Frying a turkey in a LoCo turkey fryer is a great way to prepare a moist, juicy and flavorful bird for your next holiday meal or gathering. But operating one of these outdoor cookers safely requires some knowledge and preparation. In this article, I’ll walk you through the complete process of how to start up and use a LoCo turkey fryer correctly so you can deep fry your turkey like a pro!
Selecting and Preparing Your Turkey
The first step is choosing the right turkey to fry. Opt for a smaller bird 10-14 lbs at the most. Larger turkeys take longer to cook, are more difficult to maneuver and increase the risk of oil spillovers. Thaw the turkey completely before frying, and remove the giblets and neck from the cavities. Pat the skin dry thoroughly with paper towels, as any moisture can cause hot oil to splash and pop. Do not brine or stuff the turkey, as this makes the bird more likely to rupture and overflow.
Setting Up the Fryer
Once you have your thawed and dried turkey, it’s time to set up your equipment. Place your LoCo turkey fryer on a flat, stable surface outdoors away from any structures or vegetation. Remove the lid and lift out the fryer basket. Make sure the drain valve is closed securely. Pour peanut oil into the fryer, filling to the maximum fill line which should be about 3-5 inches above the turkey once the bird is placed in the basket. This ensures the turkey will be fully submerged while leaving room for the oil to bubble without boiling over. Replace the basket into the oil.
Heating the Oil to the Right Temperature
Now comes the heating process. Open the propane tank valve all the way and turn on the burner knob to the “HIGH” position. As the oil heats, use a deep fry thermometer to carefully monitor the temperature. Heat the oil to 350°F – 375°F. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes depending on conditions. The oil must be within this temperature range to ensure the turkey cooks thoroughly without burning on the outside.
Lowering in and Cooking the Turkey
Once your oil has come up to temperature, you’re ready for the turkey! Very slowly and carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil using the basket. The oil may bubble up slightly. Lower it just a bit at a time, allowing the bubbling to subside between small drops. Take care not to splash yourself with the hot oil. Once the turkey is fully lowered, the oil should cover it by about an inch.
Maintain the oil temp at 350-375°F, adjusting the burner as needed. Cook the turkey for approximately 3-4 minutes per pound. Monitor it periodically, being cautious of oil splatters. Use your thermometer to check the internal temp of the thighs and breast when done. The turkey is finished when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the deepest part of the breast and 180°F at the thighs.
Removing and Draining the Fried Turkey
Once your turkey has reached the proper internal temperature, it’s time to remove it from the oil. Turn off the burner. Wearing quality insulated gloves, grasp the basket handle and slowly lift the turkey out of the hot oil. Hold it over the fryer for about 30 seconds to allow excess oil to drain off. Then place the turkey on a large cutting board or platter. Let it rest 15-20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to settle.
Cooling and Disposing of the Used Oil
After removing the fried turkey, turn off the propane tank and let the used oil cool completely before handling. Once cooled, the oil can be strained through a fine mesh strainer into a container for storage and re-use. If disposing of the oil, pour it into an approved container once cooled. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods. Never pour hot or warm used oil directly onto the ground or down drains.
And that covers the complete process for how to properly startup and operate your LoCo turkey fryer to fry up the perfect holiday bird! Just be sure to take precautions like frying outdoors, heating the oil gradually, wearing protective gear and carefully lowering and removing the turkey. Follow these tips and your LoCo fried turkey will be a huge hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
Tip 1: Use Peanut Oil For Best Results
Peanut oil works best for deep frying turkeys. It has a high smoke point which allows the oil to get very hot without burning. Peanut oil also leaves the turkey extra crispy on the outside and perfectly moist inside. Other vegetable oils like canola or corn oil can also be used. Avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point.
Tip 2: Dry the Turkey Thoroughly
It’s critical that your turkey is dried very well before frying. Any water on the skin will cause hot oil to splatter and pop aggressively. Pat down your thawed turkey with multiple paper towels until the skin is as dry as possible. All cavities should be emptied and dried completely too.
Tip 3: Allow Oil to Reach Temperature Slowly
Never rush the oil heating process. If the oil comes up to temp too quickly, it can cause more bubbles and dangerous boilovers. Heat the oil slowly over medium heat for a steady, gradual rise. This gives bubbles a chance to dissipate instead of overflowing the pot. Monitor it closely and adjust the heat as needed.
Tip 4: Use Sturdy, Fire Resistant Gloves
Quality insulated gloves are a must for turkey frying. They protect your hands and arms when lowering in and removing the turkey from the extremely hot oil. Look for gloves made from materials like knotted aramid fiber for heat resistance. Avoid loose fitting gloves that could catch and knock over the pot.
Tip 5: Have a Fire Extinguisher On Hand
Frying turkeys can start house and grass fires if the oil ignites. Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case. Choose an ABC dry chemical extinguisher, ideal for extinguishing oil or grease fires. Make sure it is fully charged and you know how to operate it prior to heating the oil.
Safety First When Deep Frying Turkeys!
While fried turkeys are delicious, safety should always be the top priority:
- Fry outdoors only in well-ventilated areas away from homes, garages, wooden decks etc.
- Setup on a flat, sturdy surface that won’t wobble or tip.
- Do not overfill the fryer with oil.
- Allow oil to heat slowly to the right temperature.
- Keep children and pets away from the hot oil at all times.
- Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, closed toe shoes and eye protection.
- Turn off propane tank immediately if oil begins smoking heavily or ignites.
- Have a fire extinguisher and medical supplies nearby in case of burns.
- Monitor the fryer while cooking and do not leave it unattended.
Follow these important safety measures and you’ll be enjoying perfectly fried turkey for years to come!
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FAQ
How long to fry a turkey on loco?