Where to Buy a Fried Turkey for Your Next Holiday Celebration

Fried turkey has become a popular centerpiece for holiday meals and special occasions. The crispy juicy meat is hard to resist! While you can fry a turkey yourself, it also makes sense to consider purchasing a pre-fried turkey to skip the work and potential safety hazards of deep frying at home. Ready-to-heat fried turkeys offer convenience without sacrificing the signature taste. Here’s what you need to know about where to buy fried turkey online or in stores.

Online Retailers Offering Fried Turkeys

Ordering fried turkey online allows you to get it shipped directly to your door. Here are some top online stores that sell ready-to-eat fried whole turkeys and turkey parts:

• Cajun Turkey Company: Cajun-seasoned fried turkey is this company’s specialty, available in mild and spicy flavors. You can order a whole fried turkey or just turkey breasts and other parts.

• Chris’ Specialty Foods: This Louisiana-based company sells 6-8 lb whole fried turkeys fully cooked and flash frozen. Just thaw and reheat.

• New Orleans Food Co Check here for Creole style fried turkeys coated in a custom blend of seasoned breadcrumbs Whole turkeys and turkey breasts available.

• Tony’s Seafood Known for seafood they also offer seasoned fried turkeys shipped overnight across most of the US.

• Uncle Ray’s: Features whole fried turkeys with mild and spicy Cajun flavoring. Ships frozen with reheating instructions.

• Williams-Sonoma: Carries 10-12 lb fried whole turkeys as well as fried turkey breast roulades wrapped in bacon.

Things to Know When Ordering Online

Ordering fried turkey online makes the process easy. But here are a few tips:

• Check the shipping date options to ensure delivery in time for your event.

• Factor in thawing time if the turkey arrives frozen. Thawing in the fridge takes 24 hours per 4-5 pounds.

• Reheating instructions are typically included, but read them over so you know what oven temp and time is required.

• Whole turkeys need to be cooked from fully frozen or thawed; raw turkeys should never be fried at home.

• Have a meat thermometer on hand to check internal temp reaches 165°F before serving.

Where to Buy Fried Turkey at Local Stores

If you prefer same-day freshness or want to inspect the turkey yourself before purchasing, buying local is a good option. Here are some places to check for pre-fried turkey:

• Grocery store deli section: Larger chains may carry fried turkeys in the days leading up to holidays.

• Butcher shops or meat markets: Many local butchers sell fried turkeys for the holidays; call ahead to order.

• Specialty food stores: Check stores that specialize in hard-to-find local, gourmet or ethnic foods.

• Cajun or Southern-style restaurants: Fried turkey is a specialty in the South – local restaurants may sell them.

• Turkey farms: Farms that raise and sell whole turkeys may fry some this time of year.

• Fundraiser sales: Schools, churches and community groups often sell pre-fried turkeys as holiday fundraisers.

What to Look for When Buying Local

If you decide to purchase your fried turkey from a local source, here are signs of high quality to look for:

• Reputable source: Choose stores and restaurants known for fresh quality foods. Check reviews.

• Good signaling: The turkey should be golden brown on the outside with visible seasonings.

• Proper packaging: It should be wrapped in moisture-proof, food grade packaging or cryovac sealed.

• Food safety: The turkey should be kept chilled at 40°F or below. Avoid turkeys sitting out at room temp.

• Labeling: Look for labels with ingredients, allergen notices, safe handling instructions, and reheating directions.

• ** responsive staff:** Employees should be able to answer questions knowledgeably about safe handling, storage, and preparation.

How Much Does Pre-Fried Turkey Cost?

A fully cooked 8-12 lb whole fried turkey usually costs $50 to $100 depending on the brand, size, and whether you order locally or online. Smaller turkey breasts may range from $40 to $75. Ordered online, you’ll also need to factor in shipping costs that can add $15 to $40+ depending on distance and expedited delivery options. Buying local saves shipping but may have limited availability. Watch for holiday sales and deals when prices may dip slightly. Overall, fried turkey costs a bit more than a raw turkey, but you are paying for the convenience of having it cooked for you.

Is Pre-Fried Turkey Worth the Cost?

Ultimately you’ll have to decide if paying a premium for convenience makes sense for your holiday meal plans and budget. Having the turkey pre-fried by professionals allows you to skip the work, mess, potential disasters, and safety concerns of frying a turkey yourself. It gives you back time to focus on side dishes and activities. If you’ll stress over frying your own or don’t have the right equipment, pre-fried can be worthwhile. For small gatherings, buying just a turkey breast or legs may save money over a whole bird. Take advantage of sales and bulk pricing when available. For many, not having to cook the turkey themselves is worth the cost!

Order Your Fried Turkey Early

Fried turkey has become so popular in recent years that pre-fried options often sell out weeks before the holidays. So if you decide this convenience is right for your next holiday meal, don’t wait – order your fried turkey early! Reputable online retailers and local specialty food stores will start offering pre-fried turkeys 4-6 weeks in advance. Check around late October to early November for the best selection and availability. Lock in your delivery date or store pickup time once you’ve placed your order. Then you can focus the rest of your holiday prep knowing your golden brown, juicy fried turkey is already taken care of!