Bring something new to Thanksgiving with this Cajun Deep Fried Turkey Recipe! This step-by-step guide will show you how to deep-fry a turkey with a simple rub and injection liquid.
Thanksgiving is coming up soon, which means it’s time to talk turkey! For Thanksgiving, I always make a deep-fried turkey, but I’m sure every family has a different favorite way to cook a tasty turkey!
My Mom and sister have always oven baked their turkeys. My husband’s family likes smoked turkey. But my little family? We’ve started our own Thanksgiving tradition, and we deep fry our turkeys!.
I’m going to give you a recipe for Deep Fried Cajun Turkey and some basic tips on how to fry whole turkeys today so that you can make your own fried masterpiece this Thanksgiving!
Forget roasting. Deep-frying a Cajun spiced turkey is the way to go for crispy skin, tender meat and bold flavor. This recipe for deep-fried Cajun turkey from Allrecipes member Peg in East Tennessee delivers the ultimate fried turkey experience. Let’s dive into why her recipe results in the best fried turkey you’ll ever taste.
A Flavorful Cajun-Inspired Marinade
The key to amazing flavor is Peg’s homemade Cajun turkey marinade It includes
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Butter – 2 cups provides rich flavor and keeps the meat juicy
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Beer – 7 ounces adds subtle malty notes.
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Onion and garlic juice – Punch up the seasoning
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Hot sauce – Gives a tangy kick of heat.
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Worcestshire Sauce – Provides depth and umami.
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Black pepper and cayenne – Generates spice and bite.
This easy marinade can be made ahead of time and injects incredible Cajun essence into the turkey.
Injecting is Key
While you can marinate a fried turkey by soaking it, injecting maximizes flavor distribution. Using an injection syringe or baster, the marinade is pumped deep into the turkey breast, legs, thighs and wings.
This forces the marinade into the meat, rather than just surrounding the surface. The result is Cajun flavor throughout even the deepest parts of the turkey.
After injecting, refrigerate the turkey 8 hours or overnight to allow the spices to penetrate. The longer it marinates, the bolder the flavor.
Hot Oil = Crispy Skin
The golden secret to incredible fried turkey is the sizzling hot peanut oil. Heating oil to 365°F seals in moisture and gives the skin an unbeatably crispy, crunchy texture.
Lower the turkey slowly into the preheated oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per pound. Peg recommends using a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
As the turkey fries, the hot oil also beautifully browns and crisps up the skin. It emerges shatteringly crunchy covering the juicy, well-seasoned meat.
Allow Turkey to Rest
Once fried to golden perfection, let the turkey drain and rest about 20 minutes before slicing.
This allows juices to redistribute and finish cooking more gently. Carved turkey holds together better after some rest time.
Store Leftover Oil Properly
Reusing leftover peanut oil makes frying turkeys economical. Strain and store oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cold area under 40°F. It will keep well for many months.
Discard oil that smells off or starts getting very dark. The number of reuse cycles depends on initial quality and storage conditions.
Pair with Classic Sides
While fried turkey shines on its own, Cajun flavors pair wonderfully with spicy sides like dirty rice, jambalaya and spicy corn.
Cool, tangy sides like coleslaw and potato salad balance the heat. Bake an apple or pecan pie for a sweet Southern dessert.
Safely Prepare Deep-Fried Turkey
Take proper safety precautions when deep-frying turkeys:
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Use an electric turkey fryer with lifting equipment designed for frying.
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Keep children and pets away from hot oil.
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Fry outdoors only on a level surface, away from buildings.
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Monitor oil temperature carefully to prevent overheating.
With Peg’s flavorful Cajun marinade and some turkey frying know-how, you’ll have the star of the show for Thanksgiving or any special meal!
Frying a Whole Turkey: Step-by-step instructions
When your oil is hot and your turkey is prepped, follow the steps below to fry the turkey:
- When your oil has reached 375° Fahrenheit. when you’re ready to put the turkey in the fryer, turn off the heat.
- Hang the turkey on a rack with the legs up and the breast down if you have one. Even if you don’t have a rack for birds, you can hold the turkey in a fry basket (a basket with holes).
- Slowly put the bird into the hot oil, a few inches at a time. Hold the bird in the oil and pull it back up if it looks like the oil is about to spill.
- Drop the turkey slowly until it’s covered in oil. Then, bring the oil back up to 375°F. Maintain this oil temperature while the turkey is frying.
- As a general rule, you should fry the turkey for 3 5 minutes per pound. So, a17-pound turkey would take about one hour to fry.
- Put the thermometer into the thickest parts of the turkey’s thigh and breast to see if it’s done. Make sure both are at 165°F. Having someone else help you with this step is helpful. One person picks up the turkey while the other checks the temperature.
- Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. To keep the heat inside, tent it with foil.
When should you inject a turkey before frying?
You can inject the turkey right before cooking it.
Feel free to inject it up to 12 hours before cooking, though. Then put it in the fridge to rest.
MAJOR FLAVOR Cajun Smoked Fried Turkey – First Time Deep Frying a TURKEY!
FAQ
Should I inject my turkey before frying?
What is the best oil to fry a turkey in?
What is the formula for frying a turkey?
How to make turkey skin crispy when frying?
How do you make Cajun fried turkey?
If you’re looking to bring something new to the holiday table, this Cajun Fried Turkey is the perfect recipe to try. Begin by mixing the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. This blend will be used to create an injectable marinade.
What is Cajun fried turkey?
Perfectly seasoned and juicy, this Cajun Fried Turkey will be the star of any gathering, with a hint of heat and a whole lot of flavor. It’s the kind of main course that will have everyone gathering around, eager for a taste of something different and delicious.
How do you fry a Turkey in a frying pan?
Prepare turkey by removing neck and giblets from cavity, then patting dry with paper towels. Prepare fryer by adding peanut oil and heating until the oil temperature reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Inject turkey with cajun injection fluid, about one ounce of injection for each pound of turkey.
How do you fry a Turkey in a crock pot?
Prepare fryer by adding peanut oil and heating until the oil temperature reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Inject turkey with cajun injection fluid, about one ounce of injection for each pound of turkey. Pat turkey skin dry, then thoroughly coat the outside of the turkey and inside of the turkey cavity with cajun spice rub.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
Season the turkey all over with our Fajita seasoning. We like this seasoning for deep frying because it contains no sugar and therefore will not burn in the hot oil. Prepare the turkeySubmerge the turkey in 350 peanut oil. The cook will take approximately 3 1/2 mins per lb at 350.
How do you inject a Turkey in a frying pan?
Aim for a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce injected per hole. Once the bird is injected, pat the skin dry again and apply a flavorful spice rub. Rub it deeply into the skin and into the internal cavity of the turkey. When should you inject a turkey before frying? You can inject the turkey right before cooking it.