Turkey is the undisputed star of the Thanksgiving holiday. Its the main course, the main event, the main concern for this day of cooking and feasting. You can be sure that turkey will be on the table, whether you eat by yourself or with a big group. Most people at the table will only want to know one thing: is that a turkey that was baked in the oven or fried in oil?
There are many ways to make the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but roasting in the oven has been the best way for a long time. Chefs the world over recommend slow-roasting, carefully basting, and devotedly tending to the bird as it cooks. In the background, though, there is a slightly rebellious bird: turkey deep-fried. This is the more unconventional way to make the big meal. Devotees of both methods swear by their technique.
This big argument about Thanksgiving turkey needs to be settled. Is there a better way to cook a turkey than deep-frying it or roasting it in the oven?
The age-old debate surfaces every holiday season. Is deep fried or roasted turkey better? Both cooking methods produce delicious birds with passionate defenders on each side. I aim to settle the score once and for all.
As a food blogger and amateur chef, I’ve prepared turkeys using both techniques. After much trial and error, taste testing and holiday feasting, a clear winner has emerged in my book.
Why Deep Fried Turkey Tops Roasted
Deep frying a turkey delivers unbeatable results in terms of taste, texture and fun. Here’s why it reigns supreme:
Maximum Juiciness
The hot oil seals in moisture and turkey juices unlike any roasting pan can match. Frying immersion gives the meat a uniform exposure to heat liquefying collagen throughout to achieve remarkable tenderness.
The breast meat comes out succulent and so moist it practically falls apart on your fork. Even the darker leg and thigh meat, often dry on a roasted bird, becomes infused with juicy goodness.
Perfectly Crispy Skin
While roasted turkeys can achieve decent crispiness on the outside, nothing beats the crunch factor of deep frying The sizzling hot peanut oil transforms the skin into a gloriously crispy, crunchy crust
Every bite crackles audibly. It’s an amazing textural contrast against the tender and moist interior meat. Fried turkey skin is on another level from the soft, soggyskin of roasted birds.
Quicker Cooking Time
A 12-15 pound turkey takes only 45-70 minutes to deep fry, versus 3-4 hours in the oven. The oil’s rapid heat penetration slashes cooking time drastically compared to the slow process of roasting.
Once the turkey hits the fryer, I can relax rather than babysitting it in the oven. The quick cook time frees up oven space for side dishes and gives me time to enjoy guests.
Exciting Process
Lowering a turkey into a bubbling deep fryer is dramatic, exciting and fun for everyone to watch. The spectacle itself makes deep fried turkey a real showstopper.
Seeing the bird transform in the vat of hot oil feels like cooking wizardry compared to the set-it-and-forget it vibe of oven roasting.
Pitfalls of Roasting
While roasted turkey holds nostalgic appeal, the drawbacks are hard to overlook. Dry, stringy white meat and underdone thighs are common issues. Constant basting is required to achieve decent moisture.
The long cook times are inconvenient, especially if something goes wrong and delays the bird. The oven ends up occupied for side dishes. And the skin rarely achieves ideal crispiness throughout.
Health Factor a Wash
Critics cite health concerns over deep frying. But because turkeys are fried in peanut oil, the calorie and fat counts work out quite similarly between methods. Especially if roasted skin is consumed.
I mitigate any minimal added calories by enjoying fried turkey without the skin. A bit of indulgence once a year won’t ruin my healthy eating habits.
And while frying requires caution around hot oil, proper precautions make accidents highly preventable. I keep kids and pets clear of the fryer and have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
Best of Both: Double the Turkey!
For larger gatherings and die-hard roasted fans, I hedge my bets by cooking one turkey each way. The deep fried bird steals the spotlight with its juicy, crispy perfection.
A smaller roasted turkey satisfies those clinging to tradition. It also allows a fun taste comparison to appreciate the differences side-by-side.
When preparing two turkeys, proper planning prevents problems. Thaw frozen birds in the fridge 1-2 days before. Dry brine for added moisture and flavor. Use a thermometer for ideal doneness.
With some organization, you can enjoy the year’s best debate around the table. Dig into two gloriously prepared turkeys and decide which cooking method wins your vote!
The Juicy Verdict
While both have their merits, deep fried turkey wins my vote hands down. Roasting has its nostalgic place, but frying simply produces the better eating experience all around.
For optimal juiciness, unbeatable crunch and fun theatricality, I proclaim deep fried turkey the undisputed champ. This years, consider taking the plunge into the fryer. Taste for yourself and join the chorus of crispy, juicy converts!
Which One To Choose For Your Feast
Weighing in all the factors and the pounds of the bird, of course, which method should you choose for your Thanksgiving dinner? Oven roasted turkey, deep fried, which is better?
Choose Turkey Deep Fried If
- You want to try something new and exciting
- You’re determined to have a moist, juicy turkey this Thanksgiving
- You already have a deep fryer
- You’d like to cook your turkey faster.
- You are not concerned about the potential mess
Is fried turkey better than baked?
FAQ
Is a deep-fried turkey healthy?
Why do Americans deep fry their turkey?
What is the difference between deep frying and roasting?
Is fried turkey better than smoked?
Is deep frying a Turkey healthier than oven roasting?
On the topic of oil, you may think all that oil makes this method less healthy than oven roasting your turkey. Since turkeys are often deep-fried in peanut oil, which is one of the healthier cooking oils out there, it’s similar in calorie count to an oven-roasted bird. It can also be a messier way of preparing your turkey.
Is deep frying butter safe?
Deep frying butter is safe, but as other sorts of fat, it’s recommended not consume it every day. What is more, when people are warming butter, the level of oxidation is always increasing and the result is that this kind of food become unhealthy.
Is deep frying a Turkey a good idea?
Since you’re deep frying your turkey in a vat of oil over an open flame, this method is a lot more exciting than roasting in an oven. Deep-frying the turkey could be an entertaining part of the event because there will be people crowding around to watch it go down.
Is deep fried turkey good for Thanksgiving?
Deep-fried turkey is a delicious, celebratory way to cook your Thanksgiving meal. Other pluses: Fried turkeys cook twice as fast as traditional roasted turkeys and also free up the oven for essential side dishes. And with frying, you get to sit outside and enjoy the brisk autumn air while the turkey cooks.
Why is deep frying turkey so expensive?
Deep-frying turkey is not as easy as the oven-roasted alternative, and you require some specialized equipment to make it all work. All this specialized equipment can make this method of preparation a lot more expensive. The many gallons of oil you need to make this work also add to this cost.
How to choose a turkey fryer?
This turkey fryer should have a stand that’s sturdy and well-constructed to reduce the risk of things toppling over while you cook. Ensure that your stand is on a completely flat surface, with plenty of space around and underneath it. The latter is important so that the burner can fit under it.