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For cooks with a brazen sense of adventure, the idea of submerging a whole turkey in a cauldron of bubbling oil is understandably exciting. Deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey certainly has advantages: The technique produces a juicy, flavorful bird with guaranteed crispy, golden brown skin—and the whole process takes less than 2 hours. Plus, all of the action happens outdoors, freeing up oven space for all the holiday side dishes you plan on churning out.
But, there’s no better way to ruin Turkey Day than by setting the bird (and your house) on fire. If this is your first time frying a turkey, don’t just wing it. Our turkey frying guide includes step-by-step instructions and a few essential safety tips so your deep-fried Thanksgiving dinner will go off without a hitch.
So go ahead and fill the oven with sweet potatoes, green beans, and pecan pie; then head outdoors for this quick and easy way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey.
Frying a whole turkey is a unique way to prepare the centerpiece of your holiday feast. When cooked properly, deep-fried turkey is incredibly moist, tender and flavorful with crispy, golden brown skin. But to achieve turkey frying success, it’s crucial to use the right amount of oil. Underfilling your fryer pot can lead to uneven cooking, while overfilling with too much oil can be dangerous.
So how much oil do you need for a turkey fryer? The amount primarily depends on the size of your turkey. As a general guideline, you’ll need about 1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey. For example, an 8-10 lb turkey would need about 2-2.5 gallons of oil. A larger 20 lb turkey requires around 5 gallons. But every fryer is different, so check your appliance’s user manual for specifics.
We’ll go over key factors for determining oil quantity and provide a handy oil calculator chart by turkey weight Follow these tips for safely deep frying your bird to crispy, juicy perfection
Why Use Peanut Oil for Frying Turkey?
While you can use other vegetable or seed oils, peanut oil is the top choice for deep frying turkeys. Here’s why it’s ideal
- High smoke point of 450°F – Can safely reach temperatures for frying without burning
- Neutral flavor – Lets the turkey flavor shine without competing
- Crisp texture – Leads to an ultra crispy fried exterior
- Reusable – Can be strained and reused a few times
Peanut oil is the preferred oil of professional chefs for deep frying everything from chicken to funnel cakes It’s also affordable enough for home use
Fryer Size Matters
The maximum oil capacity of your turkey fryer or stock pot is a major factor in how much you’ll need. Small electric fryers designed for indoor use hold about 2.5-3 gallons of oil. Large propane-powered fryer kits for outdoor cooking can hold up to 8 gallons or more.
Always check your appliance’s manual for the exact capacity and fill lines. Never exceed the maximum fill level or you risk dangerous spillovers.
Turkey Size and Oil Amount
The biggest determinant of oil quantity is the size of your turkey. Follow this simple guideline:
1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey
So a 10 lb turkey would need 2.5-3 gallons of oil. A 20 lb turkey requires about 5 gallons. See the chart below for estimates by weight.
For turkeys over 15 lbs, you’ll get better results by separating the white and dark meat before frying them in batches. Trying to fry an entire 20 lb turkey can lead to uneven cooking.
Turkey Fryer Oil Calculator
| Turkey Weight | Oil Needed |
|---|---|
| 8 – 10 lbs | 2 – 2.5 gallons |
| 12 lbs | 3 gallons |
| 14 lbs | 3.5 gallons |
| 15 lbs | 3.75 gallons |
| 16 lbs | 4 gallons |
| 18 lbs | 4.5 gallons |
| 20 lbs | 5 gallons |
These oil amounts are general guidelines. The key is to fully submerge the turkey in oil with 1-2 inches of clearance at the top. Test this out the day before by placing your raw turkey in the pot and covering with water to the maximum fill line. Remove turkey and mark the water level – this is how much oil you’ll need.
Choosing the Right Cooking Oil
While peanut oil is best, you can use other neutral oils with high smoke points above 400°F like:
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sunflower oil
- Soybean oil
Avoid olive oil, butter, lard, or anything with a strong flavor. The taste will leach into the turkey.
No matter what oil you use, always monitor temperature with a deep fry or candy thermometer. Heat oil slowly to 350-375°F before frying turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound.
Safety Tips for Turkey Fryers
- Never leave a fryer unattended, oil can ignite quickly
- Keep children and pets away
- Don’t overfill with oil
- Allow oil to cool fully before disposing
- Use well-ventilated outdoor areas
Get Crispy Fried Turkey Results
With the right amount of fresh peanut oil heated to the ideal temperature, you’ll achieve the crispiest fried turkey possible. Serve it up hot for a memorable and delicious holiday centerpiece. Just be sure to follow safety precautions when using turkey fryers.
How to deep-fry a turkey:
Though the ingredient list for our deep-fried turkey recipe is relatively simple (all you need is a whole turkey and a lot of oil, plus any seasonings you want to add), the process requires very specific equipment. It might be an investment up front, but once you own the whole setup, you can deep-fry your turkey year after year. (You can also repurpose the equipment for a seafood boil come summertime.)Before you get started,
- Always fry your turkey outdoors in an open space away from the house, garage, swing set, backyard patio, or any other combustible structure. Do not attempt to deep-fry a turkey in inclement weather (if rain or snow gets into your fry pot, it could spell trouble).
- Arrange the burner on a flat surface and keep children and pets a safe distance from the fryer at all times.
- Wear heavy-duty gloves and a sturdy apron when deep-frying to protect yourself from the hot oil.
