Where Can I Buy Deep Fried Turkey Near Me? Your Local Guide to Finding Crispy, Juicy Holiday Birds

As the holidays approach, many of us look forward to cooking up a delicious deep fried turkey. There’s nothing quite like the crispy, juicy meat and signature cajun seasoning of a deep fried bird But finding a quality pre-cooked deep fried turkey can be tricky if you don’t know where to look This guide will walk you through your local options for picking up a convenient and tasty deep fried turkey.

Check Your Local Grocery Store

The first and easiest place to check for deep fried turkeys is your local grocery store. Many major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Costco, and Sam’s Club carry pre-cooked deep fried turkeys during the holiday season. They are fully cooked so you can simply reheat and serve.

I checked my nearby Sam’s Club and found they carry Butterball deep fried turkey breasts for around $50. These boneless skinless breasts are injected with a cajun style marinade, then deep fried for a crispy coating. At 5-7 lbs each, they can easily feed a crowd. Sam’s Club also sometimes carries larger 10-12 lb deep fried whole turkeys.

Other grocery stores like Kroger and Albertsons offer similar ready-to-heat deep fried turkey options in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Prices and sizes vary but expect to pay $3-5 per pound. Going to your neighborhood grocery store is the most convenient option for picking up a pre-fried bird on short notice.

Look for Specialty Meat Shops

In addition to large grocery store chains, many local specialty meat shops and butcher stores sell deep fried turkeys for the holidays. These smaller stores often hand make their fried turkeys in house and can offer more size options from small breasts to 20 lb monsters.

I found a local butcher shop near me called Mike’s Meats advertising Cajun style deep fried turkeys starting at just $45. Their 10-15 lb birds are injected with Creole seasonings and fried fresh daily. A small business like Mike’s Meats can be a good option if you want to support local while getting a high quality, custom fried turkey.

Independent butcher shops have more control over their frying process and ingredients. And they typically fry turkeys to order instead of keeping them warm under heat lamps. Check reviews and ask about their frying methods if you go the specialty shop route.

Try a Restaurant or Caterer

For ultimate convenience, consider ordering your deep fried turkey from a local restaurant or caterer. Many southern-style restaurants offer whole deep fried turkeys during November and December. Additionally, some catering companies will custom fry birds for individuals and families.

I found a Cajun restaurant near me called Bayou Eats offering whole fried turkeys for $89. You simply place your order by a certain date then pick up on Thanksgiving. They inject Creole butter into the meat and fry in peanut oil for a authentic flavor. If you don’t want to worry about cooking at all, letting the pros fry your turkey is a solid choice.

Pricing at restaurants and caterers can be higher starting around $100. However the convenience factor of picking up a turkey already crispy-fried may be worth it for a stress-free holiday.

Use Online Retailers As a Last Resort

If your local options are limited, there are a few online retailers like Cajun Grocer and Cracker Barrel that ship ready-to-eat deep fried turkeys nationwide.

Cajun Grocer has pre-fried turkey breasts and Cajun seasoned whole birds available to ship frozen. Allow 5-7 days for transit time. Cracker Barrel’s offering is more limited but they ship fully cooked fried turkeys overnight to many states.

I’d only recommend online ordering as a last resort since shipping perishable fried turkeys can get expensive. But if you strike out finding a bird nearby, mail order can be your backup plan. Expect to pay at least $100 for a 10 lb turkey after shipping.

Plan Ahead and Call Ahead

However you choose to secure your deep fried turkey, be sure to plan ahead.Availability can be limited with high demand around Thanksgiving especially. Calling retailers or restaurants a few weeks in advance to place an order or get on a waitlist is advised.

Also be conscious of thaw time if you buy a frozen fried turkey online or at the grocery store. You’ll need several days in the fridge to safely thaw. With some planning you can let someone else worry about the frying and simply pick up a golden bird ready for carving.

This holiday season, skip the oil splatters and enjoy convenience with a ready-to-heat deep fried turkey. With multiple options from grocery stores to specialty shops to restaurants, you can find the perfect pre-fried bird near you. Just plan ahead and use this guide to locate crisp, juicy deep fried turkeys in your neighborhood. Your family will thank you when they devour the crispy cajun-style meat!