You will need a 40- or 60-quart pot with a basket, a burner, and a propane gas tank. You will also need a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil and a meat thermometer to check the turkey is done. For added safety, have a fire extinguisher and potholders nearby.
Place fryer on a level dirt or grassy area. Never fry a turkey indoors, in a garage or in any other structure attached to a building. Avoid frying on wood decks, which could catch fire, and concrete, which can be stained by the oil.
It’s best to fry 8- to 10-pound turkeys and turkey parts like breast, wings, and thighs. You’ll need approximately 5 gallons of oil; more for larger turkeys. Turkey can be injected with a marinade, coated with breading or seasoned with a rub before cooking. An 8- to 10-pound turkey needs about 1 cup of marinade, with 2/3 of it going into the breast and the other 1/3 going into the rest of the turkey. Don’t not stuff a turkey you intend to fry.
Deep frying a turkey is a quick and delicious way to cook a moist, juicy bird with crispy golden skin. But using the right amount of oil is critical for safety and proper cooking. Underfilling leads to uneven frying, while overfilling risks dangerous spillovers and fires. Follow this guide to learn how to accurately measure oil for deep frying your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey.
Why Proper Oil Measurement Matters
Measuring out the correct quantity of oil for your turkey fryer is important for two key reasons:
- Ensuring the turkey cooks evenly and is not underdone
- Preventing messy and hazardous oil overflows
Not having enough oil to submerge the turkey means portions may be exposed to air and end up undercooked.
Conversely, too much oil increases the chances of boiling hot oil bubbling over the sides of the pot. Oil spilling onto the propane burner can ignite into a fire.
So take the time to properly gauge the oil required for safety and perfect results.
Calculating How Much Oil You Need
As a general guideline you need about 1 quart of oil per pound of turkey. So for a 16 lb turkey which is average, you’ll need about 16 quarts or 4 gallons of oil.
Keep in mind you need enough oil to completely cover the turkey, with 3-4 inches of extra room for the oil to bubble and circulate.
Water Displacement Method
The most accurate way to measure oil is the water displacement method
- Place the thawed, dried turkey in the empty pot.
- Fill with water until the turkey is submerged by 3-4 inches.
- Mark the water line on the inside of the pot.
- Remove the turkey and dry the pot thoroughly.
- Fill with oil to the water line.
This allows you to visually see the exact amount of liquid needed to safely fry the turkey.
Alternative Methods
If not using water displacement, you can also:
- Measure the turkey’s volume in cubic inches, adding extra for headspace. Multiply by 0.125 to get quarts of oil.
- Estimate 1⁄2 quart of oil per pound of turkey weight.
No matter the method, precise measurement prevents undercooking and overflow.
Choosing an Appropriate Pot
Make sure your pot is tall enough to hold the required amount of oil Turkey fryer kits come with suitable pots You can also use a large stockpot.
Opt for thick stainless steel pots, which heat oil evenly. Avoid nonstick and aluminum which can release harmful fumes.
Never overfill a pot, as oil will boil over violently.
Oil Options
Consider these factors when selecting frying oil:
-
High smoke point above 400°F. Good choices are peanut, safflower or avocado oil.
-
Neutral taste like canola or peanut oil to avoid overpowering flavor.
-
Healthy oil like olive or sunflower for better nutrition. Avoid extra virgin olive oil’s low smoke point.
-
Reusable oil like peanut can withstand multiple uses. Vegetable oil should be tossed after one fry.
Always start with fresh, clean oil. Do not reuse oil with debris.
Safe Oil Preparation
Once measured, use these tips for safe prep:
-
Ensure pot and turkey are dry before adding oil. Moisture causes splattering.
-
Set up outdoors away from structures on a flat, sturdy surface.
-
Gradually heat oil to 350-375°F, monitoring temp with a thermometer.
-
Heat slowly over medium heat, never leaving oil unattended.
-
Keep kids and pets safely away from hot oil. Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
-
Use well-insulated gloves and mitts when handling hot oil to avoid burns.
-
Allow oil to fully cool before disposing in a sealed container after use.
Key Takeaways
-
Accurately measuring oil prevents undercooking and dangerous boilovers
-
Use water displacement to gauge the precise amount required
-
Allow for 3-4 inches of headspace above submerged turkey
-
Select an appropriate pot and healthy, high smoke point oil
-
Safely prepare measured oil by heating slowly while monitoring temperature
Following these guidelines will ensure you measure oil correctly for the safest, most delicious deep-fried turkey. Just take extreme caution when working with several gallons of hot oil.
Measuring Your Cooking Oil For Deep Frying A Turkey…101
FAQ
How to know how much oil to put in a turkey fryer?
How much oil for 14 lb turkey?
Does turkey have to be fully submerged in oil?
How much oil does a turkey fryer take?
Turkey (10-12 pounds max): Smaller birds fry more evenly and safely, while larger birds are more difficult to handle. Turkey fryer with burner: Choose a stable, outdoor-only propane burner. Oil (peanut or canola): About three to four gallons to submerge the bird fully.
How do I choose the best Turkey frying oil?
Consider these factors when choosing your turkey frying oil: High smoke point: Look for oils with smoke points over 400°F. Good options include peanut, safflower and refined avocado oils. Neutral taste: Opt for mild flavored oils like peanut or canola so they don’t overpower the turkey’s natural flavor.
How do you deep fry a 12 lb Turkey?
Place the pot on the burner; clip a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Add a neutral oil with a high-smoke point to the pot up to the fill line you made earlier (you’ll need about 4–5 gal. to fry a 12–14-lb. turkey in a 30-qt. pot). How do you know if a turkey deep fryer is good?
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 do you Dry a fried turkey?
Season the turkey with kosher salt and then let it absorb the salt for at least 24 hours in the fridge. If space allows, leave the turkey uncovered, which helps dry the turkey even further. Pat the turkey dry again just before frying. Turn off the burner and lower the turkey into the oil very slowly.
How much oil do you put in a thawed Turkey?
The oil level should be 3-4 inches above the top of the turkey. The easiest way to determine the precise oil amount needed is by using the water displacement method: Place your thawed, dry turkey in the empty fryer pot. Fill the pot with water until the turkey is completely submerged, with about 3-4 extra inches of headspace.