Not everyone can use peanut oil – allergies, taste preferences, or simply running out last minute.
Fried turkey is a delicious, juicy alternative to roasting for Thanksgiving or other special occasions. While peanut oil is commonly used, avocado oil is growing in popularity as a frying oil. But is it safe and effective to fry turkey in avocado oil? This guide will cover the pros and cons so you can decide if using avocado oil to fry turkey is right for your meal.
What is Avocado Oil?
Avocado oil is pressed from the fleshy pulp surrounding the avocado pit. It has a mild, buttery flavor similar to the avocado itself.
The main benefit of avocado oil is its very high smoke point of about 520°F. The smoke point is the temperature at which an oil starts burning and smoking This makes avocado oil an excellent choice for high-heat cooking like frying.
Avocado oil also has a beneficial fat profile. It’s high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats similar to olive oil. It also contains antioxidants including vitamin E and lutein.
Overall, avocado oil is considered one of the healthier cooking oil options.
The Benefits of Frying Turkey in Avocado Oil
There are several advantages to using avocado oil over other frying oils:
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High smoke point – The oil can withstand the hot temperatures needed to fry turkey without burning. Peanut oil has a smoke point of 450°F, while avocado oil doesn’t smoke until 520°F.
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Neutral taste – Avocado oil has very little flavor, so it won’t impart any taste onto the turkey as more strongly flavored oils like olive oil can.
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Healthy fat profile – Avocado oil contains over 70% monounsaturated fatty acids, which are considered heart healthy fats.
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Heat stability – Avocado oil holds up well to high heat without oxidizing and creating free radicals like some other oils.
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Moist turkey – Many people find turkey fried in avocado oil turns out exceptionally moist and juicy.
Potential Drawbacks to Frying in Avocado Oil
Using avocado oil for frying turkey does have a few potential downsides:
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Higher cost – Avocado oil is significantly more expensive than other frying oils like peanut or canola oil. Frying a whole turkey takes a lot of oil, so the cost difference can add up.
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Limited availability – Avocado oil can be harder to find than standard grocery store oils. You may need to visit a specialty store or order it online.
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May smoke earlier – The published smoke points for oils are approximations. Depending on the specific type and quality, avocado oil may start smoking at under 520°F. Monitor it closely as it heats.
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Slight avocado flavor – While it’s very subtle, you may get a very faint avocado flavor from the oil. For most recipes this won’t be an issue, but something to keep in mind.
Tips for Frying Turkey in Avocado Oil
If you decide to fry your turkey in avocado oil, follow these tips:
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Choose a high-oleic, unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil for the highest quality.
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Monitor the temperature closely and adjust the heat to keep the oil between 325-375°F.
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Fry the turkey in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
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Let the oil return to temperature between batches.
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Cook the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Allow the turkey to rest 15 minutes before carving for perfectly juicy meat.
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Store and reuse your avocado oil properly to get the most value from this expensive oil.
How Much Avocado Oil Do You Need?
The amount of oil needed depends on the size of your turkey and fryer:
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Allow about 1 quart of oil per pound of turkey.
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Make sure your fryer is tall enough for the turkey to be fully submerged.
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The oil should come about halfway up the turkey.
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Have extra oil on hand in case the level drops as the turkey is cooking.
Monitor the oil level and temperature throughout cooking.
Is Avocado Oil Safe For Frying Turkey?
Yes, avocado oil is just as safe to fry turkey in as other high-temperature oils like peanut oil.
Be sure to take standard safety precautions:
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Fry outside on a flat surface away from structures or trees.
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Use a pot with a wide, stable base to prevent tipping.
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Keep children and pets safely away from the hot oil.
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Turn off the flame before lowering the turkey in or removing it.
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Monitor the oil temperature continuously.
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Wear long sleeves and oven mitts to avoid burns from splatter.
As long as you carefully control the temperature and follow basic frying safety, avocado oil won’t present any additional risks when frying turkey.
Time to Fry That Bird in Avocado Oil!
While it does cost more, using avocado oil to fry your Thanksgiving turkey can provide some potential health and cooking benefits. The key is making sure to closely regulate the heat since avocado oil can smoke at a slightly lower temperature than the published smoke points. With proper care and safety, avocado oil will yield a deliciously moist and golden fried turkey!
1 – Refined Avocado Oil
When it comes to finding the optimal cooking oil, there is nothing quite like avocado oil.
It is made by cold-pressing ripe avocados to make it smoother. Its antioxidant properties make it a great choice for drizzling on salads or even using as a cooking oil for grilling or browning.
When compared to other oils, avocado oil stands out because of its mild flavor. It gives food a nutty sweetness without being too strong.
Are you looking for a good alternative to peanut oil for frying turkey? Avocado oil is a great choice.
It doesn’t burn when deep-frying because its smoke point is higher than other vegetable oils. The turkey will have a tasty crunchy finish that keeps the natural juices inside.
Why Use Peanut Oil for Deep-frying Turkey?
Picking the right oil for deep-frying your turkey is a crucial choice, and peanut oil is one of the best choices out there.
People like peanut oil because it doesn’t taste bad and has a higher smoke point than other cooking oils like canola or vegetable oil.
There are many good reasons to use peanut oil when deep-frying turkey. One is that it can handle the high temperatures needed to cook the bird quickly and evenly.
Its smooth texture adds a light nuttiness that brings out the flavors of turkey without making them too strong.
It also has a lot of healthy fats and nutrients that help make sure your food is cooked in a way that keeps its nutritional value.
Also, it’s very simple to use: just heat up your fryer with peanut oil before adding your bird, and then carefully watch it cook until it’s golden brown.
What kind of oil do you use to fry a turkey?
FAQ
What is the best oil for frying a turkey?
Is avocado oil safe for frying?
What temperature do you fry with avocado oil?
Can you use avocado oil to deep fry chicken?
Can you use avocado oil to deep fry a Turkey?
It can withstand high temperatures for longer periods and imparts a rich, buttery taste to the food being fried. The downside with avocado oil is that it can be quite expensive, and considering the amount of oil you would need to deep fry a turkey, you’d be forced to think twice before using it.
Can I use avocado oil for frying or sauteing?
Avocado oil is by far the safest oil for high heat cooking, like frying, due to its extremely high smoke point (as high as 500°F). Use avocado oil just like regular frying oil to reduce the risk and make a healthier choice.
Can you deep fry a Turkey with olive oil?
Don’t use olive oil or straight vegetable oil blends for deep frying turkey. They have much lower smoke points around 325-400°F. Using them risks burning the oil and turkey. Before deep frying your turkey, let’s go over some common questions about selecting oils. How much oil do you need to deep fry a turkey?
Can you fry a Turkey with peanut oil?
No, you don’t have to stick with peanut oil when you fry a turkey. Any frying oil with a smoke point over 425 degrees Fahrenheit is suitable. Try these oils for deep frying: Can You Use Vegetable Oil to Fry a Turkey? Yes, but it depends on the specific product.
How do you deep fry a Turkey?
Here are a few additional tips for deep frying a turkey: * Use a deep fryer that is large enough to accommodate the turkey. * Fill the fryer with enough oil to cover the turkey halfway. * Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the turkey. * Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. * Cook the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound.
Can you deep fry a Turkey outside?
Stick to oils with high smoke points. While deep fried turkey is delicious, you need to take safety precautions: Deep fry the turkey outdoors away from your house and flammable objects. Don’t overfill the pot with oil. Leave at least 4 inches of headspace. Keep children and pets away from the hot oil. Have a fire extinguisher on hand.