If youre planning to fry a whole turkey for the holidays this year, first pat yourself on the back for trying something new. Then familiarize yourself with cooking oil smoke points so you can get the best results with your fried turkey and stay safe during the process. Well walk you through some of the most common questions about turkey frying so you can handle your fryer like a pro.
Cooking a turkey can seem daunting, especially if you only do it once a year for the holidays. Many home cooks are nervous about drying it out or undercooking it. The good news is that oil-less turkey fryers provide an easy, foolproof way to cook a moist and flavorful turkey with crispy skin. In this article, I’ll explain what an oil-less fryer is, the benefits of using one, turkey cooking tips, and a step-by-step guide to cooking turkey in an oil-less fryer.
What is an Oil-Less Turkey Fryer?
An oil-less turkey fryer is a countertop electric appliance that cooks turkeys using radiant heat instead of oil. It consists of an outer metal housing that contains heating elements, a metal cooking pot, and a basket. The heating elements circulate hot air inside the fryer up to 450°F. This high heat cooks the turkey very fast and evenly crisps the skin.
Popular brands of oil-less turkey fryers include the Char-Broil Big Easy and the Masterbuilt Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer They provide a healthier and safer alternative to deep frying in gallons of oil
Benefits of Using an Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
Cooking turkey in an oil-less fryer has several advantages:
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Juicy and tender meat – The indirect heat gently cooks the turkey from all sides, preventing it from drying out. The meat stays incredibly moist and tender.
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Crispy skin – The high heat crisps up the skin perfectly. It gets crispy and browned without needing to deep fry in hot oil.
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Fast cooking time – Oil-less fryers can cook a turkey in about 8-10 minutes per pound, cutting the time almost in half compared to roasting. A 14 lb turkey takes only 2 hours start to finish!
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Safer and easier – There’s no need to monitor gallons of bubbling hot oil, The fryers have safety features like auto shut-off,
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Minimal cleanup – With no oil, cleanup just involves wiping out the pot and basket.
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Accommodates smaller birds – Oil-less fryers can easily fit turkeys up to 16 pounds. You don’t need an extra large bird.
Turkey Cooking Tips
Follow these tips when cooking turkey in an oil-less fryer:
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Choose the right size turkey for your fryer. Birds up to 16 lbs work best. Larger turkeys may not fit properly.
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Always thaw turkey fully before cooking. Cold spots lead to uneven cooking
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Dry the skin thoroughly inside and out with paper towels. Dry skin crisps up better.
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Season the turkey simply with just oil, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Avoid sugar-heavy rubs that may burn.
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Use an instant read thermometer to cook the turkey to 165°F in the thickest part of breast and thigh.
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Let the cooked turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof turkey cooked in an oil-less fryer:
1. Thaw and Dry Turkey
Remove turkey from packaging and thaw completely if frozen. Pat the skin and cavity very dry with paper towels.
2. Season Turkey
Rub the skin lightly with oil. Season all over with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Tuck the wing tips under.
3. Preheat Fryer
Assemble the fryer according to the manual. Attach propane tank if needed. Preheat on high for at least 10 minutes.
4. Add Turkey
Place seasoned turkey breast side up in the fryer basket. Carefully lower the basket into the preheated pot.
5. Cook Turkey
Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound, until the breast and thigh reach 165°F. If browning is needed, add the mesh lid for the last 15 minutes.
6. Check Temperature
Check the temperature in the breast and thigh with an instant read thermometer. Cook until 165°F.
7. Remove and Rest
Carefully remove the basket and turkey from the fryer. Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.
8. Carve and Serve
Carve the turkey and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your juicy, crispy fried turkey!
Tips and Tricks
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Brining is optional since oil-less frying keeps turkey moist. But brining up to 24 hours adds flavor.
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For really crispy skin, air dry turkey uncovered in the fridge overnight after seasoning.
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Cook stuffing separately to prevent undercooked centers from stuffing inside the bird.
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Lightly coat the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Carefully remove the basket after cooking.
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Add broth, wine or juice to the cooking pot for extra moisture and flavor.
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Cook aromatics like onions, garlic, lemon and herbs in the pot to permeate the turkey.
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Use homemade turkey stock to make rich gravy from the drippings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size turkey can I cook in an oil-less fryer?
Most fryers can fit 12-16 pound birds. Some have extenders to accommodate larger turkeys up to 20 pounds.
How long does it take to fry a turkey with no oil?
Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes about 1 hr 15 minutes. Add more time if cooking in very cold weather.
Do I need to brine or inject the turkey?
Oil-less frying keeps turkey very moist already. Brining or injecting adds flavor but isn’t required.
Can I get crispy skin without deep frying?
Yes, the circulating hot air crisps up the skin perfectly! Just make sure to dry the skin well first.
Is it safe to use an oil-less turkey fryer indoors?
Yes, they are designed for safe indoor use unlike traditional propane turkey fryers. There’s no dangerous hot oil.
What oil should I coat the turkey with?
Any neutral tasting oil like vegetable, canola or olive oil works well. Avoid strongly flavored oils.
How can I prevent the turkey from sticking to the basket?
Lightly coat the basket with nonstick cooking spray before adding the turkey. Be very careful when removing the cooked turkey.
Get Started with Oil-Less Turkey Frying
Cooking turkey in an oil-less fryer provides a simple, foolproof method for a picture-perfect holiday bird. The hot air circulation crisps the skin beautifully while locking in moisture. Oil-less frying is much faster and easier than roasting in the oven.
These countertop appliances take the guesswork out of cooking turkey. In just 2 hours or less, you can serve up tender, juicy meat with crispy, crackling skin. Leftovers will keep well for sandwiches. Give oil-less turkey frying a try this Thanksgiving or Christmas! Your family will be amazed at the delicious turkey you can make with virtually no effort.
Can You Reuse Peanut Oil?
Yes, if you follow safety standards, you can reuse peanut oil. Allow the peanut oil to cool completely before removing it from the pot, then put it back into its original container(s) for storage. You should cover the oil during storage and keep it in a cool, dark area. If you wont be using it within a month, experts recommend storing peanut oil in your refrigerator or freezer.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Peanut Oil?
When cared for and stored properly, you can reuse peanut oil three to five times within six months before you need to toss it out. Youll need to add fresh oil each time you deep fry a turkey to maintain the required oil level. Reusing the same peanut oil can impart a deeper, richer flavor to your turkeys, so the umami goodness will increase as you fry multiple turkeys for a Thanksgiving event.