Frying a turkey is a time-honored tradition for many families on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Deep-frying results in a moist tender and flavorful bird with crispy skin. The Butterball XL turkey fryer is a popular electric fryer designed specifically for conveniently and safely frying whole turkeys up to 20 pounds indoors. But one key question remains – just how much oil does the Butterball XL turkey fryer use?
The amount of oil a turkey fryer needs varies based on the size of the bird. Butterball provides general guidelines for oil amounts, but you can also calculate the quantity more precisely based on your turkey’s weight Understanding proper oil usage will ensure you get perfect frying results
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at how much oil the Butterball XL fryer requires, tips for determining amounts, oil options, safety considerations, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in so you can fry up the best turkey ever!
Overview of the Butterball XL Turkey Fryer
Before looking at oil amounts, let’s do a quick rundown of the Butterball XL turkey fryer itself. This countertop electric fryer features:
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2.75 gallon stainless steel pot with spout
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Removable basket for safely lowering turkey
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Digital temperature controls
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Auto shut-off for safety
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Breakaway cord to prevent tipping
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Magnetic cord storage
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Fryer stand with removable drip tray
The XL accommodates turkeys up to 20 pounds and holds up to 2.75 gallons of oil. Butterball recommends peanut oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
General Oil Guidelines from Butterball
Butterball provides some general guidelines regarding oil amounts needed for their XL turkey fryer model:
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2.75 gallons (11 quarts) max oil fill capacity
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Fill with oil up to the maximum fill line
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Amount needed depends on turkey size
They recommend having enough oil to completely cover the turkey, with the level about 1-2 inches above it before lowering into the hot oil. Never exceed the maximum fill line.
Calculating Oil Amount Based on Turkey Weight
While the above info is helpful, you can determine the oil amount even more precisely based on the weight of your specific turkey. The standard guideline is:
1 quart of oil per pound of turkey
So if you have a 16 lb turkey, multiply 16 x 1 quart = 16 quarts of oil needed.
Here are the oil amounts needed based on turkey size:
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12 lb turkey – 12 quarts oil
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14 lb turkey – 14 quarts oil
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16 lb turkey – 16 quarts oil
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18 lb turkey – 18 quarts oil
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20 lb turkey – 20 quarts oil (fill to max line)
This allows you to tailor the amount to your exact turkey weight for ideal results.
Tips for Filling the Fryer Properly
When adding oil to your Butterball XL turkey fryer, follow these tips:
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Thaw and dry turkey thoroughly before determining oil amount
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Place turkey in empty fryer to gauge how much oil is needed
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Mark level and remove turkey before filling with oil
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Heat oil slowly – don’t turn on fryer until full oil amount is added
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Recheck oil level once heated – oil expands slightly when hot
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Adjust amount if needed to prevent overflow or splatter
Taking these steps ensures you fill the XL fryer with just the right oil quantity for perfect frying.
Choosing the Best Oils for Frying
While peanut oil is highly recommended, you can use other suitable oils in your Butterball turkey fryer. The key is finding oils with:
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High smoke points above 400°F
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Neutral flavors that won’t compete with the turkey
Great options include:
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Peanut oil (450°F smoke point)
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Canola oil (400°F smoke point)
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Vegetable oil (450°F smoke point)
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Avocado oil (520°F smoke point)
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Sunflower oil (450°F smoke point)
Avoid olive oil, butter, bacon grease, and lard due to their low smoke points and intense flavors. Stick to light, neutral oils for best results.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
Using the proper amount of oil is crucial for safety as well as delicious turkey. Keep these tips in mind:
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Never leave the fryer unattended during the heating or cooking process
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Do not overfill the fryer – this can cause dangerous boil overs
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Wear long sleeves and oven mitts to avoid burns
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Turn off the fryer and allow oil to fully cool before disposing
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Store oil safely – prolonged contact with oxygen can cause rancidity
With some basic precautions, you can safely enjoy all the delicious perks of deep fried turkey from your Butterball XL fryer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about oil and the Butterball XL turkey fryer? Here are some common FAQs:
How much oil do you need for a 20 lb turkey?
A 20 lb turkey will require the maximum fill capacity of 2.75 gallons or 11 quarts oil.
Can I reuse the oil after frying a turkey?
Yes, you can reuse oil 2-3 times if you strain out food particles properly after each use. Discard oil that smells or looks off.
Is it safe to fry a frozen turkey?
Never fry a frozen turkey! It can cause hot oil to splatter dangerously. Always thaw completely first.
How long does it take to fry a turkey?
Allow 3-4 minutes per pound. So a 16 lb turkey will take 48-64 minutes at 350°F oil temperature.
What’s the lowest oil amount I can use?
Don’t use less than 1 quart oil per pound of turkey. Any less will result in uneven cooking.
Get Crispy, Juicy, Fried Turkey with the Right Oil Amount
Now that you know exactly how much oil you need based on the size of your turkey, you can look forward to amazing frying results! Fill up your Butterball XL turkey fryer properly and safely enjoy the convenience of frying indoors. Your family will rave about the crispiest, juiciest, most flavorful fried turkey ever!
