One of the finer aspects of hunting is the opportunity to enjoy the hunt long after you’ve left the woods. The memories you make, and the meat you haul out of the woods, ensure there’s more to the hunt in the days to come. That’s why if you’ve found success in the turkey woods this spring, the meat you’ve stored in your freezer is such an added bonus to the good times spent in the field. And if you’re looking for the best way to prepare that turkey meat, we’ve got a recipe you really need to try.
Fried turkey nuggets are standard table fare among turkey hunters, but this wild turkey recipe will take things to the next level.
These delicious turkey nuggets, soaked in pickle juice and fried golden brown, will quickly become a household favorite.
Deep fried turkey nuggets are a delicious and fun way to enjoy turkey meat. When coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading and fried until golden brown, these bite-sized pieces of turkey are sure to be a hit But to achieve the ideal texture of crispy outside and juicy inside, it’s important to deep fry the nuggets for the right amount of time Follow this guide to learn how long you should fry turkey nuggets to perfection.
Factors That Affect Deep Fry Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook turkey nuggets by deep frying
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Size of the nuggets – Smaller nuggets will fry faster than larger chunks of turkey. For even cooking, cut the turkey into nuggets that are a consistent 1-2 inches in size.
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Temperature of the oil – The hotter the oil, the quicker the nuggets will fry. The ideal oil temperature for deep frying is between 350-375°F.
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Breading type – A light dusting of flour will fry faster than a thick batter coating. The thicker the breading, the longer the cook time.
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Doneness preference – Nuggets fried less long will be moist for those who like them less done. Cook longer for browned, crispy nuggets throughout.
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Quantity fried – Frying a few nuggets at a time will cook faster than frying dozens at once. Fry in small batches.
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Amount of oil – More oil equals better heat circulation for even frying. Make sure nuggets are submerged.
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Meat temperature – Nuggets straight from the fridge take longer to fry than those at room temp.
Recommended Fry Times
For 1-2 inch turkey nuggets fried at an ideal 350-375°F oil temperature, average approximate fry times are:
- Lightly floured nuggets: 2-3 minutes
- Standard breadcrumb coating: 3-4 minutes
- Thick batter coating: 4-5 minutes
Fry Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these tips for crispy, golden deep fried turkey nuggets:
- Cut nuggets to a consistent size for even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp during frying.
- Work in small batches to prevent oil temp drops.
- Flip halfway through fry time for evenly browned nuggets.
- Test internal temperature to ensure 165°F doneness.
- Let cooked nuggets drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Safety First
Take proper precautions when deep frying:
- Use a heavy pot designed for frying.
- Prevent spillovers by not overfilling with oil.
- Keep pot stable on a flat surface.
- Securely attach thermometer clips.
- Turn heat off before removing fried items.
- Never leave oil unattended.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While deep frying makes the crispiest turkey nuggets, you can also cook them using these methods:
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Baked – Bake at 425°F on a sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air fried – Cook at 380°F, shaking basket periodically, for 10-12 minutes.
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Pan fried – Fry in 1⁄4 inch oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes per side.
Adjust cook times as needed to reach the safe internal temp of 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Coating and Seasoning Ideas
Choose flavors to complement the turkey:
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Marinate the raw turkey in buttermilk, lemon juice, or hot sauce before breading.
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Season breading with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, thyme, rosemary, etc.
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Coat in Japanese panko breadcrumbs or crushed corn flakes for extra crunch.
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Dip cooked nuggets in fun sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard, etc.
Get creative and add your own unique flavors!
Make Juicy Nuggets from Scratch
You can easily make homemade turkey nuggets from raw turkey:
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Dice 1 lb raw turkey into 1-2 inch pieces
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Toss with salt, pepper, herbs to season
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Coat in flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs
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Chill 30-60 minutes so coating sticks
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Deep fry at 350-375°F until 165°F internal temp
Form ground turkey into nugget shapes before coating and frying for a homemade version kids love.
