Deep fried turkey is very popular at Thanksgiving, and these videos demonstrate how it's done. The deep fry turkey videos also demonstrate how your Thanksgiving meal can turn into a Turkey-day disaster if the proper precautions are not taken. The use of a turkey deep fryer is highly recommended. Deep-frying turkey is dangerous and should be done with extreme caution.
Peanut Oil You Say
Yes, peanut oil. Peanut oil can withstand the higher temperatures needed in deep-frying turkey's without burning. Other oils, including corn and vegetable oils smoke at lower temperatures and can create an unnecessary fire hazard, not to mention leave you eating just the green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.
Safety Precautions
- Only deep fry your turkey outdoors and away from anything flammable
- Carefully measure oil; too much oil can result in overflow and fire when the turkey is added
- Fully thaw the turkey before you deep fry it; ice in turkey can react with the oil and lead to overflow and fire
- Have a fire extinguisher ready
- Keep children away at all times - hot oils can cause potentially severe burns and accidents can happen quickly.
What To Do With the Leftovers
Alton Brown: Deep Fried Turkey
Chef Alton Brown demonstrates in this video how to deep fry a turkey. Brown discusses in this video the difference between free-range turkeys and heritage turkeys. He then demonstrates the art of brining, used to season and help keep the turkey moist when cooking. Brown recommends using a turkey that weighs less than 15 pounds; otherwise, he says, the turkey will take too long to cook and wind up dry. Brown then goes shopping for a turkey fryer, explaining what to look for and how to best use the device.
References
Fast Facts
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Oils used
Peanut oil, canola oil, safflower oil
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Cooking time
4 minutes per pound
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Fact:
Seasoned with injectable marinades or dry rubs
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Fact:
Smaller turkeys may be better for deep frying
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Fact:
Some newer turkey fryers don't use traditional oil - they cook using infrared heat
