Do You Cover the Pot When Deep Frying a Turkey?

Deep frying a turkey has become a popular cooking method for many families during the holidays. The end result is a turkey that is moist, tender and full of flavor. However, deep frying anything involves working with large quantities of hot oil, so safety should always be the number one priority. One of the most common questions new turkey fryers have is whether or not you should cover the pot during the cooking process.

Why You Should Not Cover the Pot

The short answer is no – you should never cover the pot when deep frying a turkey. There are a few important reasons why leaving the pot uncovered is crucial:

• Covering the pot can create pressure build up from steam, leading to hot oil spills or eruptions when the lid is removed. This can cause serious burns.

• A covered pot makes it harder to monitor the turkey as it cooks You can’t get a good visual on doneness or any issues.

• If a fire starts in an uncovered pot, it is easier to notice right away and address it. A lid can trap flames and allow it to grow

• Leaving the pot open allows steam and moisture to vent naturally from the cooking oil. A lid traps it inside.

• An open pot also lets you add and stir seasoning, turn the turkey, and tend to frying much more safely.

So for safety and ideal results, it is essential to leave your pot of hot oil uncovered when deep frying your turkey.

Key Steps for Deep Frying a Turkey

While keeping the pot uncovered is important, there are a lot of other key steps you need to take to deep fry a turkey safely:

• Use an outdoor propane turkey fryer and set up in an open area away from any structure or combustibles.

• Calculate the exact right amount of peanut oil needed based on turkey size – generally 3-5 gallons. Too little oil is dangerous.

• Thoroughly thaw turkey 1-2 days in fridge before frying. Partial frozen turkey can cause splattering.

• Dry turkey completely with paper towels before slowly lowering into the 350°F oil with fryer basket.

• Once submerged, maintain oil temp and cook 3-4 minutes per pound, no lid.

• Monitor closely and flip halfway through. Turkey is done when it reaches 165°F internally in thigh.

• When finished cooking, slowly lift turkey from oil and let drain/rest before serving.

• Allow used oil to fully cool before straining and reusing or discarding.

Handy Turkey Fryer Tips

If you follow safety measures and recommended turkey fryer guidelines, you’ll turn out a restaurant-quality bird. Here are some handy tips:

• Inject turkey with melted butter and broths for extra moisture and flavor.

• Coat the turkey skin liberally with dry rub seasoning blends for crispy, flavorful skin.

• Use a thermometer to verify oil temp before adding turkey. Maintain proper temps.

• Allow cooked turkey to rest 20+ minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Mix herbs, spices, citrus into the cooking oil for infused flavor.

• Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case of emergency flare ups.

• Fry turkey wings, drumsticks after the bird for bonus seasoned oil.

• Research oil recycling options in your community or proper disposal methods.

Is Eating Fried Turkey Unhealthy?

Because it is cooked immersed in hot oil, some people assume deep fried turkey is high in fat and calories. However, studies have shown that when done properly, deep fried turkey can be just as healthy as oven roasted:

• The high heat quickly seals in moisture and flavor without adding significant extra fat.

• The skin gets ultra crispy from frying without needing to be coated in butter or oil.

• If fresh high quality peanut oil is used, the turkey absorbs very little oil when cooked.

• The meat stays juicy and tender with less overall cooking time compared to roasting.

So while it may sound decadent, deep fried turkey is not necessarily unhealthy. When prepared safely with “best practices”, it can be a nutritious and delicious holiday centerpiece!

Is It Worth the Time and Effort?

Once you’ve perfected the frying process, deep fried turkey can definitely be worth the preparation. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Entire turkey cooks in under an hour – much faster than roasting.

• No oven space needed – great for small or full holiday gatherings.

• Meat is extremely moist and tender with crispy seasoned skin.

• Kids and guests love the uniqueness factor of fried turkey.

• Highly convenient method for feeding large groups.

While there are more safety steps involved, many home cooks feel the glory of the golden fried turkey is well worth the effort. When handled with care, it can quickly become your new favorite holiday cooking tradition.