Fun Family Meal Idea
Turkey nuggets are a versatile and kid-friendly dinner option. Serve alongside:
- Crispy french fries or tater tots
- Fresh fruit kabobs or apple sauce
- Mini side salads or roasted veggies
- Milk, juice boxes, or fun drink umbrellas!
Let kids help prep and pick dipping sauces for an interactive mealtime.
The Takeaway
For the perfect crispy yet juicy turkey nuggets, fry 1-2 inch nuggets at 350-375°F oil temperature for approximately 2-5 minutes depending on coating thickness. Monitor color and internal temperature to ensure proper doneness. With the right technique, you’ll achieve crowd-pleasing deep fried turkey nuggets bursting with flavor.
Ingredients for Fried Wild Turkey Nuggets
There are only a few simple ingredients for these delicious fried turkey nuggets. The hidden gem here, though, is the pickle juice. It creates a taste that brings a smile to my face every time! You will need the following:
- Pickle Juice
- Zatarain’s Chicken Fry Mix (or your preference)
- Wild Turkey Breast
- Oil for frying
How To Cook Turkey Nuggets | Wild Turkey Recipe
FAQ
How many minutes to deep fry turkey nuggets?
Time to Cook
If you do not have a batter bowl, place seasoned flour in a large bowl abd toss the nuggets in the flour mixture. Mix until nuggets are well coated. For the Traditional Fryer: Carefully place nuggets in the oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden and floating.
How many minutes to deep fry a turkey?
Slowly lowering the basket helps prevent the oil from bubbling over. Turn the burner back on. Cook the turkey about 3 to 4 minutes per pound.
Do you deep fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
keep your oil temperature to between 325-350; 2. turkeys 12 lbs and under 2-1/2 minutes per pound, and 12 lbs and over 3 minutes per pound; 3. if your turkey is floating it is overcooked.
How long does it take to fry nuggets in oil?
Add battered chicken, a few pieces at a time, to the hot oil. Fry about 4 minutes or until golden brown and done (remove chicken from oil to test). Drain on paper towels.
How do you cook turkey nuggets in a frying pan?
When you are ready to fry, put enough oil in a large frying pan to come up about a finger’s worth (about 1/2 inch) and bring it to somewhere between 325F and 350F. Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and put that in your oven. Set the oven to “warm.” Fry the turkey nuggets in batches so you don’t crowd the pan.
How long does it take to deep fry chicken nuggets?
The average deep-fried piece of chicken nuggets takes one minute to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The steps listed below will assist you. In order to get the most flavor from your delicacy, make sure it’s cooked all the way through in the oil. Add enough vegetable oil or peanut butter for each inch above. What you plan on using (e.g.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
Deep-fried turkeys are a popular food item in many Americans. They’re usually cooked for around 30 minutes, but some people like to cook them for much longer. The key to cooking a deep-fried turkey is to heat the oil up before adding the turkey. You also want to use a gentle pressure cooker when cooking the turkey.
How long do you refrigerate breaded turkey nuggets?
Set the chunks on a baking sheet, and do the rest of the turkey, 1/4 of it at a time. In an ideal world, you would rest the breaded turkey nuggets in the fridge for 1 hour. Do this if you can, because it will make the coating stick to the turkey better. If you are rushed for time, you can skip this.
Are wild turkey breast Nuggets deep fried?
Wild turkey breast nuggets are deep fried. The secret to making this deep fried treat absolutely delicious is the batter, which should result in a light crispy golden brown coating. We keep a few bags of wild turkey breast nuggets in the deep freezer for this recipe.
How do you prepare and fry a wild turkey?
To prepare and fry a wild turkey, cut the turkey into bite size pieces. Mix the seasonings and flour together. Dredge the turkey pieces in flour, coat with egg wash, and then into the panko bread crumbs. If you don’t have panko, double dip the turkey nuggets in the flour. This is how I prepare and fry chicken and other wild game.