Deep-Fried Turkey

SUBMITTED BY: Tim and Meredith PHOTO BY: Bienchen

"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."

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PREP TIME	30 Min
COOK TIME	45 Min
READY IN	1 Hr 30 Min
Original recipe yield 1 (12 pound) turkey

SERVINGS

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Servings
USMETRIC

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

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

What to Drink?
	Zinfandel

DIRECTIONS

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.
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.
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.
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.