Bring something new to Thanksgiving with this Cajun Deep Fried Turkey Recipe! This step-by-step guide will show you how to deep-fry a turkey with a simple rub and injection liquid.
Thanksgiving is coming up soon, which means it’s time to talk turkey! For Thanksgiving, I always make a deep-fried turkey, but I’m sure every family has a different favorite way to cook a tasty turkey!
My Mom and sister have always oven baked their turkeys. My husband’s family likes smoked turkey. But my little family? We’ve started our own Thanksgiving tradition, and we deep fry our turkeys!.
I’m going to give you a recipe for Deep Fried Cajun Turkey and some basic tips on how to fry whole turkeys today so that you can make your own fried masterpiece this Thanksgiving!
Fried turkey is a delicious twist on the traditional roasted turkey that many people serve for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas When fried correctly, the turkey turns out incredibly moist, tender and flavorful with crispy, golden brown skin. Brining or injecting the turkey helps ensure it stays juicy when fried A Cajun-inspired fried turkey packs extra flavor from bold south Louisiana spices. This is one of the most popular and beloved ways to prepare fried turkey.
I have fried many Cajun turkeys over the years and want to share tips on how to make the best and easiest Cajun fried turkey recipe. This guide will cover choosing the right size turkey, preparing your turkey fryer, making a zesty Cajun spice rub and marinade injection frying technique safety tips and even how to reheat leftovers.
How to Choose the Right Turkey for Frying
When selecting a turkey to fry, you first need to decide between a fresh or frozen bird. Fresh turkeys have limited availability, usually just for the two weeks before a major holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas. So if frying a turkey for another occasion, frozen is likely your only option.
The benefit of frozen is that you can buy one any time of year. But you’ll need to plan several days for thawing before cooking. I like to allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4-5 pounds of turkey.
Next, make sure to choose a turkey that will fit in your pot. Most turkey fryer kits can handle up to an 18 lb bird. I usually stick to a 15-17 lb turkey to be safe.
Figure you need around 1.25 pounds of turkey per person when buying a whole bird with the bones. It’s better to have leftovers than run short!
Setting Up Your Turkey Fryer
Setting up the propane turkey fryer properly is key for success and safety. Here are some tips:
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Place the fryer outside on a flat, level spot safely away from houses, garages or wooden decks.
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Check your turkey fryer’s capacity and buy a turkey that will fit.
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To determine oil amount, place turkey in empty pot. Fill with water to cover by 2 inches. Mark water line. Remove water and turkey. Fill to line with oil.
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Use peanut oil which has a high smoke point and neutral taste.
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Heat oil to 365°F before frying.
Making a Cajun Brine Injection
Injecting the turkey with a flavorful marinade ensures it turns out juicy and packed with spice flavor.
My Cajun injection recipe includes:
- Melted butter for moisture
- Spicy Cajun seasonings like cayenne and black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce for umami
- Beer or chicken stock for extra juiciness
Use an injector syringe to insert the liquid deep into the breast, thighs and legs. Plan on 1 ounce of injector per pound of meat.
Refrigerate injected turkey up to 24 hours before frying. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your fried turkey will be.
blending a cajun spice rub
In addition to injecting for moisture and flavor, you also want to coat the outside of the turkey with a spicy, herbaceous Cajun spice rub.
My go-to Cajun rub recipe contains:
- Smoky paprika
- Zesty cayenne pepper
- Pungent garlic and onion powder
- Savory oregano and thyme
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Thoroughly massage the rub under the skin and into every crevice. Let it penetrate for at least an hour before frying but preferably overnight if you have time.
deep frying technique
Once your turkey is prepped, it’s time for the fun part – frying! Follow these tips for crispy cajun fried turkey success:
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Pat turkey dry before frying so the oil doesn’t splatter as much.
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Use a turkey rack or fry basket to carefully lower bird into the hot peanut oil.
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Fry turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound. For a 15 lb turkey, that’s 45-60 minutes.
