Deep-Fried Turkey
Fall / Winter / Spring / Deep-Fry / Holiday / Holiday / LouAna / Main Dish / Peanut Oil /
DESCRIPTION
For the most delicious turkey ever, you’ve gotta deep fry. For bonus flavors points, go for fresh herbs in your marinade. For a handy “how to” step-by-step guide, scroll down to the bottom of this recipe.
PREP, COOK, TOTAL TIME
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 42 minutes to fry a 12-pound bird at 350°F
Total time: 1 hour average
SERVINGS
Serves: 6–8
INGREDIENTS
12- to 15-lbs. fresh or defrosted turkey
INJECTION MARINADE:
3 cloves garlic
Few sprigs of fresh sage, thyme and rosemary
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup turkey broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 tablespoons Kosher salt
3 gallons LouAna® Peanut Oil
DIRECTIONS
Blend marinade ingredients in a high-powered blender. Inject marinade into turkey using an injector kit. Inject between about 1/2-ounce to 1-ounce of marinade per pound.
Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Season turkey inside and out with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
In an electric turkey fryer, heat oil to 350°F. Slowly lower the turkey into the oil and fry for 3 1/2 minutes per pound of turkey. For example, a 12-lbs. turkey would need to fry for approximately 42 minutes. A 15-lbs. turkey would need to fry for approximately 52 minutes.
Carefully remove the turkey from the fryer. Drain the turkey on a wire rack over a flattened brown paper bag. Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.
SAFETY FIRST
There are two options when frying a turkey. You can take the traditional approach and use propane fryers. They should be used outdoors in accordance with the manufacturer’s safety procedures. Never use them on a wooden deck or leave them unattended. The second option is to use a Masterbuilt® Electric Deep Fryer that can be used indoors on kitchen countertops, tables, inside garages, and on covered patios. Be sure to always keep children and pets away. But either way you choose, always remember:
• Never lower a frozen or partially thawed turkey in hot oil because it will boil over.
• Wear oven mitts.
• Avoid use of alcohol and keep a fire extinguisher nearby, as you would with any type of cooking.
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LouAna on 11.14.22
Hi Bob B. The shelf life of LouAna Peanut Oil is 18 months if unopened, 6-9 months once opened.
Bob B on 11.13.22
I have peanut oil that I used last year, I stored it in the orginal container in a cool dark place. Is it ok to use it again this year?
Lee on 12.25.21
Brian I have cooked 5 turkeys at one time each individually of course, but I had to add oil after each two fry’s and wait for it to heat back up but the peanut oil was good until the end.
LouAna on 11.29.21
Hi Richard. We unfortunately do not have that recipe on file, as it was only included in the book that came with the fryer around 2015.
LouAna on 11.29.21
Hi Keith. No, there is not a Cajun oil.
Richard Calderon on 11.24.21
What is the Cajun recipe for the turkey? I lost the book that came with the fryer. it was such a great recipe.
Keith Avallone on 11.18.21
Is there a peanut oil that already has Cajun seasoning mixed into it
LouAna on 11.25.20
Hi Brianne. The shelf life of LouAna Peanut Oil is 18 months if unopened, 6-9 months once opened. You may deep-fry with peanut oil, and can usually reuse it 3-4 times. Allow the oil to cool, at least to 150°F, before straining it and pouring it back into the HDPE container. As long as it is properly strained and kept in a dark place, properly stored oil will last for several weeks or possibly more.
Brianne on 11.24.20
Can you filter used oil with a strainer line with coffee filters? How long is it safe to use after? Thank you in advance.
Cindy on 11.23.20
Just curious…I wonder if you inject some peanut oil with other spices and rubbed the outside with the oil if that would be just as delicious as a deep-fried turkey? Any thoughts?
LouAna on 01.03.20
Hi Bert. You should deep fry one turkey at a time.
Bert Riley on 12.22.19
How many turkeys can be fried in one session?
LouAna on 11.22.19
Hi Joe, we don’t have a dry rub recipe, but we hope you find one you like for your turkey!
joe sheeler on 11.19.19
I’m looking for the dry rub recipe that is sometimes on the side of the box
Cindi Smith on 11.18.19
Thanks
LouAna on 09.18.19
Always make sure your fryer or skillet is not overfilled with oil. Most fryers have a recommended fill line. If there is no fill line, you can determine this by first placing your turkey in the fryer, then fill with water until the bird is covered. Remove the bird and the remaining water level will show you the appropriate fill level for oil. Be sure all the water is removed from the fryer and that the fryer is thoroughly dried before putting the oil in. Be sure the bird is also dry and that no water is in the turkey’s cavity before placing it in the hot oil.**
** “Deep Fat Frying and Food Safety,” USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/deep-fat-frying-and-food-safety/ct_index
LouAna on 09.04.19
Hi Mary, the shelf life of LouAna Peanut Oil is 18 months if unopened, 6-9 months once opened. You may deep-fry with peanut oil, and can usually reuse it 3-4 times. Allow the oil to cool, at least to 150°F, before straining it and pouring it back into the HDPE container. As long as it is properly strained and kept in a dark place, properly stored oil will last for several weeks or possibly more. We recommend sampling the oil and determining if the flavor is suitable for your needs.
Anonymous on 12.23.18
How many turkeys can fry with a 3Gallon
mary berarducci on 11.18.18
can oil be used if turkey was cooked last thanksgiving and stored for a year.