Thinking about deep-frying your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Naturally, your next thought might be “How long does it take to deep fry a turkey? Is it faster than cooking in the oven?” We’ve got the answer for you! To achieve a moist and flavorful turkey, it is important to pay attention to Temperature as well as time. See below for our recommended temperature and time instructions for deep frying your turkey. Also, be sure to make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dried off before introducing it to the oil. Ice and hot oil are a combustible combination. Check out Deep Fried Turkey Made Safe and Delicious post to learn how to deep fry a turkey safely.
Deep frying a turkey is a popular cooking method that results in a tender, juicy interior and an incredibly crispy, golden brown exterior. When done properly, deep frying can be a fun and safe way to prepare a show-stopping turkey for your next holiday feast. But exactly how long does it take to deep fry a 14 pound turkey to perfection? Let’s find out.
Overview of Deep Frying a Turkey
Deep frying involves fully submerging the turkey in hot oil until it is cooked through The high heat of the oil allows the turkey to cook very quickly, while also sealing in moisture and adding delicious flavor
To deep fry a turkey you’ll need
- A propane turkey fryer with a sturdy pot, stand, thermometer, and lifting rig
- Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil with a high smoke point
- A thawed 14 pound turkey with the giblets removed
- Protective equipment like gloves, apron, and safety goggles
The general timeline for deep frying a 14 pound turkey is:
- 30 minutes to prep the turkey and heat oil to temperature
- 42-56 minutes to fry the turkey, depending on shape
- 10-20 minutes rest time before carving
So in total you should expect the process to take around 1 1/2 – 2 hours from start to finish. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty details!
Step 1: Set Up the Fryer
First up is assembling your turkey fryer setup. Make sure your propane tank is full and securely connected to the burner. Place the fryer pot on the stand and attach the thermometer to the side.
Pour oil into the pot until it reaches the “maximum fill” line. The amount can vary based on your turkey’s size and shape, but you’ll generally need 4-5 gallons of oil for a 14 pound turkey. Peanut and canola oils are ideal choices due to their high smoke points of 450°F and 400°F.
With your protective gear on, light the propane burner. Gradually increase the flame until the oil reaches your target cooking temperature of 350°F. Maintaining this temperature throughout the cooking process is crucial for safety and proper doneness.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
While you wait for the oil to preheat, prep your thawed 14 pound turkey. Carefully remove the neck and giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out. Trimming excess skin and fat can help reduce splatter.
For added flavor, you can rub the turkey with an all-purpose poultry seasoning or inject it with a marinade using an injector needle. Just be sure to do so ahead of time so the flavors have a chance to penetrate the meat.
Once the oil hits 350°F, you’re ready to start frying!
Step 3: Fry the Turkey
Attach the turkey to the lifting rig, making sure it is properly balanced. Slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil, taking 1-2 minutes to fully submerge it. This gradual immersion helps prevent oil overflow.
Maintain the oil at a consistent temperature between 325-350°F. Turn the turkey occasionally to promote even cooking. A general guideline is to fry a turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound. For a 14 pound turkey, that means a cooking time of 42-56 minutes.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature after about 45 minutes. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach 165°F.
Once it hits the target temp, slowly lift the turkey out of the oil. Allow excess oil to drain off before moving the turkey to a rimmed sheet pan.
Step 4: Rest and Carve the Turkey
Let the fried turkey rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for tender, flavorful meat.
Season the turkey with salt, pepper, or other spices as desired. Carve the turkey and serve it up hot! The skin will be crispiest right after frying.
Your deep fried 14 pound turkey is ready to enjoy alongside all your favorite holiday fixings. Dig in!
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
While deep frying a turkey can be safe when done carefully, it does come with some risks. Here are a few key safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never deep fry a frozen or partially frozen turkey
- Do not overfill the fryer pot with oil
- Slowly lower and raise the turkey to prevent splatter
- Monitor oil temperature closely and adjust heat as needed
- Keep children and pets away from the hot oil
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case
Take the necessary precautions and deep frying your Thanksgiving turkey will be a breeze!
Choosing a Good Frying Oil
The oil you select for deep frying is incredibly important, as it directly affects the flavor, texture, and safety of the cooking process.
When deep frying a turkey, look for an oil with a high smoke point above 400°F. Good options include:
- Peanut oil (smoke point 450°F)
- Canola oil (smoke point 400°F)
- Vegetable oil (smoke point 450°F)
- Sunflower oil (smoke point 450°F)
Avoid oils like olive oil and butter which have much lower smoke points and are more likely to burn. Reusing oil multiple times can also lower its smoke point and quality over time. For best results, use fresh oil each time you deep fry.
How Much Oil Do You Need?
Determining the right amount of oil for your turkey fryer comes down to water displacement. Here is a simple technique to figure out the amount:
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Place the thawed, dry turkey in the empty fryer pot with the lifting rig.
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Fill the pot with water until the turkey is fully submerged.
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Remove the turkey and measure how much water is in the pot. This is roughly how much oil you will need.
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Thoroughly dry the pot and turkey before adding the measured amount of fresh oil.
