The Big Easy® Outdoor Air Fryer is the stress-free way to fry your turkey without having to purchase or dispose of cooking oil. That means you dont have to worry about splattering, spilling and burns. It’s a delicious, safe and simple alternative to oil-fried turkey for a bird thats moist on the inside and crispy on the outside without the risk, hassle or added fat and calories of oil.
Did you know that The Big Easy cooks so much more than turkeys and chickens? You can cook large cuts of meat like roasts and ribs as well as smaller items like wings, kabobs, potatoes and vegetables too.
Even though The Big Easy is well, easy, there are a couple things you need to know. In this article, we’ll cover the basics and accessories, answer your most frequently asked questions and wrap it up with some links to The Big Easy recipes.
Unlike deep fryers that use large vats of oil, The Big Easy uses patented infrared cooking technology to crisp up your bird and seal in juices. A propane burner heats the air between a double-wall cylindrical cooking chamber and the outer wall of The Big Easy®. The cooking chamber absorbs the heat and radiates it to the center of the chamber as TRU‐Infrared™ heat. Meat is cooked evenly, for juicy, crisp and flavorful results every time.
Coat all interior surfaces of the cooking chamber with vegetable oil. If you use a cooking spray, wipe down the chamber after spraying to ensure an even coat.2
Power Up Your Big Easy® Outdoor Air Fryer. Press and turn the burner control knob to the flame symbol. Then quickly turn the rotary ignitor knob. If ignition does not occur within 5 seconds, turn the burner control knob OFF. Wait 5 minutes and repeat lighting procedure.3
Keep it at full power until the vegetable oil burns off and stops smoking. The shiny finish of the stainless-steel cooking chamber should have a brown or bronze color finish after seasoning it.
To avoid cold port lifting, preheat your Big Easy for 5 to 10 minutes while you prep your food. Cold port lifting occurs when the burner is cold and meat is loaded before the flame has had sufficient time to travel around the entire burner, resulting in longer cook time.1
Set the roaster basket on a platter or in a pan large enough to fit the basket securely for transport to and from the fryer.2
Prepare the meat you plan to cook by covering it with a light coating of high-temp cooking oil and/or a dry rub or marinade. Your rub and/or marinade should contain NO sugar. Sugar will cause your food to burn. High-temp cooking oil, such as peanut, canola and avocado oil, is oil that smokes at a higher temperature or smoke point, producing less smoke at lower temps.3
Place the meat inside the roaster basket and lower the basket into the cooking chamber. When cooking turkey or chicken, position the bird with the breast up and the legs down.4
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat so that the tip does not touch bone and the dial is easy to read when the basket is in the cooker.
Accessories custom-made for The Big Easy (sold separately) give you lots of options. Our 22-piece accessory kit includes a kabob holder, rib hooks, leg racks and meat hooks.1
When you’re cooking kabobs, you don’t need the roaster basket. Simply skewer your meat and/or vegetables. Pop the skewers into the slots on the inner ring of the standing rack. Lower the kabob holder into the bottom of the cooking chamber. If you prefer, you can use our hanging kabob holder. Place the rack on top of the cooking chamber and hang your kabobs from the rack.2
If you’re looking for an easier way to cook ribs, go vertical. Punch our rib hooks through the meat under the first rib bone. Hang the hooks over the top rung of the roaster basket to cook rib racks up to 11-inches long.3
Cooking a juicy, delicious turkey is easier than ever with the Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less turkey fryer. This innovative outdoor cooker uses infrared technology to thoroughly cook turkey without the hassle or danger of deep frying. But how long does it actually take to cook a turkey in the Big Easy?
The cooking time depends primarily on two factors:
- Turkey weight
- Whether the turkey is fresh or frozen
Follow this guide for perfect results every time you cook turkey in the Big Easy.
Overview of the Char-Broil Big Easy
The Char-Broil Big Easy is a revolutionary outdoor cooking appliance. It combines an infrared turkey fryer with a smoker in one convenient device.
The Big Easy uses radiant heat to cook food evenly without hot or cold spots. The infrared waves penetrate deep into the meat cooking it from the inside out. Oil is not required eliminating the mess and potential dangers of traditional deep frying.
With the Big Easy, heat stays contained within the cooking chamber The turkey essentially roasts in its own juices, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. The outside gets crispy and golden brown
It couldn’t be simpler to use. Just turn it on, place the turkey inside, set the timer, and let the Big Easy work its magic while you relax.
Big Easy Turkey Cooking Times
Cooking time in the Big Easy depends on two key factors:
Turkey Weight
For fresh, unfrozen turkeys, the basic rule of thumb is:
10 minutes per pound
So a 12 lb turkey takes about 120 minutes, while a 20 lb turkey takes 200 minutes.
Always check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh before removing from the Big Easy. Turkey is safely cooked when it registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Here are estimated cooking times based on weight:
- 8 lb turkey: 80 minutes
- 10 lb turkey: 100 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 120 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 140 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 160 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 180 minutes
- 20+ lb turkey: 200+ minutes
Frozen vs. Fresh
For frozen turkeys, extend the cook time to 15 minutes per pound since the frozen bird takes longer to thoroughly heat and cook through.
Here are estimated cooking times for frozen turkeys:
- 10 lb turkey: 150 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 180 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 210 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 240 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 270 minutes
Always check the internal temperature in multiple places before removing a frozen turkey from the Big Easy. Continue cooking if it hasn’t yet reached the safe 165°F temperature.
