Can You Deep Fry a Fully Cooked Smoked Turkey?

As the holidays approach, many home cooks look for creative ways to prepare the star of the meal – the turkey! While roasting and smoking are traditional cooking methods, deep frying a turkey has become an increasingly popular technique But is it possible to deep fry a turkey that’s already been fully cooked and smoked? Let’s take a closer look

The Appeal of Deep Fried Turkey

There are several reasons why deep frying a turkey is appealing

• It cooks very quickly, usually 3-4 minutes per pound. This saves time on holidays when oven space is at a premium.

• The high heat crisps up and browns the skin beautifully while sealing in moisture. This results in juicy, tender meat encased in a crispy, crunchy exterior.

• The hot oil penetrates deep into the turkey, infusing lots of flavor. Many cooks even inject extra seasoning into the turkey before frying.

• It’s an outdoor cooking activity that adds festivity and anticipation to holiday gatherings. Guests will gather to watch the turkey lowered into the bubbling oil.

Is it Possible to Deep Fry a Smoked Turkey?

Yes, it is certainly possible to deep fry a turkey that has already been fully cooked by smoking. However, there are some important considerations to ensure safety and success.

First, it’s crucial that the smoked turkey is completely thawed before frying. Any ice crystals or moisture inside the cavity can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously.

Next, pat the turkey very dry, inside and out. There should be no wet brine or marinade clinging to it. Excess moisture triggers hot oil pops and cracks.

It’s also key to select an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or vegetable oil. This allows the oil to reach the temperatures needed to quickly crisp the skin without burning.

As when frying an uncooked turkey, it’s vital to monitor temperature closely and fry the turkey for the appropriate time to heat it through without overcooking.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these steps for safe and delicious results when deep frying a fully cooked smoked turkey:

1. Thaw: Thaw the smoked turkey completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours.

2. Dry: Pat the turkey very dry, inside and out, with paper towels.

3. Inject (optional): Inject marinade deep into the turkey for extra flavor.

4. Preheat: Heat at least 5 inches of high smoke point oil to 350°F in a large pot or deep fryer.

5. Lower: Lower the turkey slowly into the hot oil using tongs or a turkey lifter.

6. Fry: Fry the turkey for approximately 4 minutes per pound to heat through.

7. Check: Check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F when done.

8. Remove: Carefully remove the fried turkey and let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Brining the turkey before smoking helps ensure a juicy bird.

• For ideal flavor, rub the turkey with a spice blend before smoking.

• Allow the smoked turkey to air dry in the fridge for optimal crisping when fried.

• Resist overcooking. The turkey only needs to heat through since it’s already cooked.

• Let the turkey drain on a rack after frying to allow excess oil to drip off.

Safety First

• Never fry a turkey still frozen or with excess moisture.

• Use a heavy stockpot and an outdoor propane burner for safety.

• Monitor oil temperature continuously. Overheating risks fire.

• Wear heavy gloves and carefully lower turkey to avoid burns.

• Turn off burner if oil starts smoking before adding turkey.

• Keep kids and pets safely away from the deep fryer.

Serving Suggestions

A deep fried smoked turkey is delicious served in traditional holiday style with classic side dishes and sauces. But here are some fun ways to change it up:

• Slice the turkey and serve on sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing.

• Dice turkey to top nachos, salads, pizza, pasta, or soups.

• Pair fried turkey with Southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, or sweet potato casserole.

• Make unique sandwiches or wraps with coleslaw, pickles, and spicy mayo.

• Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and citrus slices for a bright flavor.

Is It Worth the Effort?

Deep frying an already smoked turkey requires extra time, care, and safety considerations compared to simply reheating it. For cooks willing to take the necessary precautions, it can absolutely be worth the work.

The result is a turkey with crispy, crunchy skin covering incredibly moist, tender smoked meat infused with delicious fried flavor. It’s a nice change of pace from oven roasted turkey and ideal for cooks who want to put a unique spin on their holiday centerpiece.

So for those up for the challenge, deep frying a fully cooked smoked turkey can yield amazing results. Just be sure to stay safe, monitor temperatures, and enjoy this fun and flavorful cooking method. Your holiday guests will be impressed!