How Much Oil Do You Need in a Turkey Fryer? A Complete Guide

Frying a whole turkey is a showstopping way to prepare the centerpiece of your holiday feast. When that beautiful bird hits the table, your guests will be amazed that you crisped the skin to golden perfection and kept the meat incredibly moist.

But to pull off turkey frying success, you need to use the right amount of oil. Underfill the pot and you’ll burn the bird. Overfill, and you risk a messy, dangerous boilover.

So how much oil do you need to deep fry a turkey? Follow our guide as we break it down based on turkey size fryer capacity and other key factors. We’ll explain turkey fryer oil amounts in a clear, detailed way so you can wow the crowd with your crispy deep-fried holiday bird.

Overview of Deep Frying a Turkey

Deep frying remains popular because

• The hot oil cooks the turkey quickly, sealing in moisture and flavor.
• It crisps the skin beautifully for delicious texture.
• The bird soaks up little oil compared to pan frying.
• Cooking is contained so oil splatter is minimized.
• With proper precautions, deep frying turkey is safe for outdoor cooking.

What Size Turkey Should You Fry?

For best results, choose a turkey that’s 10 to 15 pounds. Birds smaller than 10 pounds cook too quickly, while larger turkeys over 15 pounds take too long to cook through. The extended time in hot oil can lead to an overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.

Ideally, keep the turkey intact instead of cutting it into pieces. Frying a whole turkey makes a dramatic presentation when you carry it to the table for carving.

Factors That Determine How Much Oil You Need

The main considerations that dictate oil amount are:

• Turkey weight – Allow around 3 gallons of oil per 10 pounds of turkey. A 15 lb bird needs about 4-5 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.

• Other ingredients – If injecting flavors or deep frying other foods, account for extra displacement.

Calculating the Oil Amount

Figuring out the oil quantity needed takes just a few simple steps:

• Weigh your thawed turkey – Be sure it is 10-15 lbs for ideal results.

• Check your fryer’s capacity – The turkey must be covered by 2-3 inches of oil.

• Use a general guideline – Allow ~3 gallons of oil per 10 lbs of turkey.

• Add extra oil – Leave some room for turkey displacement to maintain coverage.

• Have extra oil ready – In case the level drops more than expected when turkey is added.

Oil Amount Guidelines Per Turkey Weight

Here are some general guidelines for oil amounts based on turkey sizes:

• 12-13 lb turkey = 2.5-3 gallons oil
• 14-15 lb turkey = 3-3.5 gallons oil
• 16-17 lb turkey = 4 gallons oil
• 18-19 lb turkey = 4.5-5 gallons oil
• 20-21 lb turkey = 5-6 gallons oil

These amounts are approximate. Always check your specific fryer and turkey to calculate precisely.

Selecting the Best Oils for Frying

Choose an oil with:

• High smoke point above 400°F.
• Neutral flavor that won’t overpower the turkey.
• Low viscosity to allow turkey to cook evenly.

The top oil choices include:

• Peanut oil – The quintessential turkey frying oil. Has a high smoke point and adds nutty flavor.

• Canola oil – An affordable option with mild flavor.

• Vegetable oil – A budget-friendly choice that gets the job done.

• Corn oil – Works well for frying with high smoke point. Neutral in flavor.

Avoid using extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, butter, or lard for deep frying turkeys.

Setting Up the Turkey Fryer and Oil

Once you’ve calculated oil amount, prep your fryer:

• Place your propane burner on a flat, outdoor surface away from structures.

• Carefully pour oil into fryer, leaving 2-3 inches of space at the top.

• Attach propane tank and check for leaks. Open valve to start heating oil to 350°F.

• Use long cooking tongs and thermometer to monitor oil temperature.

• Turn off burner and allow oil to cool completely before disposing after cooking.

Lowering and Cooking the Turkey

Follow these tips for safe deep frying:

• Fully thaw turkey and dry thoroughly inside and out. This helps prevent splattering.

• Use a fryer basket if available, or slowly lower turkey into hot oil with tongs.

• Oil may bubble up once turkey is added – turn off burner briefly if it overflows.

• Cook for 3-4 minutes per pound. Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer inserted in thickest part.

• Fry until breast meat reaches 165°F and thighs reach 175°F for doneness.

• Carefully remove and drain on paper towel lined pan before serving.

Oil Safety Tips

• Never leave a fryer unattended, as oil can quickly overheat.

• Avoid spillovers by using a pot with plenty of headspace above oil level.

• Ensure turkey is dried so hot oil does not splash out of the fryer.

• Cooking should be done outdoors given the large quantity of hot oil.

• Let used oil fully cool before disposing to prevent fires. Oil can be reused for future frying.

Storing and Reusing Frying Oil

• Allow oil to cool completely after cooking. Strain out any food debris.

• Funnel oil into an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.

• Reuse oil up to 3 times if stored properly. The flavor will become more intense with each use.

• Discard oil if it looks cloudy, foams excessively during frying, or smells rancid.

FAQs About Turkey Fryer Oil Amounts

How do I measure oil for a turkey fryer?

Place the raw turkey in the empty pot. Fill with water to cover it completely. Remove turkey and measure the water level – this is the oil fill line.

How much peanut oil do I need per pound of turkey?

Use approximately 3 gallons of peanut oil per 10-15 pounds of turkey. So for a 15 lb bird, you’ll need about 4.5 gallons.

What if I don’t have enough oil to cover the turkey?

If the oil level drops too low when you add the turkey, turn off the heat. Carefully add more oil to restore proper coverage, about 2 inches above the turkey.

Can I reuse turkey fryer oil?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then strain and funnel into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place and reuse oil up to 3 times.

Is it safe to eat reheated fried turkey?

Yes, leftover fried turkey keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat pieces in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 10-15 minutes.

What if my pot boils over when I add the turkey?

Immediately turn off the propane burner if the oil foams up excessively or spills over. Let it settle before carefully reigniting the burner.

Get Crispy, Juicy Fried Turkey with the Right Amount of Oil

Now that you know precisely how much oil you need based on turkey weight and fryer size, you can master the technique. Refer to this guide for a safe setup, controlled frying, and a delicious holiday centerpiece turkey everyone will love!