Tips for Big Easy Turkey Success
Follow these tips for moist, juicy, flavorful turkey every time with the Char-Broil Big Easy:
- Completely thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. Do not cook a partially frozen turkey.
- Dry the turkey thoroughly and coat with a light layer of oil or dry rub. This helps crisp the skin beautifully.
- Use a turkey cooking bag to self-baste the bird. If cooking bagless, spritz with cooking spray several times during cooking.
- Insert a probe thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh to monitor temperature.
- Let the cooked turkey rest 15+ minutes before carving for maximally juicy results.
- Carve the turkey and serve immediately for the juiciest possible meat right off the Big Easy.
More Delicious Big Easy Turkey Recipes
The Char-Broil Big Easy removes all the difficulty from preparing moist delicious turkey. Try these tasty recipes:
Big Easy Brined Turkey with Herb Butter
Brining ensures a super juicy turkey, while herb butter adds incredible flavor. Cook 10 minutes per pound in the Big Easy for perfection.
Cajun Fried Turkey
Injecting a spicy Cajun marinade gives Big Easy turkey an extra kick. The cajun seasoning also beautifully crisps the skin.
Apple Cider Brined Turkey
An apple cider brine makes turkey ultra moist and infuses it with sweet apple flavors. It’s fall in every bite!
Enjoy Stress-Free Turkey with the Big Easy
The Char-Broil Big Easy takes all the work and worry out of cooking the perfect turkey. Follow the simple cooking time guidelines above based on turkey weight and whether it’s fresh or frozen.
In about 10-15 minutes per pound, the Big Easy will have your turkey cooked to juicy perfection with crispy seasoned skin everyone will rave about. It’s the star of the show freeing up your oven space for sides and desserts.
The Big Easy makes serving up the perfect turkey so easy, your holidays just got a whole lot more relaxing and enjoyable!
BIG BIRDS, HAMS AND ROASTS
Double your cooking space with a bunk bed basket. Two handles hook over the top rung of the roaster basket to cook two birds or roasts at the same time.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COOK MY TURKEY?
Cook times vary depending on outdoor weather conditions and what size bird or cut of meat you’re cooking. Additionally, if the turkey isn’t thawed completely it will have a huge effect on cook time. It’s best for the meat to be at room temperature when placed in the cooker.
Generally, you can expect it to take approximately 10 minutes per pound. Cook times are included as a general guideline. Meat doneness is ALWAYS determined by the meat’s internal temperature, not time elapsed.
For larger birds and cuts of meat, use a meat thermometer. Insert at least 3/4 of the stem into the thickest part of the meat so that the tip does not touch bone, fat or gristle and the dial is easy to read when the basket is in the cooker. For smaller foods, use an instant-read thermometer that measures temperatures quickly with just the tip of the stem.
- Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of the food after lowering the roaster basket into the cook chamber.
- When the safe internal temperature is reached, check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer in several places to ensure the food is evenly cooked.
- Always clean your food thermometers with hot, soapy water before and after each use.
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How to Cook Turkey in the Big Easy Fryer
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey in the Big Easy?
Season the turkey liberally inside and out. Place the turkey into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker. Cook for 10 minutes per pound.Dec 30, 2017
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
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Crispy skin:Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 350 degrees can help brown the skin more effectively, creating a crispier texture.
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Moist meat:While a higher temperature might seem like it could dry out the meat, using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensuring you don’t overcook is key to keeping the turkey juicy regardless of the cooking temperature.
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Cooking time:Cooking at 325 degrees will typically take longer than cooking at 350 degrees.
How long does it take to cook a roast in the Big Easy?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Cook time varies based on weather conditions and the size of your roast.
Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy?
*Cajun spice blends have enough sodium, so there’s absolutely no need to brine the turkey or add any additional salt! The Big Easy Fryer will make the turkey nice and tender and juicy!
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in Big Easy?
How long to cook turkey in Big Easy? The cooking time for a turkey in the Big Easy is approximately 10 minutes per pound of turkey. So, if you have a 12-pound turkey, it would take around 2 hours to cook until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
How long does it take to cook a 16 pound turkey?
No fancy rubs. Just a 16 pound turkey, a little oil, and some seasoning and 10 minutes per pound. The Char-Broil Big Easy is a game-changing outdoor cooker that makes preparing moist flavorful turkey incredibly simple. With its infrared cooking technology, the Big Easy evenly cooks turkey without the hassles of deep frying or constant monitoring.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 325?
As a rough guideline, cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). For a more precise cooking time, refer to the instructions that come with The Big Easy Cooker. While your turkey is cooking, it’s important to keep an eye on it.
How long to cook a stuffed turkey in the Big Easy?
Here are general guidelines for how long to cook an unstuffed turkey in the Big Easy: For stuffed turkeys, add 15 minutes per pound. Monitor temperature and appearance closely near the end of the estimated cook time and remove immediately once done. With these timing guidelines, your Big Easy turkey will turn out perfect.
How long do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy Fryer?
Preheat the Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer on high for 15 minutes. Place the turkey in the Big Easy Oil-Less fryer until it reaches 165 degrees F. For this turkey the cook time was 1 hour 45 minutes. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes. Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy? Brining your Big Easy-bound bird ensures it will be as moist as it is delicious.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in Char-Broil?
The Big Easy is a versatile and easy-to-use cooking method, but there are certainly some tips and tricks to getting that turkey cooked to perfection. The cooking time for a turkey in the Char-Broil Big Easy can vary depending on a few factors, but generally, you can expect it to take about 10-12 minutes per pound at a cooking temperature of 325°F.