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READY IN ABOUT 1½ hrs

Erick's Deep Fried Rosemary Turkey

Read Reviews (5)

"This is one of the most flavorful and moist turkey's you will ever savor. Easy to prepare, a definite hit at parties, this is how Thanksgiving was meant to be enjoyed! I like to use about a 16 pound bird" — Erick Ellgrin

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Original recipe makes 16 servings Change Servings

1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/2 cup minced garlic
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 gallons peanut oil for frying

3 sprigs fresh rosemary
12 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger root

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Directions

Fill an outdoor deep-fryer with the peanut oil (see tip below), and heat to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). This will take about 30 minutes.
Rub the turkey with minced garlic, salt and pepper on the inside and outside. Fill the cavity with rosemary, garlic cloves and ginger. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
Remove the herbs and garlic from the cavity of the bird, and discard. Make sure the opening at the neck of the turkey is at least 2 inches wide. Trim skin back if necessary. This will prevent pressure from building inside. If the turkey has a pop-up doneness indicator, it must be removed beforehand.
Place the turkey in the fryer basket, or hanging device, and slowly lower it into the hot oil. Be sure to maintain the temperature of the oil while it is frying. Cook for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature is at 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) when taken in the thickest part of the thigh.
Carefully remove the turkey from the hot oil, and turn off the deep-fryer. Let the bird cool for 5 minutes, then pat dry.

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PREP 30 mins
COOK 55 mins
READY IN 1 hr 25 mins

Footnotes

Tip
To test for the amount of oil needed, place your unprepared turkey into the fryer, and fill to 2 inches from the top with water. Remove turkey, and note the water level by making a mark on the fryer. Dry completely before adding oil.
To reuse oil, strain, filter through a cloth, and keep refrigerated. When properly stored, oil may be reused up to 4 times. When oil has gone bad, it will smell rancid, smoke excessively when heated, or will not bubble up when food is added.
Safety
Be sure to keep pets and children away from the deep frying area at all times.
Allow oil to cool completely before removing from the fryer.
Always deep-fry out doors at least 20 feet from buildings or vehicles due to fire hazards. Wear long pants and sleeves, and heavy oven mitts when handling the turkey. Eye protection is also recommended.
Editor's Note
We have determined the nutritional value of the oil for frying in this recipe 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!

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Reviews More Reviews

Dec 25, 2007

This recipe is very very good. I just recommend using a injection marinade with it (may I suggest The Chicken and Turkey Marinade)the flavors of this marindae work well with the rosemary. This produced the moistest breast meat. And gives flavor through out. I suggest marinating the meat the day before frying. Also make sure to put the rub b/t the skin and breast meat for flavor through the meat.

—mommys3

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Jun 10, 2004

I tried this recipe for a church banquet and it was the hit of the party. I have had deep fried turkey but not like this. OHHHHHHH! My, I found a new love and good for my low carb lifestyle to boot. Thanks for a wonderful recipe. Margaret

—BRIANSWIFE

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8 Ratings

Nov 30, 2005

Good, but not fantastic. I've made several deep fried turkeys and have found that injecting your turkeys with your seasonings gives it much more flavor! Overall, very good and would recommend that you give it a try!

—jennifer_95

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Jul 14, 2010

Great recipe , but added my own spin! I have been using it for our fried turkey now 4 years. I actually food process fresh garlic, Rosemary,and ginger with olive oil, salt and pepper and use that for the rub. Then I cut fresh slices if Ginger, whole garlic cloves and sprigs of Rosemary and stuff all of that in the cavity & any open crevices. I let it sit for 2 days. I make 2 turkeys each thanksgiving, baked and this fried and the minute the fried is plated it's GONE!

—JenJenCooks

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Nov 29, 2010

There is only one word to describe this recipe, "YUM!!!!!!" I've used it the last 3 years for Thanksgiving and it's always a hit. I like the fact that it's goodness is in the simplicity; and the spices do well to blend the poultry flavor with the taste the peanut oil adds. This is the epitomy of deep fried turkey.

—pete_732002

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Nutrition

Calories
573 kcal
29%

Carbohydrates
2.7 g
< 1%

Cholesterol
198 mg
66%

Fat
30.2 g
46%

Fiber
0.2 g
< 1%

Protein
68.4 g
137%

Sodium
166 mg
7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Erick's Deep Fried Rosemary Turkey

Serving Size: 1/16 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 573
Calories from Fat: 271

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30.2g 46 %
Saturated Fat 8g 40 %
Cholesterol 198mg 66 %
Sodium 166mg 7 %
Potassium 716mg 20 %
Total Carbohydrates 2.7g < 1 %
Dietary Fiber 0.2g < 1 %
Protein 68.4g 137 %
** Sugars 0.1g
Vitamin A < 1 %
Vitamin C 4 %
Calcium 9 %
Iron 45 %
Thiamin 15 %
Niacin 191 %
Vitamin B6 67 %
Magnesium 23 %
Folate 10 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.