roasting. You’re looking at about three and a half minutes per pound of turkey, which is a lot quicker than oven-roasted.
The deep-frying process also seals in the moisture of the bird. The result is a delightfully juicy turkey on the inside wrapped in crispy skin on the outside. Delicious.
Since you’re deep frying your turkey in a vat of oil over an open flame, this method is a lot more exciting than roasting in an oven. Deep-frying the turkey could be an entertaining part of the event because there will be people crowding around to watch it go down. If youre sold on the idea, check out our post on the best turkey fryer.
The timeless debate around the Thanksgiving table – is deep fried or roasted turkey better? Both have their passionate defenders, with valid points on each side. From cooking time to health benefits to sheer taste, there are good reasons for both options. Let’s break down the case for deep fried vs roasted turkey to settle this tasty debate once and for all!
Juicy, Crispy Deep Fried Turkey
Frying a turkey produces some undeniable results. The hot oil seals in moisture and juices creating a remarkably tender and juicy meat. The skin achieves a crispy, crunchy crust that adds great texture. It’s a totally different experience from roasted turkey.
Deep frying also cooks the turkey much faster. A 12-15 pound turkey takes only 45-70 minutes to fry, versus 3-4 hours roasting. This frees up valuable time and oven space for side dishes. Simply submerge the turkey in a deep fryer and let the oil do the work.
The dramatic process itself makes deep fried turkey a sight to behold. Lowering a turkey into a vat of bubbling oil is exciting and fun for guests to watch. The wow factor can’t be ignored.
Health Benefits of Roasted Turkey
Roasting has some health advantages over deep frying. With roasting, fat drips off into the bottom of the pan rather than saturating the turkey. This makes roasted turkey a bit lighter and less greasy.
Basting and seasonings can also be used to add flavor without extra calories and fat Herbs, citrus, broths and rubs infuse a roasted turkey with savory complexity
Since roasting uses the oven, there’s no concerns over hot oil, burns or potential fire hazards. It’s a safer and more controlled cooking method overall, especially for novice cooks.
Roasting: A Classic for a Reason
While deep fried turkey has its fans, roasting remains the more traditional holiday choice. The slow roasting process tenderizes meat and creates fond memories of holidays past. Roasted turkey evokes nostalgia.
Cooking times may be longer, but roasting frees the cook to prepare side dishes, entertain guests and relax during the holidays. Set the turkey in the oven and it’s one less thing to worry about.
When properly basted, a roasted turkey can achieve moist, juicy meat akin to deep frying. Proper use of a meat thermometer prevents overcooking. Aromatics in the cavity add flavor.
Best of Both Worlds? Try a Fried And Roasted Turkey!
Rather than choose sides, another option is to cook one turkey each way. Make the deep fried turkey the star of the show, letting guests enjoy the novelty. Roast a second, smaller turkey for those who prefer the classic flavor.
This allows everyone to enjoy their preferred turkey option without compromise. It also provides the chance to directly compare turkeys side-by-side and appreciate the merits of each method.
When preparing two turkeys, be sure to properly thaw, prep, season and cook each one accordingly. Don’t let having two birds become twice the work or twice the risk of mistakes.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey
Here are some tips for success, whether frying or roasting:
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Carefully thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking.
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Dry brine turkey a day in advance for added moisture and flavor.
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Pat turkey dry before seasoning to help rubs adhere.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 165°F in thickest part.
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Allow roasted turkey to rest 20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Adjust fryer oil temperature as needed to maintain ideal heat (350-375°F).
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Have a fire extinguisher on hand when deep frying for safety.
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Let deep fried turkey drain on a rack before serving to remove excess oil.
The Verdict: It’s a Draw!
At the end of the day, both deep fried and roasted turkey have their merits. Crispiness vs nostalgia. Juiciness vs versatility. Excitement vs ease. The choice comes down to personal preference.
For the best of both, try one turkey each way. That covers all your bases for a memorable Thanksgiving meal. And remember, the real magic is in enjoying a delicious feast surrounded by loved ones, no matter how the turkey is cooked. Gobble gobble!
Which One To Choose
credits: Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash
With all that said and done, which method should you choose?
Choose oven-roasted turkey if:
- You like to stick with tradition
- You know you’ll have plenty of time on the day to roast the turkey
- You want to do other things while the turkey is roasting
- You don’t have specialized equipment
- You’re not too concerned with dry meat
Is fried turkey better than baked?
FAQ
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