This amazing deep fried turkey recipe is what turned me from a turkey hater to a TURKEY LOVER… My fried turkey turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful EVERY TIME (thanks to a simple fried turkey rub + peanut oil). AND the cooking time is trimmed to under an hour by using an electric indoor turkey fryer!
Frying a turkey for Thanksgiving or any special occasion is a unique way to prepare the holiday bird. It results in a juicy, moist interior with an incredibly crispy, crunchy skin. However, safely deep frying a turkey requires some special equipment and care One of the key factors is determining how much peanut oil you need based on the turkey’s size. So how much peanut oil is required for a 15 pound turkey?
Overview of Peanut Oil Amount
The general rule of thumb is to estimate about 1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey. Given this ratio, a 15 pound turkey will need around 15 quarts of peanut oil. Since oil is typically measured in gallons, you’ll want approximately 4 to 5 gallons of peanut oil for a 15 pound turkey. I recommend having at least 5 gallons on hand to ensure you have more than enough to fully submerge the turkey. It’s better to have a bit too much oil than not enough.
This amount provides plenty of room for the turkey to cook evenly while allowing space for the peanut oil to circulate and bubble properly during the frying process. Too little oil can lead to uneven cooking temperatures and possible burning or scorching of the meat.
Key Factors That Impact Oil Amount
Several important factors go into precisely calculating how much peanut oil you’ll require:
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Turkey size – The bigger the turkey, the more oil you need. The 1 quart per pound of turkey guideline gives you a starting estimate.
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Fryer size – Make sure the fryer or pot you’re using is large enough to fully immerse the turkey in oil. Measure to confirm it will fit.
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Oil displacement – The turkey will displace and absorb some amount of oil when you place it in the fryer. You need extra oil to account for this displacement factor.
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Evaporation – As the oil heats up to optimal frying temperature, around 350°F, some amount of the peanut oil will evaporate. Have an extra quart on hand to top off as needed.
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Testing with water – The most accurate way to determine the oil amount is to place the turkey in the fryer, fill with water until the turkey is just covered, mark the water line level, empty out the water, then fill up to the water line mark with peanut oil.
Tips for Safely Heating and Handling the Peanut Oil
- Use a deep fry thermometer to accurately regulate oil temperature. Heat to 350°F for optimal frying.
- Don’t overfill the fryer. Oil expands when heated. Follow manufacturer instructions for max fill lines.
- Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil to prevent splattering. Cook for around 3-4 minutes per pound.
- Allow oil to cool fully before straining through a fine mesh sieve into an airtight container for storage.
- Reuse oil around 3-4 times if stored properly in a cool, dark place like a pantry.
- Discard oil if it becomes very dark, foams excessively or smells off.
Helpful Turkey Deep Frying Guidance
- Dry brine the turkey in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before frying to ensure crispy skin.
- Inject turkey cavity with a flavorful marinade using an injector syringe. Cajun seasoning adds great flavor.
- Use an outdoor propane turkey fryer kit for safety. Never leave the fryer unattended.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of flare ups or emergencies.
- Allow the fried turkey to rest 20 minutes before carving to let juices redistribute.
Enjoy Your Fried 15 Pound Turkey!
While deep frying a turkey requires a bit more equipment and care, the end result is well worth the effort. You’ll enjoy juicy, aromatic meat with crispy seasoned skin. Plan for about 4 to 5 gallons of peanut oil for a 15 pound turkey to cover it completely during the cooking process. Follow proper safety precautions, and your holiday feast will kick off in style with this must-try fried turkey!
Fried turkey internal temperature
The easiest way to tell if your turkey is cooked through is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The recommended turkey internal temperature is 165 degrees.
When the turkey reaches the recommended temperature, put your silicone gloves back on. Carefully lift the fryer basket out of the oil, allowing the excess oil to drip back into the fryer.
Clip the basket on the draining holes to drip and rest in the basket for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the turkey to a platter lined with paper towels for an additional 10 minutes or so to soak up any excess oil.
Once the turkey is cool enough to handle, you can carve and serve it! I highly recommend using an electric knife for carving. It makes cutting precise slices effortless.
The Turkey Fryer Oil
Any common cooking oil can be used to deep fry turkey. But if you want the best-tasting fried bird, theres a clear winner in this category. My preferred turkey fryer oil is peanut oil for its rich flavor and high smoke point. In my opinion, its simply the best oil to fry turkey.
The downside? Well, peanut oil doesn’t come cheap! And you’re gonna need about 2.5 gallons of oil to fill up the large turkey fryer…
PRO TIP: Save the original peanut oil container after filling your turkey fryer pot. When youve finished deep frying your turkey, allow the peanut oil to cool completely. Then filter the cooled oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth back into the bottle. By doing this, you can reuse it several more times!
The Best Way To Deep Fry A Turkey In Peanut Oil For Any Holiday.
FAQ
How many gallons of peanut oil for a 15 lb turkey?
15 Pound Turkey – Use 5 gallons of oil and cook for 50 minutes. 20 Pound Turkey * – Use 5 to 6 gallons of oil and cook for 3 minutes per pound.
Is 2 gallons of peanut oil enough to fry a turkey?
You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys.
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey in a deep fryer?
Adjust the flame as needed at the hose or burner as needed, not at the propane tank. Fry the turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound of turkey.Nov 18, 2024
How long to cook turkey in peanut oil?
✅ Use the appropriate amount of peanut oil & fry in an open area at 375°F. ✅ Inject flavor & season the outside + inner cavity like a pro. ✅ TURN OFF THE FIRE when placing the turkey in the oil (safety first, y’all!). ✅ Fry for 3-5 minutes per pound, then let it rest 20 mins before carving.
How much oil to fry a 12 pound turkey?
You’ll need 2.25 gallons of peanut oil to fry a 12-pound turkey. This amount may need to be changed slightly. You’ll need 2.4 gallons of peanut oil to fry a 13-pound turkey. Always have a little extra oil, as it may be necessary. You’ll need 2.6 gallons of oil to fry a 14-pound turkey. You’ll need 5-6 gallons of oil to fry a 20-pound turkey.
Is it safe to use peanut oil for frying a Turkey?
Peanut oil is a good choice for frying a turkey because it has a high smoking point, which allows the oil to become hot enough to quickly cook the turkey without creating smoke or igniting. This is important for the safety of the chef and the surrounding environment.
How long does it take to cook a Turkey in peanut oil?
It should take approximately 3.5 minutes per pound to cook a turkey in peanut oil. Lower the turkey into the oil and maintain an oil temperature between 350 and 375 degrees F while the turkey cooks. It takes around this time for the turkey to cook completely.
What kind of oil to fry a Turkey?
The best type of oil to fry a turkey is peanut oil. It has a high smoke point and will result in a crispy-skinned bird. Here are some other oils that can be used for frying turkeys: Canola oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, corn oil. For example, if you are cooking a 20-pound turkey, you will need 4 gallons of oil.
How do you cook a Turkey in a frying pan?
Fill it with oil so that it’s at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to keep an eye on the turkey while it’s frying. Use tongs to turn it occasionally so that it cooks evenly. If the skin starts to get too dark, lower the temperature of the oil.