- Allow the oil to cool completely (at least a few hours; overnight is better) before moving or disposing of it.
The supplies:
You don’t need an industrial deep fryer to cook your bird, but you will need a specialized turkey-frying kit. Look for these at most hardware and home-improvement stores, or online retailers (we like this one from Amazon). Most turkey-frying kits use propane gas, though some electric models fitted with fryer baskets claim to be safe to use indoors (avoid these; frying a whole turkey indoors runs a greater risk of a grease fire). Make sure your outdoor frying kit includes the following items:
- 30-qt. or larger aluminum pot
- Propane burner with a hose that connects to a propane gas tank and a gauge for regulating the flame
- Poultry rack with a hook for lowering and raising the turkey
- 12″ deep-fry thermometer that clips to the side of the pot to monitor the oil temperature
Gas One Turkey Fryer Propane Burner Complete Kit
- A full propane tank
- A waterproof marker
- A heavy-duty apron
- Long, heavy-duty oven mitts (the kind you might use for grilling)
- An instant-read meat thermometer for checking the internal temperature of the turkey
- A fire extinguisher, in case of emergencies
The turkey: If you’re starting with a frozen turkey, allow it ample time to thaw before beginning the frying process (get our complete guide to thawing a turkey here). If you have a fresh turkey, simply pat it dry with paper towels. Either way, avoid using a wet brine or marinade; excess moisture can lead to splattering when you submerge the bird in the hot frying oil, resulting in dangerous flare-ups.
For most turkey preparations, including frying, we recommend dry-brining for optimal flavor and seasoning. A dry brine can permeate the meat, leading to a juicy, flavorful bird. More importantly, it dries out the skin, encouraging it to crisp and leading to a more controlled frying process. Note that some turkeys—such as Butterball and kosher turkeys—are pre-brined (often in water) and do require additional seasoning. Keep in mind that deep-fried turkeys should not be stuffed; instead, bake your stuffing in a casserole dish in the oven.
No matter which route you take, remember to remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity and dry it inside and out. (Excluding the liver, which can be bitter, reserve the neck and any other discarded turkey parts to make turkey stock.)
The oil: You can use any type of oil that has a high smoke point. Canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil all work well. How much oil do you need to fry a turkey? For a 12–14-lb. turkey, you’ll need approximately 4–5 gal. of oil. But pots vary in volume, so the method below will help you determine the precise amount you’ll need to fill your particular pot. Remember that the oil level will rise once you lower the turkey; this method factors in the clearance required between the oil’s surface and the top of the pot. Never fill the pot to the brim, which could cause the hot oil to overflow and set the whole thing ablaze.
Measuring Your Cooking Oil For Deep Frying A Turkey…101
FAQ
Is 2 gallons of oil enough to fry a turkey?
You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys.
How long does it take 3 gallons of oil to get to 350?
Turn the burner to high and heat until the oil registers 350 F. Do not leave the burner unattended for even a second; a breeze could blow something flammable into the flame, or someone could come dangerously close to the equipment. To heat 3 gallons of oil (enough for a 13-pound bird), count on 15 to 30 minutes.
What size fryer for a 20 lb turkey?
King Kooker 29-Quart Turkey Frying Cooker Package
Not only does it fry a mean turkey, but we loved how versatile this fryer is. Not only can it handle a 20-pound turkey, but it can also handle the large amounts of water necessary for a seafood boil.
How many gallons of peanut oil for 18 lb turkey?
For a turkey under 20lbs, about 3 gallons of oil is needed. This year we did 18lbs and I used 340 fluid ounces, which was about 2.75 gallons.
How much oil do you need to fry a Turkey?
Turkey weight – Allow around 3 gallons of oil per 10 pounds of turkey. An 18-20 lb bird needs about 5-6 gallons. Fryer size – Check your fryer’s oil capacity and leave room for the turkey. Allow 2-3 inches above the bird. Peanut oil – The most common and recommended oil for deep frying. Other vegetable or canola oils can also be used.
How much oil do you need for a 30 quart turkey fryer?
A 30-quart turkey fryer is a popular choice for those looking to cook a deliciously moist and crispy turkey. So, how much oil do you need to fill a 30-quart turkey fryer? The answer is approximately **8-10 gallons** of oil. Turkey fryers usually have a maximum fill line indicating the recommended level of oil.
How much oil does a Butterball turkey fryer use?
The Butterball turkey fryer requires about 2.75 gallons of oil max. The maximum fill line is the highest amount of liquid that can be used in the unit. According to most users, the fryer consumes 33 percent less oil than the traditional fryer. To fry an extra large turkey, you need about 2.75 gallons, that’s about 11 quarts of oil.
How many gallons of frying oil do I Need?
The general guideline is to use 3-4 gallons of oil per 10 pounds of turkey, so make sure to calculate the appropriate amount based on the size of your fryer. How can I safely dispose of used frying oil?
How much peanut oil for a 10 lb Turkey?
As a general rule of thumb, you need about 1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey. So for a 10 lb turkey, you’d need around 2.5 gallons of oil. For a 20 lb turkey, about 5 gallons is needed. Always follow your specific fryer’s guidelines and never fill above the maximum fill line. Too much oil can be dangerous.
How much oil does a 30 pound turkey need?
A general guideline is to use 3 gallons of oil for a 30 qt. pot and 3 1/3 gallons of oil for a 32 qt. pot. How much oil does a 10 pound turkey need?