Are you in the mood to try something different this year with your Thanksgiving turkey? Why not try deep frying it this year? Some say a fried turkey is the juiciest, most flavorful, crispy-on-the-outside, delicious bit of poultry ever to cross their lips. This project is packed with thermal critical control points that will determine the safety of the cook and the quality of the finished product—and we have all the tips you need.
We’ll be using the ThermoWorks® Smoke X2™ 2-Channel Alarm Thermometer with an additional 12″ Pro-Series® High Temp Probe so we can measure both the turkey meat and the critical oil temperature on the same device.
Can You Deep Fry a Turkey at 250 Degrees? How Low Temps Affect Results
Around the holidays deep-fried turkey emerges as a delicious alternative to roasting. Lower oil temps of 250°F may seem safer for beginners, but can still crisp and cook the bird? This guide covers whether you can deep fry turkey at just 250°F along with time, technique and troubleshooting tips.
Why Start Turkey Frying at 250°F?
Most recipes call for heating oil to 325-350°F before carefully lowering the turkey So why do some people use a lower 250°F starting point? Reasons include
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Added margin of error for beginners lowering the turkey slowly to prevent splattering with less hot oil.
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Reduced risk of the oil igniting at first since it’s below temperatures that can combust.
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Ability to gradually increase heat if the propane burner struggles to maintain a steady temp.
For those newer to deep frying turkeys, a lower starting temp allows more control and seems safer. But it comes with tradeoffs.
Expect Significantly Longer Cook Times
The main downside to a 250°F start is the turkey will take much longer to cook fully. To crisp the skin and cook the interior, the oil really needs to hit that 325-350°F optimal zone.
As a general guideline, deep frying times based on size at 350°F are:
- 8-12 lbs: 3-4 minutes per lb
- 12-15 lbs: 3-3.5 minutes per lb
- 15+ lbs: 4-5 minutes per lb
At 250°F oil, double the bare minimum cook times as a start. Then keep cooking until the oil can come up to temp. A 12 lb turkey may take 60-90 minutes at 250°F vs. 30-45 minutes at 350°F.
Step-by-Step Deep Frying at 250°F
Here are more specifics on deep frying turkey starting at a low 250°F:
- Inject turkey breast with broth and brine overnight for moisture.
- Heat peanut or canola oil to 250°F in turkey fryer. Use wind protection.
- Once oil hits 250°, slowly lower thawed dry turkey to avoid splashing.
- Maintain 250°F, increasing heat as needed. It may take 30-60 mins to hit 350°F.
- Gradually increase temperature until oil hits 325-350°F optimal zone.
- Cook to recommended time based on weight, adjusting for extra time at lower temp.
- Verify breast and thigh reach 165°F and 175°F respectively with a meat thermometer.
- Remove carefully, let rest 30 minutes then slice and serve.
Troubleshooting Temperature Issues
If the oil isn’t rapidly coming up to temperature, problems may include:
- Too low BTU burner – Upgrade to a 100K+ BTU turkey fryer burner.
- Wind cooling the oil – Create a wind break if needed.
- Moisture on the bird cooling the oil – Thoroughly thaw and pat the turkey dry.
- Overcrowding the pot – Leave several inches of clearance.
- Turkey not fully submerged – Weigh it down with a lid if needed.
- Propane tank or burner valve issue – Ensure they’re fully open and working.
If the oil doesn’t reheat quickly after putting the turkey in, there may be a fuel supply problem.
Is the Lower Temp Worth the Hassle?
While deep frying at 250°F provides a gentler start, the extended cook time means the bird risks drying out and the skin may not crisp properly. Aim to gradually increase the heat to finish at 325-350°F.
For less fuss, starting at the 350°F optimal temp is recommended if you have the right equipment and experience. But with proper brining, oil monitoring and temp adjustments, 250°F can still produce delicious results.
Tips for Deep Frying Turkey at 250 Degrees
To successfully deep fry a turkey at a lower starting temperature, keep these tips in mind:
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Inject and brine the turkey to retain moisture with the extended fry time.
