Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you want to use the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill, leave the lid off and set the temperature to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.
I’ve roasted a ton of turkeys in my Char-Broil Big Easy. It’s why I originally bought the oil-less fryer. I bought two more because I loved the first one so much. I kept one at my parents’ house for a great holiday turkey. This time I set out to keep the process as absolutely simple as possible. No brines. No fancy rubs. Just a 16 pound turkey, a little oil, and some seasoning and 10 minutes per pound.
Cooking the perfect turkey can be intimidating, especially if you’re using a new cooking method The Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer uses infrared heat to cook turkeys quickly while keeping them moist and giving the skin a crispy, fried texture. But how long does it actually take to cook a turkey in the Big Easy? Here’s a guide to cooking times so your turkey turns out perfectly juicy every time
Overview of Cooking Time Estimates
The general guideline from Char-Broil is to cook turkeys for around 10 minutes per pound in the Big Easy. So for a 12 lb turkey, expect a total cooking time of around 2 hours. However, cooking time can vary based on a few factors:
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Turkey size – Larger turkeys over 16 lbs are not recommended for the Big Easy The maximum size is 16 lbs, Smaller turkeys may cook slightly faster
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Outdoor temperature – If it’s very cold outside, it will take longer for the turkey to cook through. Add 10-15 minutes to the estimate if below 40°F.
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Using the lid – The wire mesh lid included with the Big Easy reflects heat back down onto the turkey, resulting in crispier skin. Put the lid on for the last 15 minutes only to avoid burning.
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Resting time – Always let the cooked turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Detailed Cooking Timeline
Here is a detailed timeline for cooking a 14 lb turkey in the Big Easy:
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Prep turkey (15 mins) – Remove giblets, rinse turkey, pat dry, coat with oil, and season.
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Preheat Big Easy (10 mins) – Turn on and preheat the fryer before adding turkey.
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Cook turkey (140 mins @ 10 mins/lb) – Cook uncovered for about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
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Add lid (15 mins) – Place lid on for the last 15 minutes only.
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Rest turkey (15 mins) – Remove turkey and let rest 15 minutes before carving.
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Total Time – About 2 hours and 40 minutes.
So for a 14 lb turkey, the total cooking time will be around 2 hours and 40 minutes including prep and resting. This timeline can help you plan for when to start cooking the turkey based on when you want to eat.
Monitoring Temperature
While time estimates are helpful, always monitor the internal temperature of the turkey as well, not just the clock. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
The USDA recommends cooking turkeys to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety. For the Big Easy, remove the turkey when the thickest part of the breast reaches 155°F, then let it rest. The temperature will rise to 165°F as it rests.
If the breast is at 155°F but the thigh is lower, return to the Big Easy for 5-10 minutes until the thigh reaches 165°F. All parts should register safe temperatures.
Weather Conditions
Cooking your turkey in cold weather below 40°F can significantly increase cooking time. There are a few ways to compensate if cooking in frigid temperatures:
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Add 10-15 minutes per pound instead of 10 minutes.
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Use the lid from the start to retain more heat.
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Check temperature early and extend cook time if needed.
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Preheat the Big Easy for 10+ minutes before adding turkey.
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Shield unit from wind if possible.
Even with cold temps, the Big Easy should still cook the turkey more quickly than a traditional oven method. Just be prepared to babysit it a bit more.
Turkey Size Matters
For best results, the Big Easy is designed for turkeys up to 16 lbs maximum. Larger turkeys won’t fit properly in the cooking basket and may not cook evenly.
If you have a turkey larger than 16 lbs, it’s recommended to cook it in the oven instead. You can still get moist, fried texture by using a roasting rack and high heat.
For smaller turkeys, the 10 minutes per pound estimate still works well. Even a 10 lb turkey will be juicy and tender in the Big Easy. Reduce brining and marinating time slightly for smaller birds.
Preparation is Key
Properly preparing the turkey is key for achieving crispy fried texture and well-browned skin:
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Brine or inject to keep meat moist (skip brining if Kosher turkey)
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Pat turkey dry before cooking
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Coat skin lightly in oil (don’t soak it)
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Season under and on top of skin
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Cook breast-side up
Letting the turkey air dry in the fridge for 8-12 hours before cooking will help ensure crispy skin rather than soggy skin. Following this prep will allow the Big Easy to work its infrared magic.
