Can You Put Butter on a Turkey Before Deep Frying?

As Thanksgiving approaches many home cooks opt to deep fry their turkey for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. While deep frying yields delicious results some cooks like to take it a step further by adding butter to the turkey before submerging it in hot oil. But is this safe and does it really make a difference? Let’s explore the pros, cons, and best practices for putting butter on a turkey prior to deep frying.

Why Add Butter to a Fried Turkey?

Coating a turkey in butter before deep frying serves multiple purposes:

• Flavor – Butter provides rich, savory flavor to both the meat and skin. As it melts, the butter bastes the turkey from the inside out

• Moisture – Butter helps keep the turkey meat juicy and tender. This prevents it from drying out when exposed to the hot oil.

• Browning – The milk solids in butter assist with browning the skin for a crisper, golden crust.

So yes, butter can absolutely enhance the taste and texture of a deep fried turkey. But how should you apply it?

How to Apply Butter to a Turkey Before Frying

There are two main methods for adding butter to a turkey before frying:

• Rub the skin – Coat the outside of the raw turkey with softened, room temperature butter. This gives the skin something to brown and crisp up against.

• Inject under skin – Use a syringe to inject melted butter deep under the skin. This infuses moisture and flavor directly into the breast and thigh meat.

For best results, loosen the skin from the meat and rub butter directly on the meat as well before replacing the skin. Distribute it as evenly as possible to prevent uneven cooking.

Salted vs. Unsalted Butter

When choosing which butter to use, unsalted is generally preferable. Salted butters may make the turkey too salty. However, you can use salted sparingly, or balance it out by reducing any additional salt used on the turkey or in a baste.

How Much Butter to Use

As a general rule of thumb, plan on using 1-2 tablespoons of butter per pound of turkey. So a 10 pound turkey would get about 10-20 tablespoons total. Divide this amount based on how you’ll apply the butter. For example:

• 8 tbsp rubbed on skin
• 12 tbsp injected under skin

Adjust these quantities based on personal taste and the intensity of butter flavor desired.

Does Butter Impact Cook Time?

The good news is that butter does not significantly alter the cooking time. The turkey should still fry for about 4 minutes per pound in 350°F oil. The butter simply melts and bastes without hindering the frying process.

Other Fats or Oils to Use

While butter is tasty, it’s not the only option. Alternatives like olive oil, bacon fat, or duck fat also work very well to add moisture and flavor. Get creative with different fats and oils to customize the turkey’s flavor profile. A butter-olive oil blend provides the best of both worlds.

Frying Without Butter

Frying a turkey without butter is absolutely an option. A dry rub or injection will still deeply season the meat. And the hot oil will crisp the skin. Skip the butter to avoid excess calories if you wish. With proper technique, you can still achieve stellar juicy, crispy results.

Is Adding Butter Safe?

Deep frying a turkey comes with inherent risks, regardless of butter. Key safety tips include:

• Fry outside away from buildings
• Don’t overfill oil
• Slowly lower and raise turkey
• Maintain proper oil temperature
• Thaw and dry turkey completely

As long as precautions are taken, adding butter beforehand will not make the process more dangerous.

Health Considerations

Deep fried turkey is higher in calories and fat compared to roasted. Opting for a butter-free fried turkey eliminates some of these health downsides. But enjoying deep fried turkey in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. Be mindful of portions.

Tips for Success

For perfect deep fried turkey results:

• Use a 10 lb or smaller turkey
• Completely thaw and dry the turkey
• Inject and rub butter evenly over and under the skin
• Fry in 350°F oil for 4 minutes per lb
• Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F minimum temp
• Let rest 10+ minutes before carving

With proper preparation and safety measures, rubbing and injecting a turkey with butter before deep frying will yield incredibly moist, crispy, and flavorful results sure to wow any guests.

While not strictly necessary, coating a turkey in butter prior to deep frying can lead to a more flavorful and tender bird with crisper skin. Use unsalted butter and apply it evenly under and on top of the skin. Maintain proper oil temp and follow safety guidelines. And as always, enjoy deep fried turkey in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. Butter or no butter, a perfectly fried turkey makes a fabulous centerpiece to any festive meal.