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Use a high BTU burner and wind protection to help gradually increase oil temp.
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Expect to cook at least twice as long as the minimum time for the weight.
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Monitor oil temp closely and adjust burner heat to eventually reach 325-350°F.
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For easiest results, just start at the 350°F ideal if your burner can handle it.
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Thaw and dry turkey thoroughly to prevent lowering oil temp too much initially.
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Check turkey is fully submerged. Weigh down with lid if needed.
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Once oil hits max temp, maintain it steadily for crispiest skin.
The Verdict
Start the Oil Temperature Low
Turkey frying becomes dangerous if the oil spills over the side of the pot, and that happens when there is too much oil in the pot, or if it bubbles too violently. If you’ve used water displacement to accurately measure the amount of oil needed, that safety variable is taken out of the equation.
So what causes bubbling? 3 things: 1) a bird that’s too cold (be sure to thaw it completely), 2) water (pat the bird completely dry), and 3) oil temperature that’s too high when lowering the turkey into the pot. Start with oil heated to 250°F (121°C), slowly lower the bird, then increase the oil temperature to 325-350°F (163-177°C)—do not exceed 350°F (177°C).
How Much Oil Will I Need?
Too much oil in the pot will cause the oil to bubble and spill over the sides of the pot when the turkey is lowered in—and this is a dangerous fire hazard. Using enough oil and no more is an important safety precaution.
Place the turkey (set on the stand if using) into the empty pot and fill with water until the turkey is covered. Remove the turkey and measure with a ruler the distance from the top level of the pot to the top level of the water. This will be the mark to which the pot needs to be filled with oil.
How to Deep Fry a Whole Turkey – Step by Step Tutorial by @BigPaulOnTheGrill
FAQ
How long does it take to deep fry a turkey at 250 degrees?
A deep-fried turkey typically requires a cooking time of 3½ minutes per pound, so a 12–14-lb. bird should take 40–50 minutes to reach 165°F. If the internal temperature has not reached 165°F, use the stop-and-go method to slowly lower it back into the oil and turn the burner back on to continue cooking.
Is it safe to cook a turkey at 250 degrees?
Cooking a turkey overnight at 250 degrees is safe if you follow essential guidelines and prioritize food safety.
How long to smoke turkey at 250 degrees?
- A 12-lb turkey can take 5–8 hours to smoke at 250°F.
- A 10-lb turkey can take about 5 hours to smoke.
What temperature do you deep fry a Turkey?
The first recommendation is to deep-fry your turkey at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use temperatures that are lower than 350 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have a hard time cooking the bird properly. So, how many minutes per pound to fry a turkey?
Is deep frying butter safe?
Deep frying butter is safe, but as other sorts of fat, it’s recommended not consume it every day. What is more, when people are warming butter, the level of oxidation is always increasing and the result is that this kind of food become unhealthy.
Is it OK to deep fry a Turkey?
There are a few things to keep in mind when frying turkey. The first is that deep frying can cause some minor health risks. Second, it’s important to use a proper fryer and heat the oil properly. Finally, make sure to cook the turkey until an internal temperature of 160 degrees is reached.
How to deep fry a 15 pound turkey?
One of the key things to remember when deep frying turkey is to use a heavy skillet or griddle to ensure that the bird does not stick to the pan and cook too quickly. Additionally, it is important to move the turkey around frequently so that it does not get too hot or too cold. How long should I fry my 15 pound turkey?
Can you deep fry a Turkey with hot oil?
When cooking with hot oil—especially in the large amounts required to deep-fry turkey—it’s essential to always keep safety in mind. Avoid burns and fires this Thanksgiving by following these tips when deep-frying your turkey. Wear a long-sleeve shirt, pants, thick gloves, and closed-toe shoes while frying.
How long does it take to deep fry a Turkey?
A deep-fried turkey typically requires 3 1/2 minutes per pound, so a 12- to 14-pound bird will take 40 to 50 minutes to reach 165°F. When checking the bird’s internal temperature, use the hook that attaches to the poultry rack to slowly lift the turkey from the oil. How long do you fry a 20lb turkey?