What to Inject a Turkey With Before Deep Frying: The Best Marinades and Techniques

Deep frying a turkey is a popular cooking method that results in an incredibly moist and flavorful bird with crispy skin. Many people find that injecting the turkey with a marinade before frying helps ensure it turns out juicy and packed with flavor. But what exactly should you inject a turkey with before deep frying? Here’s a look at some of the most popular turkey injection recipes and techniques for getting the best results.

Why Inject Turkey Before Frying?

Injecting a marinade into the turkey serves a few important purposes:

• Flavors the meat from the inside out An injection marinade penetrates deep into the turkey meat infusing it with flavor rather than just seasoning the surface.

• Keeps the meat moist and juicy Injections often contain broth butter, and other moistening ingredients that help keep the turkey meat from drying out especially the white meat.

• Tenderizes the meat: The injection helps break down muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product.

• Enhances overall flavor: An injection provides a big boost of flavor, while a dry rub and basting further complement and build on those flavors.

The Best Marinades to Inject

You can inject a turkey with a wide variety of marinades based on your preferences. Some popular options include:

• Broth-based injections: Chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth makes an excellent moisturizing base. Consider adding butter, herbs, spices, citrus, etc.

• Butter injections: Melted butter or a butter-herb blend gives incredible richness and moisture.

• Savory flavor injections: Ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic amp up the umami and savory notes.

• Sweet and tangy injections: Things like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, vinegar, citrus, fruit juices, etc. provide sweetness and acidity to balance the other flavors.

• Spicy injections: Cayenne, crushed red pepper, Cajun seasoning, and other spices bring heat.

• Herb and garlic injections: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage impart flavor, while garlic adds aroma.

• Restaurant-style injections: Pre-made Cajun or Creole butter injections mimic flavors used by restaurants.

How to Inject a Turkey for Frying

1. Make the injection marinade: Whisk together the ingredients until fully blended. For even distribution, you want it to be a thin, fluid liquid without any chunks.

2. Inject the turkey: Use an injection syringe to penetrate deep into the meat, especially the breast and thighs. Inject 1-2 ounces per pound of turkey, distributing it evenly.

3. Let it marinate: For best results, cover and refrigerate the injected turkey 6-24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to permeate thoroughly.

4. Apply a dry rub: Coat the outside of the turkey with a flavorful dry rub, which complements the injection.

5. Deep fry the turkey: Once oil is heated to 350°F, slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for the Best Results

• Inject the turkey at least 6 hours before frying, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

• Pat the turkey dry before injecting to help the marinade absorb evenly.

• Gently massage the turkey after injecting to distribute the marinade.

• Avoid over-injecting, which can lead to overflow and an overly salty turkey.

• Pair injections with a dry rub, basting, and aromatics in the fryer for layered flavors.

• Heat oil to the right temp (350-375°F) for optimal crispness and cook time.

Sample Turkey Injection Recipe

This popular butter and herb turkey injection delivers incredible moisture, richness, and flavor. Adjust herbs and seasonings to taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1⁄2 cup melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp dried sage
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until well blended.
2. Inject marinade into thawed turkey 1-2 oz. per pound.
3. Refrigerate 6-24 hours before frying.
4. Fry turkey according to recipe, basting and monitoring oil temp.

Injecting a turkey before deep frying is highly recommended for maximum moisture, tenderness, and flavor. Popular options include broth, butter, herbs, spices, citrus, and sweeteners. Inject the marinade at least 6 hours prior and up to 24 hours for best infusion. Pair with a flavorful dry rub and proper frying technique for the perfect fried turkey. With the right injection marinade and proper technique, you can achieve the crispiest skin and most tender and juicy meat.