If you’ve never fried a Thanksgiving turkey, make this the year. It’s delicious and done in an hour (unless you’re cooking Turkzilla). Just make sure you assemble and use my handy and safe turkey derrick!.
Come Thanksgiving, everyone’s looking for the perfect turkey. For juicy meat, ultra-crispy skin, and wow-worthy flavor, Alton Brown’s deep fried turkey recipe can’t be beat With a few key steps and safety tips, you can deep fry a turkey to perfection this holiday season.
Deep frying a turkey produces incredible results, but it can seem intimidating for first-timers The bird cooks very quickly submerged in hot oil, resulting in moist, tender meat and an unbeatably crispy skin But take heart, it’s easier than it looks with the right equipment and Alton’s tried and true technique.
Safety comes first when deep frying anything. With 350°F oil, caution is a must. Alton’s turkey derrick setup allows you to gently lower the turkey into the pot and lift it out, avoiding burns. Listen to Alton’s tips and you’ll have a fried masterpiece in about an hour.
Alton Brown’s Recipe for Deep Fried Turkey
Alton’s recipe relies on a 13-14 lb turkey, but you can adjust for a larger or smaller bird. Here are the key steps:
- Brine the turkey 8-16 hours for extra moisture
- Pat turkey dry before frying
- Heat peanut oil to 350°F in a 30 quart pot
- Slowly lower turkey into oil with Alton’s derrick
- Fry for 45 minutes based on turkey’s weight
- Check breast temp and remove at 151°F
- Let rest 30 minutes before carving
With the right fryer setup, this straightforward process lets you skip roasting and go straight to the best part – juicy, crispy perfection.
Selecting the Best Turkey for Deep Frying
Choosing the right turkey is key for both safety and the best end results:
- 13-15 lb turkey fits best in typical large pots
- No larger than 20 lbs since large turkeys cook unevenly
- Completely thawed and patted dry
- Leave giblets in cavity for more even cooking
- Avoid pre-stuffed or pre-injected turkeys
Within those guidelines, you have leeway for a fresh or frozen turkey. Just be sure it’s properly thawed before frying.
Setting Up Turkey Fryer Equipment
Having the right gear ensures a smooth frying process:
- 30+ quart pot with basket and burner
- Propane tank with hose and regulator
- Alton’s turkey derrick for lowering/lifting
- Instant read thermometer to check oil & turkey
- Thick frying gloves and long sleeves/pants
- Fire extinguisher for safety
With the turkey derrick, thermometer, and fire safety essentials, you’ll be ready to fry.
Mastering the Frying Process like Alton
Once your equipment is prepped, follow these steps:
-
Heat oil to 250°F initially to allow turkey to displace oil safely.
-
Lower turkey slowly into hot oil using the derrick.
-
Increase heat to return oil to 350°F cooking temp.
-
Fry for estimated time based on turkey weight.
-
Check breast temp early – remove at 151°F.
-
Let rest 30 minutes before carving.
-
Enjoy incredibly juicy meat and crispy skin!
It takes a little practice, but Alton’s method allows you to safely deep fry a turkey to crispy perfection.
Serving Up Your Fried Turkey
A whole fried turkey makes a dramatic table centerpiece. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Carve into slices to serve like a classic roast turkey
- Chop or shred meat for turkey sandwiches or tacos
- Dice and add to soups, salads, casseroles, or pot pies
- Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce
However you slice it, your deep fried turkey will be the star of the holiday meal!
Final Takeaways on Deep Frying Turkey
While deep frying a turkey requires care and the right equipment, Alton Brown’s recipe leads to foolproof results. For safety and success:
- Thaw, dry, and select the right size turkey
- Use Alton’s turkey derrick for controlled frying
- Follow oil temp and cooking time guidelines
- Check doneness temp early and allow to rest
This Thanksgiving, wow your guests with a picture-perfect deep fried turkey! It might just become a new holiday tradition.
A few notes on safety:
Large-vessel frying is serious business. Where you do this is very important. Make sure you are at least 10 feet away from any building, like your house, garden shed, wooden fence, deck, carport, or garage.
Also essential: A level surface. Do not do this on a wooden deck or a paved or concrete driveway. The oil will show up on these surfaces, and kids like to play there, so you don’t want them near your base of operations. A patch of grass or dirt that is level and free of toys and other obstacles is ideal.
Keep everyone at a safe distance, at least 10 feet away from your base of operations. This is no place for kids or any holiday drinking. Until your bird is done and delivered to the table, no alcohol allowed. Period.
A chair, a table with heat-resistant gloves, a timer, a stick-type lighter, a meat thermometer, a drink (remember to keep it nonalcoholic), and your trusty fire extinguisher should make up your base of operations. You won’t be leaving until the turkey is done and the fire is out.
Alton’s Deep Fried Turkey | Food Network
FAQ
What temperature is a turkey done Alton Brown?
How long does it take to deep fry a turkey?
How long to fry a turkey at 225 degrees?
What is the formula for frying a turkey?