The Easiest Way to Fry a Juicy Turkey with a Masterbuilt Fryer

Frying a whole turkey is a fantastic way to get deliciously moist meat and ultra-crisp skin, but it can seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before. With the right equipment though, it’s actually pretty easy! A Masterbuilt turkey fryer takes all the guesswork and danger out of deep frying your bird.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to safely fry a turkey to crispy, juicy perfection using a Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer No messy burner required!

Why Fry Your Turkey in a Masterbuilt Fryer?

Deep frying a turkey has many advantages over roasting it in the oven:

• It cooks much faster, in about 3-4 minutes per pound compared to over 2 hours for oven roasting. That adds up to big time savings on Thanksgiving day!

• The hot oil completely envelops the turkey, resulting in juicy, tender meat throughout. No worrying about dry breast meat.

• The high heat of the oil crisps up the skin beautifully. It gets ultra crunchy and delicious.

Frying turkey outdoors over a propane burner can be hit-or-miss though. It’s difficult to regulate the heat, hot oil can more easily catch fire, and accidents can happen when carrying the large pot of hot oil.

That’s where the Masterbuilt turkey fryer comes in! Here are some key benefits of using an electric turkey fryer:

• It’s much safer than an outdoor fryer. There’s no open flame it has safety features like auto shut-off, and the oil is contained.

• The built-in thermometer precisely regulates the oil temperature for consistent cooking.

• Its indoor location protects you from the elements like rain or wind.

• Drain clips make removing the fried turkey clean and easy. No oil drips as you carry it.

• The fryer can be used for steaming, boiling, and more in addition to frying. Very versatile!

Step-By-Step Guide to Frying Turkey in a Masterbuilt Fryer

Follow these simple steps for foolproof deep fried turkey every time:

1. Prepare the Turkey

• Thaw your frozen turkey completely in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours. Do not thaw at room temperature.

• Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavities. Rinse the turkey under cool running water.

• For best results, brine your turkey overnight in a saltwater solution. This infuses moisture and seasoning.

• Pat the turkey very dry with paper towels. Any moisture will cause hot oil to splatter.

2. Set Up the Fryer

• Place your Masterbuilt turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface outdoors. Never use indoors!

• Check that the drain valve is closed and the safety cap is in place before plugging it in.

• Carefully pour oil into the fill line, leaving ample room for the turkey. Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola.

• Allow the oil to preheat to 375°F. This takes 15-30 minutes.

3. Fry the Bird

• Lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil using the hook. Be extremely careful of splatter!

• Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes per pound. A 15 lb turkey will take 45-60 minutes.

• Use the built-in timer to track frying time. The meat should reach 165°F internally.

• When finished frying, hook the turkey and drain thoroughly before removing.

• Allow the turkey to rest 15 minutes before carving for juicy meat!

4. Handle the Hot Oil Safely

• Wear long sleeves, gloves, closed toe shoes, and safety goggles when frying.

• Do not overfill the fryer. Hot oil can bubble up and spill over.

• Avoid water contamination! Pat the turkey very dry and do not add wet ingredients to the oil.

• Monitor the fryer at all times. Don’t leave it unattended.

• Properly dispose of used oil. Allow it to cool completely before pouring it into a metal container.

Frying Turkey Safety Tips

While using an electric turkey fryer is safer than frying outdoors, you still need to exercise caution:

• Place the fryer more than 10 feet from any structure or overhang. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

• Don’t let children or pets come near the hot oil. Close supervision is a must.

• Do not consume alcohol while frying your turkey. Remain alert and focused.

• Allow at least 2 inches between the oil fill line and the top of the fryer to prevent boil overs.

• Never overfill the fryer past the max fill line. Oil will bubble up when the turkey is added.

• If you see wisps of smoke or the oil is past its prime, replace it. Old oil can catch fire.

Follow these safety precautions, and your Masterbuilt fried turkey will turn out picture perfect every time without a hitch! Juicy meat, ultra crispy skin, and incredible flavor in way less time – what’s not to love? Set aside your roasting pan and oven bags this Thanksgiving. With the right electric turkey fryer, deep frying your holiday bird is easy and incredibly delicious.