Not everyone can use peanut oil – allergies, taste preferences, or simply running out last minute.
Frying a turkey is a popular cooking method that results in a juicy, crispy bird with amazing flavor. Traditionally, peanut oil has been the top choice for deep frying turkeys. But what about using avocado oil instead? Let’s take a look at whether you can fry a turkey in avocado oil.
Overview of Frying Turkeys
Deep frying a turkey involves fully submerging the bird in hot oil to cook it. The high heat of the oil crisps up the skin while sealing in moisture. Fried turkeys cook very quickly compared to other methods.
Peanut oil has been the classic frying oil because it has a high smoke point of 450°F This allows the oil to withstand the high heat needed to fry a turkey without burning,
But avocado oil has recently emerged as a potential alternative frying oil. It also has a very high smoke point and some potential health benefits as well.
Can You Use Avocado Oil for Frying Turkey?
The good news is yes you can absolutely use avocado oil to fry a turkey! Here’s what you need to know about using it
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Avocado oil has a very high smoke point of about 520°F, even higher than peanut oil. This allows it to get hot enough for deep frying.
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It has a mild, neutral flavor that won’t overwhelm the turkey or get transferred to the meat.
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It contains heart-healthy fats like oleic acid instead of more saturated fats.
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It works well for any deep frying recipe and can withstand the high heat.
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Make sure to use refined avocado oil which has the highest smoke point. Unrefined has a lower point.
As long as you have a high quality refined avocado oil, it performs excellently for deep frying a turkey!
Tips for Frying Turkey in Avocado Oil
Follow these tips for success when frying with avocado oil:
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Heat oil to 350-375°F to maintain proper frying temperature. Use a thermometer.
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Carefully lower turkey into hot oil slowly using a turkey frying rig.
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Fry turkey for 3-5 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
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Let oil return to temp between frying if doing multiple turkeys.
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Allow cooked turkey to rest 20 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
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Re-filter oil through cheesecloth after each use to remove food particles.
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Store used oil in an airtight container for future reuse. Can re-use oil 2-3 times.
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Be sure to monitor oil temp and don’t overfill pot to prevent spillover fire hazard.
Avocado Oil smoke point vs. Peanut Oil
Both avocado and peanut oil have suitably high smoke points for deep frying:
- Refined avocado oil smoke point: 520°F
- Peanut oil smoke point: 450°F
So avocado oil can technically withstand slightly higher frying temperatures than peanut oil before burning. Both work excellently and can be reused multiple times when strained properly after each use.
Peanut oil still remains a top choice for its versatility and affordable price point. But avocado oil frying provides the added bonus of more “good fat.” So either oil is a good option!
Is Avocado Oil Healthier for Frying?
Compared to frying with other refined oils, avocado oil is healthier for a few reasons:
- Rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid which are beneficial to heart health
- Contains lutein which supports eye health
- Higher in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation
- Neutral taste doesn’t require lots of seasoning or breading
Keep in mind that deep frying itself can degrade some of the health benefits of avocado oil at very high heat. But overall it still retains more nutrients than many other oils.
The Bottom Line
Avocado oil is absolutely suitable for deep frying a turkey or other foods. It has a very high smoke point, neutral flavor, and adds some potential health bonuses. For best results, use high quality refined avocado oil and maintain proper oil temperatures. Then you can enjoy a delicious fried turkey!
1 – Refined Avocado Oil
When it comes to finding the optimal cooking oil, there is nothing quite like avocado oil.
It is made by cold-pressing ripe avocados to make it smoother. Its antioxidant properties make it a great choice for drizzling on salads or even using as a cooking oil for grilling or browning.
When compared to other oils, avocado oil stands out because of its mild flavor. It gives food a nutty sweetness without being too strong.
Are you looking for a good alternative to peanut oil for frying turkey? Avocado oil is a great choice.
It doesn’t burn when deep-frying because its smoke point is higher than other vegetable oils. The turkey will have a tasty crunchy finish that keeps the natural juices inside.
Why Use Peanut Oil for Deep-frying Turkey?
Picking the right oil for deep-frying your turkey is a crucial choice, and peanut oil is one of the best choices out there.
People like peanut oil because it doesn’t taste bad and has a higher smoke point than other cooking oils like canola or vegetable oil.
There are many good reasons to use peanut oil when deep-frying turkey. One is that it can handle the high temperatures needed to cook the bird quickly and evenly.
Its smooth texture adds a light nuttiness that brings out the flavors of turkey without making them too strong.
It also has a lot of healthy fats and nutrients that help make sure your food is cooked in a way that keeps its nutritional value.
Also, it’s very simple to use: just heat up your fryer with peanut oil before adding your bird, and then carefully watch it cook until it’s golden brown.
What kind of oil do you use to fry a turkey?
FAQ
What is the best oil for frying a turkey?
Is avocado oil safe for frying?
What temperature do you fry with avocado oil?
Can you use avocado oil to deep fry chicken?
Can you use avocado oil to deep fry a Turkey?
It can withstand high temperatures for longer periods and imparts a rich, buttery taste to the food being fried. The downside with avocado oil is that it can be quite expensive, and considering the amount of oil you would need to deep fry a turkey, you’d be forced to think twice before using it.
Can I use avocado oil for frying or sauteing?
Avocado oil is by far the safest oil for high heat cooking, like frying, due to its extremely high smoke point (as high as 500°F). Use avocado oil just like regular frying oil to reduce the risk and make a healthier choice.
Can you deep fry a Turkey with olive oil?
Don’t use olive oil or straight vegetable oil blends for deep frying turkey. They have much lower smoke points around 325-400°F. Using them risks burning the oil and turkey. Before deep frying your turkey, let’s go over some common questions about selecting oils. How much oil do you need to deep fry a turkey?
Can you fry a Turkey with peanut oil?
No, you don’t have to stick with peanut oil when you fry a turkey. Any frying oil with a smoke point over 425 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable. Try these oils for deep frying: Can You Use Vegetable Oil to Fry a Turkey? Yes, but it depends on the specific product.
How do you deep fry a Turkey?
Here are a few additional tips for deep frying a turkey: * Use a deep fryer that is large enough to accommodate the turkey. * Fill the fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey halfway. * Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey. * Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. * Cook the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound.
Can you deep fry a Turkey outside?
Stick to oils with high smoke points. While deep fried turkey is delicious, you need to take safety precautions: Deep fry the turkey outdoors away from your house and flammable objects. Don’t overfill the pot with oil. Leave at least 4 inches of headspace. Keep children and pets away from the hot oil. Have a fire extinguisher on hand.