How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a 7 lb Turkey Breast?

Deep frying a turkey breast can seem intimidating for first-timers, but it yields incredibly moist, juicy meat with crispy skin when done properly. If you’re attempting your first fried turkey breast, a 7 lb breast is a great size to start with. But the big question is, how long does it actually take to deep fry a 7 lb turkey breast? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Picking the Right Size Turkey Breast

A 7 lb turkey breast is ideal for a smaller gathering of 6-8 people. It’s also a manageable size for beginners to handle when lowering into the hot oil. When buying your breast, make sure it will fit comfortably in your pot with ample room to spare. Overfilling is dangerous.

For a larger group, you can go up to a 10-12 lb breast. However, the cook time won’t scale linearly. A larger breast will take a bit longer per pound due to having denser, thicker meat. The difference is marginal though.

No matter the size, make sure your turkey breast is fully thawed before frying This ensures it cooks evenly

Preparing Your Rub and Brining

To infuse flavor all the way to the bone, you’ll want to brine the turkey breast before frying. A simple dry brine works great.

Combine sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, and chili powder to form a spice rub Generously coat the entire breast. Then wrap it tightly in foil and refrigerate for 24 hours This allows the salt and spices to thoroughly penetrate the meat.

After brining let the breast come to room temperature before frying, about 20-30 minutes. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.

Heating up the Oil

Peanut, vegetable, canola, or any high smoke point neutral oil may be used for frying. The most important factor is using enough oil to safely submerge the breast while leaving ample room at the top.

For a 7 lb breast, you’ll need at least 2 gallons or more. Always err on the side of more oil. Overfilling with turkey is extremely dangerous.

Heat the oil to 325°F in a large stockpot or deep fryer. Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining proper oil temp is crucial throughout cooking for an ideal crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Frying Time for a 7 lb Breast

Once your oil reaches temperature, gently lower the breast into the pot. Cover and fry for about 25 minutes, adjusting as needed based on thickness. Don’t overcrowd the pot.

Use an instant read thermometer to check doneness, aiming for 165°F in the thickest part. The breast should be golden brown on the outside while piping hot and tender inside when pierced with a fork.

If the internal temp is below 165°F, fry for 2-3 additional minutes and recheck until properly cooked. Never undercook poultry as it can harbor dangerous bacteria.

Resting, Carving and Serving

Once cooked through, carefully remove the breast from the oil and let rest on a platter for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to reabsorb for maximum juiciness.

Carve into slices, drizzle with gravy, and serve immediately. Fried turkey breast pairs perfectly with traditional thanksgiving sides. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy again.

Fried Turkey Breast Safety Tips

• Never overfill the pot with oil or turkey. Leave ample room.
• Maintain oil temp at 325°F for optimal results.
• Use cooking thermometer to ensure breast reaches safe 165°F.
• Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry a single breast at a time.
• Do not leave hot oil unattended.
• Allow oil to fully cool before disposing properly.

Common Turkey Fryer Questions

How long does it take per pound?

For a 7 lb breast, the total cook time is around 25 minutes. As a general guideline, expect approximately 3-4 minutes per pound. Larger breasts may take slightly longer.

Can I fry a frozen breast?

Always thaw breast fully before frying. The Maillard reaction won’t occur properly on frozen meat. Plus, it will lower the oil temp excessively when added.

What oil temperature should I use?

Heat oil to 325°F and maintain this temp throughout cooking. Any hotter risks burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

What if my breast is larger than 7 lbs?

Use the 3-4 minutes per pound as a baseline. You may need to add 5-10 minutes for larger, denser breasts. Check temperature regularly to monitor doneness.

How much oil do I need?

Use at least 2 gallons of oil, ensuring the breast is fully submerged with extra room at the top. Never fill more than 2/3 full. More is always safer than less when deep frying.

The Takeaway

For most home cooks, a 7 lb turkey breast is the perfect maiden voyage into the world of deep fried turkey. With ample hot oil and about 25 minutes of cook time, you’ll achieve the crispiest skin imaginable with incredibly moist meat that your guests will rave about. Adhere to these turkey frying safety tips, and you’ll have a new go-to cooking method in your back pocket. Just be prepared for the never-ending requests to deep fry again next year!