Deep frying a turkey is a delicious alternative to roasting it in the oven. It results in juicy, tender meat enveloped in a wonderfully crispy, golden skin. But frying a whole turkey can be daunting for novice cooks. A great place to start is with a turkey breast, which comes together more easily and quickly. If you’re wondering how long it takes to deep fry a 7 lb turkey breast, read on for the details.
Why Fry a Turkey Breast?
Frying a whole turkey requires a huge pot, a lot of oil, and some nerve. It’s difficult maneuvering a 15 lb bird in hot oil. Any slip up could lead to burns or damage.
A turkey breast is smaller and more manageable. You need less oil to submerge it. And since it’s quicker to cook, there’s less risk of burns or overcooking. It’s an ideal intro to turkey frying.
A fried turkey breast makes a stunning smaller holiday meal. It can feed a gathering of 6-12 easily. The presentation is beautiful with golden crispy skin and moist flavorful meat. Your guests will be impressed!
How to Deep Fry a Turkey Breast
Deep frying requires caution, but it’s not complicated. Here are the basic steps:
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Choose your turkey breast – Plan for about 1/2 pound of uncooked turkey per person A 7 lb breast will feed 12-14
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Make a rub – For flavor, coat the breast in spices like salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic.
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Refrigerate – Chill the breast 6-24 hours after rubbing. This “dry brines” it.
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Heat the oil – Use an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut. Heat to 325°F in a stockpot.
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Fry the breast – Lower it slowly into the hot oil. Cover the pot.
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Check for doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
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Rest and serve – Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
How Long Does a 7 lb Turkey Breast Take to Fry?
The frying time can vary a bit depending on the specific size and shape of your turkey breast. But in general, a 7 lb turkey breast takes about 25 minutes to fry at 325°F.
Here are more estimates based on breast size:
- 3-4 lb breast: 15-18 minutes
- 5-6 lb breast: 20-23 minutes
- 7-8 lb breast: 25-28 minutes
- 9-10 lb breast: 30-35 minutes
The key is frying the breast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Check with an instant read thermometer to be sure it’s cooked through. If it’s not quite done, fry a few more minutes until it reaches 165°F.
Tips for Successful Turkey Breast Frying
Frying turkey can seem scary if you’ve never done it before. But follow these tips and safety measures for fantastic results:
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Use a thermometer to monitor oil temp. Maintain 325°F.
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Fry outside on a flat surface away from structures.
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Don’t overfill the pot with oil. Allow room for the breast.
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Dry the breast well before frying so hot oil doesn’t splash.
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Lower it slowly into the hot oil to prevent splattering.
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Wear long sleeves and gloves to avoid burns from splatters.
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Keep kids and pets away from the hot oil.
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Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
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Dispose of oil properly after cooking. Never pour down the drain.
Make an Amazing Fried Turkey Breast
While frying a whole turkey is quite an endeavor, frying just the breast is approachable for cooks of all skill levels. A 7 lb turkey breast fries up golden and delicious in about 25 minutes.
Follow basic safety tips and use a thermometer for perfect results. Serve your fried turkey breast with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Your holiday table or family dinner will be one to remember!
Deep Fried Turkey Breast – Thanksgiving Dinner Made Easy
FAQ
How long does it take to deep fry a 7 pound turkey breast?
Can you deep fry a butterball turkey breast?
Do you fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
How hot should oil be to fry turkey breast?
How long do you deep fry a turkey breast?
Fry the turkey: Heat the oil to 325 degrees F in a large lidded pot. Lower the breast into the pot, cover, and fry until the turkey is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a Turkey Breast? A 7-pound turkey breast should be fully cooked after about 25 minutes in oil heated to 325 degrees F.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
However, this amount of salt is needed to help cut through the oil and help the turkey taste well-seasoned. This is the best part of deep-frying a turkey. Instead of the usual 13 to 15 minutes, fried turkey takes just three and a half minutes per pound. A ten-pound turkey will take 35 minutes; a 12-pound turkey about 42 minutes.
How long can you keep a deep fried turkey breast?
Make sure that you pre heat the oil before adding the turkey breast. It should reach 350°F, which you can check with a deep frying thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature of the oil during cooking and adjust the heat as necessary. Store leftover deep fried turkey breast in an airtight contianer in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How much oil do you need to deep fry a turkey breast?
To determine the amount of oil needed to deep fry the turkey breast, place the breast in a large, deep stock pot and cover with water by 3 inches. Mark the water level and remove the breast – this is the amount of oil needed to fry your turkey breast.
How long does a 7 pound turkey breast take to cook?
A 7-pound turkey breast should be fully cooked after about 25 minutes in oil heated to 325 degrees F. It might take more or less time if your turkey breast is larger or smaller. Make sure your turkey is done by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
What temperature should a turkey breast be fried at?
When you slowly lower the turkey into the oil (with the propane off!) the temperature will drop. Frying at about 325 is optimum. Start checking the bird’s temperature at about the 30-minute mark. When the temperature of the breast reaches 155 degrees, turn off the propane and then remove the turkey to a sheet pan.