Get Crispy Skin
For ultimate crispy skin without deep frying, follow these tips:
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Avoid excess oil/liquid on skin
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Air dry turkey after brining
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Coat with just a thin layer of oil
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Season under and on top of skin
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Cook breast up, uncovered
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Add lid only at very end
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Pat dry after cooking
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Let rest before cutting
The infrared heat will crisp the skin beautifully if you follow these steps. And avoiding too much liquid is key for texture.
Be Prepared
Cooking your first Big Easy turkey? Here are some tips:
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Have propane tank full and extra on hand
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Test Big Easy before Thanksgiving
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Make sure you have enough outdoor space
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Keep area clear of leaves and debris
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Watch temps and time closely
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Make gravy from drippings
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Enjoy the compliments!
Preparation is everything for a stress-free experience. Follow the guidelines above for the perfect fried turkey taste without the oil.
Easy Every Single Time
There’s really nothing easier than cooking poultry on the Big Easy. It really is as easy as fire it up, put it in, walk away and come back later. Unless the weather conditions are really adverse, you can count on 10 minutes per pound for a turkey.
I cooked a nice big 16 pound turkey in exactly 160 minutes. That’s in 30 degree weather with a very light breeze. I didn’t put the lid on the Big Easy until the last 30 minutes, when I added some color.
I started with a pre-brined turkey. You can certainly get a natural, un-brined turkey and go thru that process, and I have. But for this cook, it was about making things easy, which for them meant getting a turkey that was already brined. You can also inject your turkey for even more flavor, like my Cajun-injected bird on the Big Easy. Or try my buttermilk-marinated turkey.
The basket that comes with your Big Easy can be used, but I must say it’s a bit hard to get a big bird in and out of it. You should get at least the hinged basket shown above if you’re going to cook on the Big Easy. It really makes getting the turkey in or out very simple indeed. See my thoughts on the accessories for the Big Easy here.
If you love your Big Easy as much as I do, check out my page for Big Easy Add-Ons and my free Big Easy eCookbook.
How to Cook Turkey in the Big Easy Fryer
FAQ
How long does a turkey take to cook in the Big Easy?
How many minutes per pound is Big Easy?
How many minutes per pound to cook a turkey?
How long do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy?
Season the turkey liberally inside and out. Place the turkey into the Big Easy basket and lower into the cooker. Cook for 10 minutes per pound. Check for doneness, 180°F in the thighs and legs, and 170°F in the breast. Always check in multiple locations. Remove the basket from the Big Easy and let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
How long do you cook a Turkey at 325?
Carefully lower the basket into The Big Easy Cooker and set the timer based on the weight of your turkey. As a rough guideline, cook the turkey for about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C). For a more precise cooking time, refer to the instructions that come with The Big Easy Cooker.
How long does it take to cook a 8 pound turkey?
Poultry in the Big Easy normally takes 10 minutes per pound and this was no exception. Just shoot up the breast with a simple, spicy marinade, drop it in a lit Big Easy, and 80 minutes later (for my 8 pound breast) you have a perfectly cooked turkey that is incredibly juicy.
How do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy cooker?
Cooking the turkey Drop the turkey and basket into the cooker. Make sure your propane is on, turn the cooker to “on”, then turn the rotary igniter to light The Big Easy burner. That’s it! Now you just have to wait. The Big Easy cooker comes with a wire mesh lid.
How long do you cook a Turkey in a Big Easy Fryer?
Preheat the Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer on high for 15 minutes. Place the turkey in the Big Easy Oil-Less fryer until it reaches 165 degrees F. For this turkey the cook time was 1 hour 45 minutes. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes. Should I brine the turkey for Big Easy? Brining your Big Easy-bound bird ensures it will be as moist as it is delicious.
What temperature should a Big Easy Turkey be cooked at?
As a general guideline, the average Big Easy cooking times for whole turkeys are: These times are based on cooking at a temperature of 325°F. Larger turkeys over 20 lbs often require using a lower temp of 275°F to prevent overcooking the outer areas before the inside is done.