There is no better time than now, right before Thanksgiving, to deep fry a turkey! When you deep fry a turkey, the juices stay inside longer, so the meat is moist and flavorful, and the skin gets crispy on the outside. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about deep-frying a turkey, so keep reading!
Deep frying a turkey is a delicious way to cook it up juicy and golden brown for the holidays. But finding the right sized deep fryer is key to successfully frying up a large bird. When working with a 22 lb turkey, you’ll need a deep fryer big enough to safely cook the turkey while submerging it fully in oil.
Factors to Consider
There are a few factors to keep in mind when determining the size of deep fryer needed
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Turkey weight – The general rule is you need about 1 quart of peanut oil per pound of turkey. So for a 22 lb turkey, you’ll need about 22 quarts/5.5 gallons of oil.
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Oil amount – The fryer must be able to accommodate the oil needed to completely submerge the turkey. Leave some extra space as oil expands when heated.
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Safety – You need room to safely lower and raise the turkey without overflow. The pot should only be filled to 3/4 capacity.
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Heat distribution – With proper clearance, the oil can circulate and heat evenly for optimal frying.
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Dimensions – Both the diameter and depth of the pot must fit the turkey.
Recommended Fryer Size
For a 22 lb turkey, a deep fryer with a 40-44 quart capacity is ideal. This provides enough oil and space for safe frying.
The pot should have a diameter of at least 14 inches and a depth of 18 inches to comfortably fit the turkey.
This capacity also leaves room for the oil to bubble and cook the turkey evenly. Don’t overfill the pot.
Tips for Choosing a Deep Fryer
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Look for heavy duty construction with sturdy handles. The pot, lid and components should withstand the heat.
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Seek out fryers with safety features like built-in thermometers, auto timers and magnetic breakaway cords.
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Go for larger dual basket fryers if you want to cook multiple smaller items at once. The double baskets help separate foods.
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Opt for electric vs propane for indoor use and temperature precision. Propane is common for outdoor frying.
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Pick stainless steel, aluminum or enameled cast iron pots which stand up well to oil and high heat.
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Buy a fryer kit or combo that contains the burner, thermometers, hooks and other accessories.
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Select a compact propane fryer for easy storage if space is limited. Foldable sides allow it to tuck away.
Frying Your Bird Safefully
Once you have the right sized fryer, follow these tips for safe deep frying:
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Thoroughly thaw and dry the turkey before frying. Ice and moisture cause hot oil to spatter.
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Use a fryer thermometer to maintain oil between 325-375°F. Hotter oil leads to burns.
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Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil using the fryer basket and hooks.
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Fry 3-4 minutes per pound until the thigh meat reaches 165°F. For a 22 lb turkey, that’s about 90 minutes.
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Monitor the oil temp and don’t overfill the pot during cooking. Oil may bubble up and overflow.
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Let the cooked turkey drain thoroughly on a rack before carving for best texture.
With the proper deep fryer size and safety steps, you can successfully fry a juicy 22 lb turkey! Your guests will be amazed at the crispy seasoned skin and tender, hot meat.
Preparing Turkey for Deep Fryer
A 14 lb turkey is about as big as a standard 30-quart pot fryer can hold. To fry a larger turkey, you would need to fry the parts separately. Youll also want to measure the oil level before frying your turkey. This is what you need to do: put the turkey in the pot and add enough water to cover it by about half an inch. Remove the turkey and mark a line where the water settles, then mark about 10% below that line. This will be your maximum fill line because oil expands when heated. It should end up somewhere around 3. 5 gallons. There is a chance that this new maximum fill line is higher than the manufacturer’s fill line. If this happens, you will need to fry the turkey parts separately to avoid an oil spill and possible grease fire.
Because moisture can increase the risk of splatter when placing the turkey in a deep fryer, we recommend using a dry brine or spice rub for your bird. Doing this the day before youre ready to fry your turkey will pack in the flavors. All of the salt and spices help to break down tough muscle proteins, resulting in very tender and juicy meat. We recommend refrigerating the turkey for 18 to 24 hours. There are plenty of dry brine and spice rub recipes out there, so just pick the one that sounds best to you!
Heres a quick video demo on how to truss a turkey. For even cooking, you will definitely want to tuck the wings behind the turkey and tie the legs together.
Temperature to Deep Fry Turkey
When the oil is preheated, turn the burner on high until you reach 350°F. Depending on the oil youre using, you may need to adjust that temperature.
When you’re ready to fry the turkey, put the breast side down and connect the legs to the lifter. Make sure you can hold the turkey securely on the hook without it slipping or falling.
Move slowly so the oil doesn’t boil over as you lower the turkey into it. Be careful and steady as you do this.
How to Deep Fry a Whole Turkey – Step by Step Tutorial by @BigPaulOnTheGrill
FAQ
How long to deep fry a 22 lb turkey?
What size deep fryer for 25 lb turkey?
How big of a turkey will fit in a 30 quart fryer?
Can a 20 pound turkey fit in a deep fryer?
The answer to whether or not a 20-pound turkey can fit in a deep fryer depends on the size of your fryer. Generally speaking, most standard home-style deep fryers have an oil capacity ranging from around 3 to 5 gallons. If you have a 5-gallon fryer, you should be able to fit a 20-pound turkey easily.
How much oil do you need to deep fry a Turkey?
Depending on the size of your fryer, you can usually deep fry turkeys up to 18-20 pounds in weight. The size of a turkey that you can deep fry in your fryer depends on the size of your fryer. Generally, you should use 4 to 5 gallons of oil for a 12-14 pound turkey in an 8-quart fryer.
How big should a deep fryer be?
In addition to having enough space and the correct equipment for frying, there are a few other watch-outs when deep-frying a turkey. Don’t overfill the pot with oil. A 30- to 34-quart deep-fry pot is perfectly sized for a 12- to 15-pound turkey.
How much Turkey can you fry in a 5 gallon Fryer?
If you have a 5-gallon fryer, you should be able to fit a 20-pound turkey easily. However, if you have a smaller fryer with a capacity of 3 gallons or less, you will be limited to a turkey weighing 14 pounds or less. When it comes to deep-frying a turkey, there are several things to consider before deciding on the size of the bird.
How do I choose the right pot size for my turkey fryer?
When it comes to selecting the ideal pot size for your turkey fryer, there are a few important factors to consider. These include the size of your turkey, the amount of oil needed, and the space required for safe frying. If you choose a pot that is too small, you risk overflowing oil and potentially causing a fire.
How many gallons in a deep fryer?
Generally speaking, most standard home-style deep fryers have an oil capacity ranging from around 3 to 5 gallons. If you have a 5-gallon fryer, you should be able to fit a 20-pound turkey easily. However, if you have a smaller fryer with a capacity of 3 gallons or less, you will be limited to a turkey weighing 14 pounds or less.