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Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness in the thighs and breast. Look for 165°F.
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Remove turkey slowly so oil drains off back into pot. Let rest 20+ minutes before carving.
enjoy your cajun fried turkey!
I hope these tips help you make the perfect fried turkey this holiday season! Let that zesty Cajun flavor shine through.
Frying rather than roasting drastically shortens the cook time while still yielding tender, juicy meat with an insanely crispy skin. It also allows you to infuse so much more flavor into the turkey with brines and rubs.
Leftover fried turkey makes amazing sandwiches, salads, soups and more. I like to reheat gently in the oven wrapped in foil with a bit of broth.
Fried turkey does take some planning and special equipment. But it’s worth it for one of the tastiest and most impressive turkeys you’ll ever enjoy! Give this Cajun fried turkey recipe a try – I know your family and guests will love it.
Frying a Whole Turkey: Step-by-step instructions
When your oil is hot and your turkey is prepped, follow the steps below to fry the turkey:
- When your oil has reached 375° Fahrenheit. when you’re ready to put the turkey in the fryer, turn off the heat.
- Hang the turkey on a rack with the legs up and the breast down if you have one. Even if you don’t have a rack for birds, you can hold the turkey in a fry basket (a basket with holes).
- Slowly put the bird into the hot oil, a few inches at a time. Hold the bird in the oil and pull it back up if it looks like the oil is about to spill.
- Drop the turkey slowly until it’s covered in oil. Then, bring the oil back up to 375°F. Maintain this oil temperature while the turkey is frying.
- As a general rule, you should fry the turkey for 3 5 minutes per pound. So, a17-pound turkey would take about one hour to fry.
- Put the thermometer into the thickest parts of the turkey’s thigh and breast to see if it’s done. Make sure both are at 165°F. Having someone else help you with this step is helpful. One person picks up the turkey while the other checks the temperature.
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. To keep the heat inside, tent it with foil.
When should you inject a turkey before frying?
You can inject the turkey right before cooking it.
Feel free to inject it up to 12 hours before cooking, though. Then put it in the fridge to rest.
MAJOR FLAVOR Cajun Smoked Fried Turkey – First Time Deep Frying a TURKEY!
FAQ
Should I inject my turkey before frying?
What is the best oil to fry a turkey in?
What is the formula for frying a turkey?
How to make turkey skin crispy when frying?
How do you make Cajun fried turkey?
If you’re looking to bring something new to the holiday table, this Cajun Fried Turkey is the perfect recipe to try. Begin by mixing the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. This blend will be used to create an injectable marinade.
What is Cajun fried turkey?
Perfectly seasoned and juicy, this Cajun Fried Turkey will be the star of any gathering, with a hint of heat and a whole lot of flavor. It’s the kind of main course that will have everyone gathering around, eager for a taste of something different and delicious.
How do you fry a Turkey in a frying pan?
Prepare turkey by removing neck and giblets from cavity, then patting dry with paper towels. Prepare fryer by adding peanut oil and heating until the oil temperature reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Inject turkey with cajun injection fluid, about one ounce of injection for each pound of turkey.
How do you fry a Turkey in a crock pot?
Prepare fryer by adding peanut oil and heating until the oil temperature reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Inject turkey with cajun injection fluid, about one ounce of injection for each pound of turkey. Pat turkey skin dry, then thoroughly coat the outside of the turkey and inside of the turkey cavity with cajun spice rub.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
Season the turkey all over with our Fajita seasoning. We like this seasoning for deep frying because it contains no sugar and therefore will not burn in the hot oil. Prepare the turkeySubmerge the turkey in 350 peanut oil. The cook will take approximately 3 1/2 mins per lb at 350.
How do you inject a Turkey in a frying pan?
Aim for a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce injected per hole. Once the bird is injected, pat the skin dry again and apply a flavorful spice rub. Rub it deeply into the skin and into the internal cavity of the turkey. When should you inject a turkey before frying? You can inject the turkey right before cooking it.