Using a turkey fryer to fry chicken is a fast and convenient way to cook a large batch of delicious fried chicken. However, there are some important factors to consider when frying chicken in a turkey fryer.
Can You Physically Fit Chicken in a Turkey Fryer?
Most commercial turkey fryers are large enough to accommodate a 10-12 lb. turkey. Chicken pieces are much smaller than a whole turkey, so you can easily fit multiple pieces of chicken in a turkey frying basket. However, you’ll want to avoid overfilling the basket more than halfway full to allow the hot oil to freely circulate around each piece.
Differences in Cook Times for Chicken vs. Turkey
The main difference when frying chicken instead of turkey in a fryer is the cook time. Turkeys typically take 3-4 minutes per pound at 350°F oil temperature to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Chicken pieces cook much faster, needing only 2-3 minutes per batch depending on thickness. Frying multiple smaller chicken pieces together leads to uneven cooking, so fry chicken in small batches for best results.
Suggested Cooking Temperatures for Fried Chicken
The optimal oil temperature for fried chicken is between 325-375°F. Higher heat leads to over-browning on the outside before the inside cooks through. Lower heat increases cook time and can lead to oil absorption. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor oil temp. Allow the oil to come back up to temp between batches. Here are general guidelines for frying chicken in a turkey fryer:
- 325°F for boneless chicken tenders or nuggets, 2-3 minutes
- 350°F for bone-in chicken pieces, 8-12 minutes depending on size
- 375°F for extra crispy chicken, monitor closely to avoid burning
Tips for Frying Chicken in a Turkey Fryer
Follow these tips for crispy, juicy fried chicken using your turkey fryer:
- Use peanut or vegetable oil, which have high smoke points
- Let oil heat to temp before adding chicken, use a thermometer
- Fry similar-sized pieces together in small batches
- Allow oil to reheat between batches, don’t overcrowd
- Monitor temp and don’t let oil get too hot
- Fry dark meat slightly longer than white meat
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack over a pan
Safety Tips
Turkey fryers use a lot of hot oil, which can be dangerous. Follow these safety tips:
- Never leave oil unattended, it can overheat quickly
- Don’t overfill pot with oil, follow manufacturer’s fill lines
- Wear long sleeves & closed toe shoes to avoid burns
- Keep kids and pets away from hot fryer
- Let oil cool completely before disposing or storing
Should You Marinate Chicken Before Frying?
Marinating chicken before frying is optional, but can add great flavor. Buttermilk, brines, or basic seasoning marinades work well. The key is to remove excess moisture by dredging in flour/spices so the batter adheres. Allow marinated chicken to air dry for 10-15 minutes before dredging and frying. Pat chicken dry if needed.
Best Breading for Fried Chicken in a Fryer
The ideal breading for fried chicken should adhere well to hold up during frying. Here are some top options:
- Flour or cornstarch dredge – Provides a thin, crispy crust
- Seasoned flour – Flour with salt, pepper, spices for flavor
- Buttermilk soak – Tangy, tender, moist chicken
- Double-dredge – Flour, buttermilk, back to flour – very crispy!
- Breading mixes – Shake & Bake or homemade recipes
What Oil to Use in a Turkey Fryer for Chicken
The best oils for deep frying chicken have a high smoke point to withstand frying temperatures. Good options include:
| Oil | Smoke Point |
|---|---|
| Peanut oil | 450°F |
| Vegetable oil | 450°F |
| Canola oil | 400°F |
| Sunflower oil | 440°F |
Avoid oils with low smoke points like olive and sesame oil.
Pros of Using a Turkey Fryer for Chicken
Here are some benefits of using a turkey fryer to fry chicken:
- Large capacity – can fry bigger batches
- Gets oil to high temperatures needed for frying
chicken - Basket design helps prevent sticking or burning
- Outdoor frying avoids smoking up kitchen
- Fun, quick way to make delicious fried chicken
Cons of Frying Chicken in a Turkey Fryer
Some drawbacks to consider when frying chicken in a turkey fryer include:
- Safety concerns with large amount of hot oil
- Can take trial and error to get temperature and
cook times right - Outdoor location impacted by weather/temperature
- Doesn’t save money vs buying ready fried chicken
- More difficult to monitor/flip chicken while frying
Frying Other Foods in a Turkey Fryer
In addition to chicken, a turkey fryer can be used to fry up delicious batches of these other foods:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Fried shrimp
- Fried fish fillets
- Doughnuts
- Fried vegetables like okra, zucchini, mushrooms
The key is frying in small batches at the correct oil temperature to achieve a crispy exterior while cooking the interior through. Be very careful when using a turkey fryer to avoid burns.
Buying a Turkey Fryer for Chicken
Turkey fryers designed for outdoor use can be purchased at stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, and Amazon. Prices range from $60 up to $200. Look for:
- Minimum 12 qt oil capacity. The more oil, the more chicken you can fry.
- Propane burner with adjustable temperature. This allows dialing in the right frying temp.
- Sturdy steel construction with tripod legs. Avoid plastic models.
- Basket and hook for safely lowering chicken into oil.
- Built-in thermometer. Essential for monitoring oil temp.
Quality brands like Bayou Classic, Masterbuilt, and Butterball are good options.
Frying Chicken Safely
To safely fry chicken in a turkey fryer:
- Set up on a flat, stable surface away from any flammable objects
- Ensure propane tank is properly connected and secure
- Keep an ABC fire extinguisher on hand just in case
- Use cooking thermometer to verify oil is at proper temperature before adding food
- Wear oven mitts, long sleeves and closed toe shoes to avoid burns
- Don’t overfill the fryer pot with oil
- Don’t leave hot oil unattended
- Allow oil to cool completely before disposing
Recipes for Fried Chicken in a Turkey Fryer
Here are two delicious fried chicken recipes tailored for cooking in a turkey fryer:
Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 whole cut-up chicken or 2-3 lbs chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- Peanut oil for frying
Directions:
- Mix chicken and buttermilk in a bowl. Cover and marinate 30 min – 1 hour.
- In separate bowls, prepare flour and breadcrumb dredges seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika. Beat eggs in a third bowl.
- Heat at least 4 inches oil to 325°F in turkey fryer.
- Drain chicken from buttermilk, then dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry chicken in batches 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on a wire rack over a pan. Enjoy!
Nashville Hot Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and drums
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot chili powder
- 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
Directions:
- Mix chicken and buttermilk in a bowl. Cover and marinate 20-30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F. Dredge marinated chicken in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, melt lard and mix in spices, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Dip fried chicken in spicy lard mixture to coat.
- Serve chicken over white bread with hot sauce sauce and pickles.
Be careful not to overcrowd chicken when frying in batches. Allow oil to reheat between batches. Use a thermometer and adjust burner heat to maintain proper oil temperature. Fry dark meat just slightly longer than white meat. The key is frying at the right temperature to achieve crispy, fully cooked chicken without burning the coating. Let chicken drain on a wire rack before serving.
Conclusion
Frying up delicious golden fried chicken in a turkey fryer is quick and easy. With the right oil temperature and batch sizes, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken on the inside with an ultra-crisp coating. A turkey fryer allows frying larger amounts compared to a pot on the stove. Just be very careful when using the hot oil. Monitor temperature closely and take safety precautions. Now that you know how to fry chicken in a turkey fryer, fire it up for your next outdoor cooking adventure!