| Do you have an extra five gallons of peanut oil | | | | cook a larger turkey remember that you will have |
| sitting around the house? Why not use it to deep | | | | to lift it over a pot of hot oil. A 12 pound turkey |
| fry a turkey? | | | | will cook in under 40 minutes so cooking two (24 |
| Deep fried turkey is moist and delicious and not at | | | | pounds of turkey) can still be done in well under |
| all oily. The skin sears instantly and seals in the | | | | two hours and think of all the leftovers you'll have. |
| natural turkey juices for the most juicy turkey | | | | Remove the neck and giblets from inside the |
| you'll ever have. It also cooks quickly at 350 | | | | turkey. Remove any pop up timers or plastic leg |
| degrees for about 3 ½ minutes a pound. | | | | bindings. The legs should be tied together with |
| That's a 12 pound turkey in under 40 minutes. | | | | butchers string so that they don't touch the side |
| You'll even have time to cook two turkeys if you | | | | of the pot while cooking. Do not stuff your |
| want. No more waking up at dawn to put the | | | | turkey. |
| turkey in the oven. Deep frying a turkey will also | | | | Defrost your turkey in the fridge for several |
| free up oven space for side dishes. If your oven | | | | days prior to cooking. Do not defrost a turkey |
| space is limited, think about how much room you'll | | | | outside of the fridge as this a great way to grow |
| have without a turkey in there. | | | | bacteria. |
| What do you need to deep fry a turkey: | | | | Stuffing and Gravy - When deep frying a turkey |
| Deep Fryer - You can buy the whole setup in a | | | | the stuffing must be made outside of the bird. |
| kit or you can buy everything separately. Make | | | | Also plan for alternate ways to make gravy. You |
| sure your pot is about 40-60 quarts. The burner | | | | will not have access to turkey fat like you would |
| should be large enough to hold this pot securely. | | | | when roasting a turkey. Frying up the giblets and |
| Most burners will use a propane tank as a fuel | | | | neck in a pan is one solution or save some |
| source and are not included in the kits. | | | | chicken fat from a previous meal a few days |
| Candy Thermometer - Having an accurate | | | | before Thanksgiving. And remember that a deep |
| thermometer is important to ensure that the | | | | fried turkey needs less gravy because it doesn't |
| turkey cooks properly and to avoid a fire. Candy | | | | dry out like oven roasted turkey, although that |
| Thermometers are long and usually have a clip so | | | | fact won't help your mashed potatoes. |
| you can attach them to the side of the pot. Most | | | | Deep frying a turkey is dangerous and proper |
| Deep Fryer Kits include a candy thermometer. | | | | caution needs to be used: |
| Meat Thermometer - After cooking your bird for | | | | The turkey fryer needs to be outside on a flat |
| 3 1/2 minutes a pound it will be done. If you have | | | | surface. Do not deep fry a turkey in a garage or |
| problems keeping the oil temperature constant | | | | a covered carport. Always keep a fire |
| then you may need a meat thermometer. The | | | | extinguisher (rated for grease fires) nearby. Large |
| turkey is done when the internal temperature | | | | oven mitts or a fireplace gloves must be worn. |
| reaches 160 degrees. | | | | Always wear eye protection and full face |
| Oven mitts & safety goggles - Splattering oil | | | | protection would be even better. A welding mask |
| is very dangerous. Oven mitts and safety goggles | | | | is probably overkill but it would be entertaining for |
| are a must. Fire Extinguisher - This is just a | | | | your guests. |
| precaution but it's better safe than sorry. Make | | | | When lowering the turkey into the oil, turn off the |
| sure the fire extinguisher is made for grease fires. | | | | flame. And do not allow those guests, especially |
| How to prepare for your first deep fry: | | | | children and pets near the turkey cooker. |
| Choose a turkey no bigger than 12 pounds. If that | | | | Follow these safety tips and use common sense |
| isn't enough to feed your guests then get two | | | | and your turkey frying experience will be safe |
| turkeys. Even if you have a pot large enough to | | | | and successful. |