Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe
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Deep-Fried Turkey

By: Tim and Meredith 
"This is an awesome Cajun recipe. Deep-frying makes the turkey crispy on the outside and super juicy on the inside (even the white meat). It also leaves the heat outside! You can deep-fry the turkey in either peanut or vegetable oil, your choice. We use a 26 quart aluminum pot with a drain basket."

This Kitchen Approved Recipe has an average star rating of 4.8 Rate/Review | Read Reviews (51)

What to Drink?

Wine Zinfandel
Beer Beer
Prep Time:
30 Min
Cook Time:
45 Min
Ready In:
1 Hr 30 Min

Servings  (Help)

Calculate

 

Original Recipe Yield 1 (12 pound) turkey
 

Ingredients

  • 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
  • 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
  • 1/4 cup Creole seasoning
  • 1 white onion

Directions

  1. In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over. Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags.
  2. Rinse turkey, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Rub Creole seasoning over turkey inside and out. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird.
  3. Place the whole onion and turkey in drain basket. The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes.
  4. Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter.

Footnotes

  • For more information, see our Deep-Fried Turkey Tips.
  • Editor's Note
  • We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 1% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.
  • Learn more about how to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving in our How to Cook a Turkey article!

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 603 | Total Fat: 33.6g | Cholesterol: 228mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 14, 2003 by FOODWIZ Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)  view full review
We will never bake or grill a turkey for thanksgiving again!! Here's a TIP to add lots of...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 13, 2005 by CHOZENBOI671   view full review
I have cooked a few turkeys using this method super moist! I usually inject with butter and...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 11, 2003 by CAPoookie   view full review
It is not cheap. We used about 5 gallons of corn oil for a 12 pound bird. I injected a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Sep. 22, 2006 by LemonLush   view full review
Here's a safety tip. Trying to figure out exactly how much oil you need is always confusing. ...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 9, 2006 by Shelly Jean   view full review
To fry or smoke?? That's the question this year...did both last. I agree that injecting is a...
The reviewer gave this recipe 4 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Jul. 22, 2005 by CALJAKE   view full review
As a first timer turkey fryer, we decided to fry 3 turkeys for the neighborhood block...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2006 by gpd4   view full review
Frying is the only way to go. I've been doing it for years - so much that I've worn out 2...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on May 31, 2006 by T. Provence   view full review
In South Carolina, where your turkey frying skills are as important as important as what...
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Jun. 12, 2003 by VBUGG   view full review
My Husband loves to cook, Thanks to this recipe
The reviewer gave this recipe 5 stars. This recipe averages a 4.8 star rating.
Reviewed on Nov. 25, 2006 by Ashley_S   view full review
NEVER GOING TO ROAST TURKEY AGAIN !!!!

 

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