As Thanksgiving approaches, I know many home cooks are gearing up to fry a turkey this year. While deep frying a turkey yields incredibly moist, juicy meat with crispy skin, the process requires proper technique – especially when it comes to putting the turkey on the fryer stand. Don’t worry, I’m here to walk you through the steps for safely securing the bird so you can enjoy foolproof fried turkey.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover:
- Choosing the right fryer stand
- Preparing your turkey
- Setting up your fryer
- Placing the turkey on the stand
- Lowering into the hot oil
- Frying tips for perfection
Let’s get started! Frying up the best turkey of your life awaits.
Picking the Perfect Fryer Stand
The fryer stand holds your turkey suspended in the hot oil. You want one that:
- Is sturdy and stable with no risk of tipping
- Fits your turkey size with a little room to spare
- Has a flat mesh rack to hold the turkey securely
- Includes a lifting hook for safe maneuvering
Quality stainless steel and aluminum stands with removable racks tend to work best. Avoid wobbly, flimsy stands that could upend and cause a spill.
Once you have a stand that fits your needs, it’s time to prep the bird
Preparing Your Turkey for the Fryer
Proper preparation is crucial for even cooking and optimal flavor. Here’s how to get your turkey fryer-ready:
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Thaw completely if frozen – frying a frozen turkey can cause an explosion from steam buildup!
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Remove the giblets and neck from both cavities.
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Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels – excess moisture can cause splattering.
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Season or inject the turkey as desired – try a simple herb rub or wet marinade injector.
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Ensure any stuffing is removed to prevent contamination from undercooked centers.
Now your turkey is prepped and ready for frying!
Setting Up Your Fryer Safely
Where and how you set up the fryer is critical for safety:
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Place outdoors on a concrete surface at least 10 feet from anything flammable.
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Position the propane tank several feet from the burner.
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Fill the fryer vessel with peanut oil according to manufacturer instructions, usually to the fill line.
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Heat the oil to 350°F and use a thermometer to maintain proper temperature.
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Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
With your equipment squared away, it’s time to put the turkey on the stand.
Placing the Turkey on the Fryer Stand
Once oil is hot and the stand is secure, follow these tips for painless placement:
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Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey to prevent splashing.
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Hold the turkey by the hook and slowly lower it into the fryer until the rack rests on the vessel rim.
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Ensure the turkey is centered on the stand and fully submerged in oil.
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Adjust the stand if needed so the turkey stays covered as it cooks.
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Turn the burner back on and maintain the oil at the proper temperature.
Frying the Turkey to Perfection
Now for the fun part – frying that bird! Follow these tips:
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Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound to ensure it cooks through. A 15 lb turkey will take 45-60 minutes.
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Monitor the oil temp and keep around 350°F for even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – target an internal temp of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
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The skin will turn golden brown and become very crispy when fully cooked.
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Carefully remove the turkey when finished and let rest before carving.
Be patient and fry low and slow for the best results. I recommend injecting your turkey with a flavorful marinade and using a dry rub under the skin to really take the flavor over the top.
Key Safety Tips to Remember
To recap, these are the golden rules for how to put a turkey on the fryer stand safely:
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Use a sturdy, quality stand that fits the turkey snugly. No wobbling!
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Thaw turkey completely and pat dry before cooking.
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Never leave the fryer unattended, especially when putting the turkey in or taking it out.
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Do not overfill the vessel with oil to reduce spillover risk.
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Slowly lower and remove the turkey with extreme caution.
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Monitor oil temp closely and adjust burner intensity to maintain.
Step 3: Prepare the Fryer
Introduction: How to Fry a Turkey
Turkey Fryer Lighting Instructions
FAQ
How do you position a turkey in a fryer?
Which end of turkey goes in the fryer first?
How do you position a turkey in an oil less fryer?
How do you put a turkey on a rack?
How do I set up an outdoor turkey fryer?
How to set up an outdoor turkey fryer: An outdoor turkey fryer includes a burner, stand, pot, thermometer, hanger or basket and lowering mechanism. You’ll need to provide a propane tank. Choose an open space to set up your outdoor fryer. It should be on a flat, level and hard surface that is at least 10 feet from the home in any direction.
Can you fry a Turkey in an indoor Fryer?
Usually using an indoor fryer is as simple as filling the fryer with oil to the pre-marked level and lowering in the fresh or thawed turkey with the fryer basket. Tip: Peanut oil is the most popular type of oil used for deep frying a turkey, but any oil with a smoking point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit will work.
How do you cook a Turkey in a frying pan?
Put on a protective apron and gloves. Preheat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Attach a fry thermometer to the side of the pot or use a digital read thermometer. Allow turkey to come to room temperature while the oil heats. Once the oil is the right temperature, turn off the burner and lower the empty basket into the pot for about 30 seconds.
Do you need a fryer for a Turkey?
Check your fryer to be sure it’s in good working order. Your fryer should have a burner, a solid stand, a hanger or basket, and a thermometer. You will also need a propane tank and a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires. You don’t have to have a fryer specifically for turkeys, but it should be big enough to accommodate your bird.
How much space do you need to fry a Turkey?
Frying a feast-size turkey (for this recipe, a 12- to 15-pounder) requires that you have both a very large pot and fryer burner, as well as plenty of space to safely fry outside. Choose a generous outside space on level pavement or asphalt at least 10 feet away from vehicles, decks, trees, and structures.
How do you cook a frozen turkey in a fryer?
Open the neck cavity and make a small slit where the turkey legs meet the breast. This will help ensure that the oil can flow freely through the bird, helping it to cook more evenly. Most frozen turkeys will already have this done, but fresh turkeys will not. Place the turkey in the fryer and cover it with water to measure the oil you’ll need.