If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving meal at your home this year, it’s time to start planning the star of the show — the turkey. Why not switch things up this year by cooking it on your propane grill?
Grilled turkey is moist and loaded with flavor. Plus, grilling frees up your kitchen, so you have plenty of space to cook your favorite side dishes and casseroles.
Frying a turkey with propane can yield incredibly moist, juicy meat with crispy skin when done right. But how much propane do you actually need for deep frying a turkey? There are a few factors to consider when determining the right propane amount
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to figure out the proper propane tank size calculate propane requirements and safely deep fry turkey to crispy, golden perfection.
Overview of Frying a Turkey with Propane
Propane turkey frying involves submerging the turkey in hot peanut or vegetable oil heated by an outdoor propane burner. Key steps include:
- Thawing and preparing turkey
- Calculating and heating oil to 350-375°F
- Lowering turkey slowly into hot oil with protective gear
- Maintaining proper cooking temperature
- Cooking based on size – around 3-5 minutes per lb
- Checking temperature to ensure doneness
- Removing turkey safely once fully cooked
Deep frying turkey requires special equipment and extreme care to prevent injuries or accidents. Read up on safety tips before attempting.
How Much Propane Is Needed to Fry a Turkey?
The amount of propane required depends on:
- Turkey size
- Cook time based on weight
- BTU rating of your propane burner
On average, deep frying a turkey uses around 1.5 to 2 pounds of propane per bird cooked.
Here’s a rough estimate of propane needed based on turkey weight:
- 10 lb turkey = 0.75 – 1 lb propane
- 15 lb turkey = 1 – 1.5 lbs propane
- 20 lb turkey = 1.5 – 2 lbs propane
- 25 lb turkey = 2 – 2.5 lbs propane
To calculate precisely, determine total cook time and account for your burner’s BTU output.
Propane Tank Size for Frying Turkey
The standard 20 lb propane tank is sufficient for frying most typical whole turkeys in the 10-20 lb range.
Here are some estimated propane requirements for sample turkey sizes:
- 10 lb turkey = 0.4 lbs propane (20 lb tank ok)
- 15 lb turkey = 0.6 lbs propane (20 lb tank ok)
- 20 lb turkey = 0.8 lbs propane (20 lb tank ok)
For large gatherings, it’s smart to have an extra full propane tank on standby. You’ll need more propane for multiple smaller birds vs one large turkey.
Propane Burner BTU Output
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of heat energy.
The higher the BTU rating on your turkey fryer propane burner, the more propane it will consume:
- Lower BTU burner = less propane used
- Higher BTU burner = more propane used
Look for a burner around 35,000 – 40,000 BTU capacity for frying turkey.
Higher BTU output also means faster oil heating and recovery time if the temp drops after lowering turkey in.
Calculate Propane Amount Precisely
- Turkey weight in lbs
- Cook time per lb – 3 to 5 minutes/lb
- Total estimated cook time in hours
- BTU rating of your propane burner
- Lookup propane consumption rate based on BTU rating
- Multiply rate by total cook time
This gives you the precise amount of propane your fryer will need for your specific turkey cook.
Key Propane Safety Tips
- Place propane tank far from burner as connections allow
- Position tank so valve is readily accessible in an emergency
- Check tank is full and connections for leaks before lighting
- Have backup propane tank for large gatherings
- Never move or change propane tanks while burner is lit
Equipment Needed
- Outdoor propane burner (35,000 – 40,000 BTU)
- Large pot with turkey stand
- Propane tank (standard 20 lb)
- Deep fry thermometer
- Protective gloves, googles, long sleeves/pants
- Class B fire extinguisher
FAQs – Propane Fried Turkey
What size propane tank for turkey fryer?
The standard 20 lb propane tank is sufficient for frying most whole turkeys up to 20 lbs. Have a backup tank for larger birds.
How close can propane tank be to burner?
Place the tank as far from the burner as the hose connections allow, at least several feet.
Can you reuse oil after frying turkey?
It’s not recommended to reuse oil after frying a turkey. The proteins and seasoning make it unsuitable for further cooking.
The Takeaway
When deep frying turkey with propane, a standard 20 lb propane tank is typically adequate for most whole birds in the 10-20 lb range. For larger turkeys or multiple birds, have an extra propane tank standing by. Follow all safety precautions and fry responsibly for a perfect propane-fried turkey the whole family will love!
Preheat Your Propane Grill
Preheat all burners to medium-high heat. Your propane grill must stay nice and hot, about 450 degrees throughout the cook. Otherwise, you may wind up with an unevenly cooked bird.
Place your turkey on the grill in a disposable foil roasting pan. Add plenty of chicken stock and your favorite aromatics, such as onions and herbs. Position your turkey in the same direction as your burners. Close the lid.
Check your bird every 30 minutes and baste it with the juices at the bottom of the pan, adding more stock as needed. After two and a half hours, check your meat’s temperature in the thigh. Don’t take the turkey out until it reaches 180 degrees internally.
Once the turkey’s finished, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Then, get ready to feast.
How to Cook a Turkey on a Propane Grill
If your propane grill experience is limited to hot dogs and hamburgers, you may not know how to grill a turkey. Here are some tips to ensure your Thanksgiving bird is a meal your guests won’t forget.