Where Can I Get a Deep Fried Turkey Near Me? Your Guide to Finding the Best Local Options

Craving a deep fried turkey this holiday season but not sure where to find one nearby? You’re not alone. Deep fried turkey has become a popular alternative to traditional oven roasted turkey, prized for its quick cooking time moist and tender meat and crispy, crunchy skin.

I did some research to find the best options for getting a deep fried turkey in your local area Here is what I found

Check Your Local Grocery Store or Butcher Shop

Many grocery stores and butcher shops now offer deep fried turkeys during the holidays. Places like Walmart Kroger, Publix Costco, and Albertsons often carry them in select locations. You’ll want to call ahead to your neighborhood store a few weeks in advance to check availability and place your order. Butcher shops are also a great bet for scoring a deep fried bird. High quality meat markets pride themselves on their holiday roasts and are likely deep frying turkeys to order.

See If Your Favorite Restaurant or Fast Food Joint Sells Them

Believe it or not, some restaurant chains like Popeyes, Bojangles, Boston Market, and KFC sell whole deep fried turkeys during the holidays. You’ll need to pre-order online or by phone. Quantities are limited so call at least a couple weeks ahead to get your name on the list. Local restaurants are another option, especially those with a Southern or Cajun cuisine theme. Check their holiday catering menus. The bird might need some final crisping up when you get home but this is one of the easiest ways to score a deep fried turkey with minimal effort.

Search Delivery and Meal Kit Companies

Meal kit companies like HelloFresh and grocery delivery services like Instacart have jumped on the deep fried turkey bandwagon. Keep an eye out for holiday promotions. Getting a deep fried turkey delivered to your doorstep takes the hassle out of finding and picking one up yourself. Just note that availability is limited with meal delivery services so you’ll want to order ASAP once the promotion windows open, usually 4-6 weeks before Thanksgiving.

Check Local Farms and Butchers

In many areas, local farms and specialty meat companies offer deep fried turkeys for pre-order during the holidays. They use fresh, high quality local turkeys and create a product far superior to the frozen grocery store variety. The birds are deep fried in small batches with care. Start checking farmer’s markets and local business listings 6-8 weeks before Thanksgiving. You may be able to find a small operation doing just a few turkeys a day so the quality will be top notch.

See If Any Restaurants Offer Deep Fried Turkey Dine-In Specials

Some family or Southern style restaurants will feature deep fried turkey on their holiday menus for dine-in customers. You get to enjoy the turkey without any work on your end! Check restaurant websites and social media in October and November for specials. Spots like diners, BBQ joints, and Southern cuisine eateries are likely to offer this. You’ll want to make reservations ASAP once you find a restaurant serving it to ensure you get a table.

Look for Pop-Up Deep Fried Turkey Events

In some areas, restaurants or fried turkey companies will host special deep fried turkey pick-up events right before Thanksgiving. It’s like a turkey pop-up! They fry a bunch of birds fresh on the spot. Follow local food blogs, event sites, and social media to find these. They often sell out in hours so you need to act fast. But it’s a fun experience and the turkey will be piping hot and perfectly fried.

See If Local Food Trucks or Caterers Offer Deep Fried Birds

Food trucks and catering companies are jumping into the deep fried turkey game. Search sites like Yelp, Facebook, and Google for mobile food businesses and caterers in your region. Reach out to ask if they will be offering deep fried turkeys for pre-order and what their pricing/availability is like. A locally owned operation is likely to produce a fresh, high quality bird.

DIY It with a Home Deep Fryer

Of course, you can always deep fry a turkey yourself at home! This takes some work and you’ll need a turkey fryer setup. But if you’re up for the project, it could be fun. Get an electric deep fryer, oil thermometer, propane burner, or other specialty turkey frying equipment. Watch some YouTube videos to learn techniques. And as always, take safety precautions like frying outside away from structures. Deep frying a turkey on your own lets you control the entire process.