As a general guideline, you will need about 4-5 gallons of oil for a 14 pound turkey. But the displacement method helps you dial in the right quantity for your specific equipment and turkey size.
Should You Brine or Marinate?
Brining or marinating the turkey before frying can infuse it with lots of extra flavor. Here are some tips if you choose to brine or marinate:
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Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine or marinade. Injecting it can also help distribute flavor.
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Brine for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator, or marinate for at least 2-4 hours.
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Rinse the turkey well after brining and pat it completely dry. Extra moisture can cause splattering.
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Avoid putting a brined or marinated turkey directly into the fryer. Dry it thoroughly first for safety.
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Resist over-brining or the turkey may get too salty. Stick to recommended brine ratios.
With the right prep, brining or marinating adds wonderful flavor dimension to your fried turkey!
Cooking Time Per Pound
As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to fry a turkey for around 3-4 minutes per pound at a temperature of 350°F.
Here are estimated frying times for different turkey sizes:
- 10 lb turkey: 30-40 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 36-48 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 42-56 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 48-64 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 54-72 minutes
Always use an instant-read thermometer to double-check doneness rather than relying solely on time. Cook until the breast and thigh reach 165°F internally.
For added flavor, you may also choose to fry the turkey a bit longer, closer to 4 minutes per pound. Just monitor the temperature and oil splatter carefully.
Resting, Carving and Serving
After deep frying, never skip letting your turkey rest before carving. Resting allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
Here are some turkey resting, carving and serving tips:
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Let the turkey rest for 10-20 minutes on a cutting board or sheet pan.
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Lightly season the turkey with salt, pepper, herbs or spices as desired.
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Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter, slicing the breast meat across the grain.
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Serve the turkey piping hot with crispy skin. Enjoy it plain or with your favorite sauces or sides.
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Refrigerate or freeze any leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly when ready to eat again.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Like any cooked turkey, leftover deep fried turkey should be stored promptly in the fridge or freezer:
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Allow the fried turkey to cool completely before storing it.
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Place turkey in airtight containers or wrap tightly in foil
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Turkey Temperature Tip: Pull the turkey out of the oil at 157ºF*. Most 12-14 pound turkeys will cook in 30-45 minutes. (With turkeys larger than 14 pounds, you run the risk of overcooking the outer parts of the meat while you wait for the inner meat to reach pull temperature.)
*When removing the turkey from the oil use extreme caution. When the turkey reaches 157ºF turn off the gas completely. Very slowly and carefully lift the turkey out of the oil and place into a clean roasting pan. Use an instant-read thermometer, like a Thermapen®, to verify the temperature in multiple spots throughout the turkey. If you see any internal temperature below 157°F, return the turkey to the oil for more cooking until done.
How to Deep Fry a Whole Turkey – Step by Step Tutorial by @BigPaulOnTheGrill
FAQ
How long does a 14 lb turkey take to deep fry?
Most 12-14 pound turkeys will cook in 30-45 minutes. (With turkeys larger than 14 pounds, you run the risk of overcooking the outer parts of the meat while you wait for the inner meat to reach pull temperature.) *When removing the turkey from the oil use extreme caution.
Do you fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
Placement of turkey will bring temperature down and you will want to keep temperature at 325 degrees F. while cooking.
How many gallons of oil does it take to deep fry a 13 pound turkey?
13 Pound Turkey – Use 4 to 5 gallons of oil and cook for 44 minutes. 14 Pound Turkey – Use 5 gallons of oil and cook for 47 minutes. 15 Pound Turkey – Use 5 gallons of oil and cook for 50 minutes.
Is 2 gallons of peanut oil enough to fry a turkey?
You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys.
How long do you fry a 14 lb Turkey?
Just a few things to keep in mind: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed and dry (water will create dangerous splatters). Use a suitable pot and oil for frying. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). For a 14 lb turkey, fry for about 3.5-4 minutes per pound, leading to a total cooking time of around 49-56 minutes. Always fry outdoors and be cautious with hot oil.
How long does a deep fried turkey take?
Some turkeys might take more or less time. Therefore, we highly recommend that you allow at least five minutes, give or take for the turkey to cook perfectly. For instance, a 14-pound turkey should take 42 minutes as per the deep-fried turkey cooking time chart. Regardless, some turkeys might take 37 minutes.
How much oil to deep fry a 14 lb Turkey?
When deep frying a 14 lb turkey in an oil heated to 350 F, you’ll typically need about 3 to 4 gallons of oil, however, the exact amount can vary depending on the fryer and the turkey’s shape and thickness. When choosing oil for your deep fry turkey, opt for one with a high smoke point such as peanut or canola oil.
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?
How long to cook a 14 lb Turkey?
Unstuffed Turkey: The general rule is to cook your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). Stuffed Turkey: If your turkey is stuffed, the cooking time increases slightly, often requiring 15-18 minutes per pound at the same temperature. For a 14 lb unstuffed turkey, you’ll be looking at a total cooking time of approximately:
How long do you cook a Turkey in a frying pan?
Using a heavy-duty hook, slowly lower the basket into the hot oil until the turkey is completely covered. Maintain the oil temperature at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound. Have a large platter layered with paper towels ready to hold the turkey when you pull it out of the hot oil.