Can You Put Butter on a Turkey Before Deep Frying?

Deep frying a turkey yields impressively moist meat encased in a crispy, golden brown exterior It’s a showstopping centerpiece for Thanksgiving or any special meal. But does slathering the bird in butter beforehand make it even better? Here’s what you need to know about putting butter on a turkey before deep frying

Why Add Butter?

Butter serves multiple purposes when added to a turkey destined for the deep fryer:

• Flavor – Butter provides rich, savory flavor to both the meat and skin. Melted butter bastes the turkey from the inside out.

• Moisture – As it melts during cooking, the butter keeps the turkey meat juicy. This prevents it from drying out in the hot oil.

• Browning – Butter assists with browning the skin for a crisper exterior crust.

So yes, using butter can absolutely improve the taste and texture of a deep fried turkey. But how exactly should you apply it?

Application Methods

There are a couple approaches to adding butter before frying:

• Rub the skin – Coating the outside of the turkey with softened butter gives the skin something to crisp up against

• Inject under skin – Injecting melted butter under the skin with a syringe infuses flavor and moisture into the meat.

• Loosen skin – Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat and rub butter directly onto the meat before replacing the skin.

• Add to cavity – Place pats of butter inside the turkey cavity so they melt during cooking.

Combining these techniques ensures the entire turkey is exposed to butter’s benefits. Just be sure to evenly distribute it to prevent uneven cooking.

Salted vs. Unsalted

When selecting which butter to use, unsalted is generally preferable. Salted butters may result in an overly salty flavor. However, you can use salted sparingly, or balance it out by reducing any additional salt you add to the turkey or baste.

How Much to Use

As a general rule of thumb, plan on using 1-2 tablespoons of butter per pound of turkey. A 10 pound turkey would get about 10-20 tablespoons total. Divide this amount based on how you’ll apply the butter. For example:

• 8 tbsp rubbed on skin
• 12 tbsp injected under skin

Adjust these quantities up or down based on personal taste, and how intensely “buttery” you want the end result.

Impact on Cook Time

The good news is that butter does not significantly alter the cooking time. The turkey should fry for about 4 minutes per pound, just as it would without butter. Frying in peanut oil at 350°F will crisp the skin and thoroughly cook the meat in the time recommended by your fryer’s guidelines.

So monitor temperature and fry time, but don’t worry about extending cooking due to the butter. It will simply melt and baste without hindering the process.

Other Fats or Oils

Butter is certainly not the only option for adding moisture and flavor before frying. Alternatives like olive oil, bacon fat, or duck fat also work very well. The possibilities are endless for experimenting with different fats or oils to customize flavor.

For example, brushing olive oil mixed with herbs over the skin will impart a Mediterranean essence. Or consider rubbing the turkey with a butter-olive oil blend for the best of both worlds.

Frying Without Butter

While butter can ramp up flavor and texture, it’s absolutely possible to achieve stellar results without it. A dry rubbed or injected turkey will be deeply seasoned. And the hot oil will crisp the skin without the need for added fats.

So don’t be afraid to skip the butter if you want to highlight the pure turkey flavor or avoid the added calories and fat. With the right technique, you can still end up with an incredibly moist, delicious fried turkey.

Safety First!

When deep frying a turkey, safety should always be the top concern. Here are some key precautions to take:

• Fry outdoors away from buildings/overhangs
• Don’t overfill the oil
• Allow oil to reach optimal temperature
• Slowly lower and remove turkey
• Monitor oil temp during cooking
• Completely thaw and dry turkey

Follow all manufacturer guidelines. And never leave the fryer unattended—this is not a “set it and forget it” cooking method.

Health Considerations

Deep fried turkey packs more calories than oven roasted. The oil adds significant fat. Going butter-free eliminates some of these dietary downsides. But enjoying deep fried turkey in moderation can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. Just be mindful of portions.

Tips for Success

To recap, here are some top tips for flawless deep fried turkey results:

• Pick a smaller 10 lb or under turkey
• Fully thaw and pat the turkey dry
• Inject and rub butter evenly over and under skin
• Fry in oil at 350°F for 4 min per pound
• Use thermometer to confirm 165°F done temp
• Let turkey rest 10+ minutes before carving

With proper preparation and safety measures, deep frying a butter-bathed turkey will lead to an incredibly juicy, flavorful showstopper centerpiece. Now get out there and fry up something fabulous!