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.
Deep frying a turkey is a fun and delicious way to prepare the centerpiece of your holiday meal. When done properly, it results in a turkey with ultra-crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast
But achieving deep fried turkey greatness depends heavily on choosing the right oil. The oil acts as both cooking medium and flavor enhancer. So you want one that can withstand the high heat of frying without burning, while also letting the turkey’s taste shine.
I’ve tested my way through many types of oils over the years to determine the best options for deep frying turkey. In this article, I’ll share my top picks and tips to help you turn out a perfect fried bird. Let’s get cooking!
How Does Deep Frying Work?
Before diving into oil options, let’s look at why deep frying yields such incredible turkey.
Deep frying cooks the turkey quickly by submerging it in hot oil, typically between 350-375°F. The hot oil seals in juices and allows the turkey to cook fast. In 3-4 minutes per pound both white and dark meat turn out juicy and tender.
The hot oil also transforms the skin into a salty, crispy shell. It essentially deep fries the skin, turning it into an edible bowl for all the moist meat inside.
So deep frying gives you a piping hot, golden turkey in about an hour, freeing up oven space for all your sides. No wonder it’s become a popular cooking method!
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Frying Oil
To achieve the ideal balance of crispy and tender, your oil choice is key. Here are factors to look for:
High Smoke Point – The smoke point is the temperature where oil starts to burn and smoke. For deep frying, you need an oil with a smoke point of 400°F or higher.
Neutral Flavor – Pick a mild, neutral tasting oil. You don’t want the oil competing with the turkey’s natural flavors.
Health Profile – Opt for oils lower in saturated fat when possible. Polyunsaturated oils like soybean and sunflower are great options.
Affordability – You need a lot of oil for deep frying, so cost efficiency may be important.
With those criteria in mind, let’s explore some top oil contenders for deep fried turkey perfection.
7 Best Oils for Deep Frying Turkey
1. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is the gold standard for deep frying turkey. With its 450°F smoke point, it can handle the high heat. The subtle, nutty flavor accentuates the turkey nicely without overpowering it. And the cost is budget-friendly. It’s easy to see why peanut oil is a top choice.
2. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil has a light taste that won’t compete with the turkey’s flavor. And its 450°F smoke point makes it perfect for frying. Sunflower oil is also packed with vitamin E and healthy fats. Its high monounsaturated fat content gives it a heart-healthy profile.
3. Soybean Oil
As an affordable, widely available oil with a 450°F smoke point, soybean oil is primed for deep frying. It has a neutral flavor that lets the turkey shine. And it’s low in saturated fat. High polyunsaturated fat content provides added health perks.
4. Canola Oil
With its 400°F smoke point and mild flavor, budget-friendly canola oil is another excellent option. Be sure to use refined canola oil, as unrefined has a lower smoke point.
5. Corn Oil
Inexpensive and neutral tasting with a 450°F smoke point, corn oil works well for deep frying turkey. It does retain flavors, so avoid reusing it. But fresh corn oil gives great results.
6. Safflower Oil
With its 510°F smoke point, safflower oil can withstand turkey frying temperatures with ease. The mild taste won’t interfere with the turkey’s flavor. And the high monounsaturated fat content offers a healthier profile.
7. Avocado Oil
The new kid on the block, avocado oil has a very high smoke point of 520°F. So it can achieve high frying temperatures. And it has a mild, buttery flavor that complements turkey wonderfully. A bit pricier but worth it.
While these oils differ, they all allow you to deep fry turkey to crispy skinned perfection. Now let’s get to frying!
Step-By-Step Guide to Deep Frying Turkey
With your oil selected, follow these simple steps:
1. Thaw the turkey completely – Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds. Dry the turkey inside and out.
2. Calculate oil amount – Place turkey in pot, fill with water to cover, remove turkey. Mark water level. Replace water with oil to same level.
3. Heat oil to 350°F – Heat oil in turkey fryer or pot to 350-375°F. Use a deep fry thermometer clipped to pot.
4. Lower turkey slowly – To avoid splattering, lower turkey slowly into hot oil using the fryer hook and rope.
5. Fry turkey 3-4 minutes per pound – Maintain oil temp between 300-375°F. For a 15 lb. turkey, fry about 50 minutes.
6. Check internal temperature – Turkey is done when breast meat temp reaches 165°F.
7. Remove and drain turkey – When done, slowly lift turkey and drain excess oil. Let rest before carving.
Be sure to follow any safety guidelines that come with your fryer. With the proper precautions, you’ll be rewarded with the most flavorful, moist turkey ever!
Cooking Oil FAQs
Still have questions about selecting and using oils? Here are some common deep frying oil FAQs:
Can you reuse turkey frying oil?
Yes, oil can be reused if strained, stored properly, and used within 2-3 months. Discard sooner if dark, cloudy, or smelly.
How many times can you reuse turkey frying oil?
Oil can be reused 2-3 times if cared for properly. Add some fresh oil each use to maintain levels.
What’s the shelf life of unused turkey frying oil?
Unopened, up to 1 year. Opened, up to 3 months. Store in cool, dark place. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
How do you dispose of turkey frying oil?
Once cooled, transfer used oil to an approved container. Check for local cooking oil recycling or contact waste management services. Never pour down drain.
Can you fry a turkey in olive oil?
Yes, but refined olive oil with a higher smoke point works best. Extra virgin may burn.
What’s the healthiest turkey frying oil?
Oils higher in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats like peanut, soybean, sunflower, and safflower are healthiest.
Get Your Fry On!
When chosen wisely, your frying oil can transform a plain turkey into a delicious, golden icon of the holiday table. With a bit of prep and the right oil, you can deep fry your way to the star of your Thanksgiving meal! Just be sure to pick healthy oils and follow safety fundamentals. before dropping your bird in the fryer. Happy holidays and happy frying!
Can You Use Vegetable Oil to Fry a Turkey?
Yes, but it depends on the specific product. Vegetable oil is a general label that can be used to market soybean, canola, or grapeseed oils. Some vegetable oils have a high smoke point that is suitable for deep frying, and some may not. Look for vegetable oil that is specifically meant for deep frying.
What Is the Best Oil for Frying Turkey?
There are several types of oil that you can use to deep fry a turkey, but we recommend using peanut oil. Many chefs agree that peanut oil produces some of the best results when deep frying. It has a high smoke point, which means its safe to heat peanut oil to high temperatures. Besides that, peanut oil works well for deep frying because it has a neutral flavor and it adds a crisp texture to fried foods.