Fried turkey is a favorite dish for many during the holidays or special occasions. The crispy skin and juicy tender meat is hard to resist. However dealing with gallons of hot oil can be dangerous and messy. This is where oil-less turkey fryers come in handy!
Oil-less fryers like the Char-Broil Big Easy provide the taste and texture of fried turkey without the oil. Instead they use infrared heat to perfectly cook the turkey from the outside-in. Follow this guide to learn how to use an oil-less fryer to make the best fried turkey you’ve ever tasted!
Benefits of Using an Oil-Less Fryer
There are several advantages to using an oil-less fryer instead of a traditional deep fryer:
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No oil – Oil-less fryers eliminate the need for gallons of hot oil. This removes the dangers of dealing with scalding oil and having to properly dispose of used oil.
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Infrared heat – Infrared heat cooks food fast by penetrating the surface. This results in a crispy skin and moist interior.
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Safer – Without hot oil, an oil-less fryer is much safer. The turkey is contained in a basket so there’s no chance of burns.
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Convenient – Oil-less turkey fryers are very convenient. There’s no prep time needed for heating oil. Clean-up is easier too.
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Versatile – In addition to turkey, an oil-less fryer can be used for roasting chicken, baking pizzas, cooking steaks and more.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Turkey in an Oil-Less Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfect fried turkey without oil:
1. Select and Prepare the Turkey
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Choose a turkey that fits comfortably in the fryer’s basket. Allow 1.5 lbs per person.
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Thaw the turkey completely if frozen. Remove giblets and neck from cavities.
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Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Turkey
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Brush the turkey all over with vegetable oil using a basting brush.
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Generously season the outside of the turkey with salt, pepper and desired seasonings.
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Season the cavity as well. Popular options are lemon, garlic and herbs.
3. Preheat the Fryer
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Place the oil-less fryer outdoors on a level surface away from any structures.
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Plug in and turn the fryer on, preheating for 15 minutes.
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The fryer should be set to full power to properly cook the turkey.
4. Cook the Turkey
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Place the turkey breast-side up in the cooking basket.
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Lower the basket into the fryer’s cooking chamber.
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care that the tip does not touch bone.
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Cook the turkey until the breast thermometer reaches 165°F, about 2 hours for a 13 lb turkey. Cook time varies based on the weather and turkey size.
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For crispy skin, tent foil over the fryer for the last 15 minutes. The reflected heat crisps the skin nicely.
5. Check for Doneness and Remove Turkey
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Double check that the internal temperature in the breast and thigh reached 165°F. If not, cook longer.
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Carefully remove the basket from the fryer and place on a large sheet pan.
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Let the turkey rest 10-15 minutes before removing from the basket. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Slice the turkey and serve immediately for the best texture. Enjoy!
Oil-Less Turkey Fryer Tips and Tricks
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Brining the turkey before cooking helps ensure a flavorful, moist bird. Make a simple brine with salt, sugar and water.
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For best results, operate the fryer at full power. This ensures proper infrared heat levels.
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Use cooking spray on the basket wires first to prevent sticking.
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Tent foil over the turkey if the skin browns too quickly.
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Check the meat thermometer occasionally and rotate the basket if one side is cooking faster.
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Letting the cooked turkey rest is crucial for properly cooked meat and easier carving.
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Keep the fried turkey warm in a 225°F oven if it will sit longer than 15 minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil-Less Turkey Fryers
What size turkey can I cook in an oil-less fryer?
Oil-less turkey fryers can accommodate turkeys up to 16 pounds or more. Make sure the turkey fits comfortably in the cooking basket.
How long does it take to fry a turkey with no oil?
Cook times range from 8-15 minutes per pound depending on the weather, turkey size and whether it is stuffed or not. A 13 lb turkey takes about 2 hours.
Is fried turkey cooked in an oil-less fryer as tasty?
Yes, oil-less fried turkey can be just as delicious! The infrared heat crisps the skin while keeping the meat very moist and juicy.
Can I stuff the turkey when cooking in an oil-less fryer?
It’s safest to cook an unstuffed turkey in an oil-less fryer. If stuffing, cook until the center of the stuffing reaches 165°F checked with a thermometer.
What oil do you recommend brushing on the turkey?
Vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil or melted butter all work well for brushing on the turkey before cooking.
Enjoy Delicious Fried Turkey Without the Oil
Oil-less turkey fryers provide all the crispy, juicy flavor of deep fried turkey minus the hassles and dangers of hot oil. With infrared heat that quickly cooks the turkey from the outside-in, you’ll have a perfect bird ready in only a couple hours. Follow the tips above for your best fried turkey yet!
Ingredients For oil-less fried turkey
- 10/14 lb turkey
- 1-4 Tbsp olive oil
- your favorite rub recipe
- your favorite injectable poultry marinade
- oil less deep fryer found at Lowes or Home Depot
How To Make oil-less fried turkey
- 1 Completely wash the turkey inside and out. Remove giblet bag and neck bone of course. Do not discard. Use for your dressing and or gravy.
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2 Pat dry.
- 3. Rub the olive oil all over the bird, both inside and out. Put your favorite rub recipe on the bird, or just salt and pepper it. You can also brine the bird with your favorite brine. But still pat dry and rub with olive oil liberally.
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- 5. Put the needle in the fridge for four hours or overnight (overnight is best).
- 6. The oil-less deep fryer doesn’t need to be heated up first. Follow instructions. Get a remote thermometer and follow the directions. Put the bird in the basket that comes with the unit and lower it into the cooking area. Turn the unit on and wait for the thermometer to beep or buzz.
- 7. Cover the fryer with the lid for 15 to 20 minutes to get the skin just the right amount of brown and crisp.
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- Last Step: Don’t forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network and watch all of your friends drool. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too! .