Many people enjoy deep-fried turkey for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other special occasions. Deep-frying produces an incredibly moist, tender turkey with crispy skin in a fraction of the time it takes to roast a turkey in the oven. However, deep-frying turkeys can also be dangerous if not done properly with the right equipment. One of the most important considerations when deep-frying a turkey is making sure the turkey will fit safely in your fryer.
Infrared turkey fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer a safer alternative to traditional propane-fueled turkey fryers. Infrared fryers use radiant heat to cook the turkey, similar to how a broiler oven works. This allows the turkey to fry from the outside in without submerging it in gallons of hot oil. But infrared fryers still have size limitations on the turkeys they can accommodate. So how big of a turkey will fit in a typical infrared fryer?
Factors That Determine Turkey Capacity
There are a few key factors that determine what size turkey will fit in an infrared turkey fryer:
Fryer Cooking Chamber Size
The interior dimensions of the infrared fryer’s cooking chamber limit the maximum size turkey that will fit inside. Infrared turkey fryers come in different sizes with cooking chambers ranging from about 12 inches wide up to around 18-20 inches wide. The interior height and depth of the cooking chamber are also important. Standard turkeys are roughly 2/3 as deep as they are wide.
Turkey Shape
Turkeys can vary in their proportions. Some are short and squat while others are more elongated. A tall, slender turkey may fit in a fryer even if it is slightly wider than the stated capacity. Conversely, a short wide turkey might not fit even if it is under the weight limit. The overall shape and dimensions have to be considered.
Turkey Weight
Infrared turkey fryer manufacturers provide weight recommendations and limits for their fryers based on the cooking chamber size. Loading a fryer with a turkey that exceeds the weight capacity is dangerous and will result in undercooking.
Standard Turkey Fryer Sizes
Here are some general infrared turkey fryer cooking chamber sizes and their estimated turkey capacity:
| Fryer Size | Approximate Turkey Capacity |
|---|---|
| 12″ width | 10-12 lbs |
| 14″ width | 12-15 lbs |
| 16″ width | 16-18 lbs |
| 18″ width | 18-20 lbs |
These are rough estimates based on the typical proportions of supermarket frozen turkeys. Shape irregularities, especially excessive width, can reduce capacity by a couple pounds. Thawing and removing the neck and giblets can allow you to squeeze in a slightly bigger turkey.
12″ Infrared Fryers
A 12-inch wide infrared fryer is one of the most common sizes and can accommodate up to a 12 lb turkey, depending on shape. This is suitable for small gatherings of 4-6 people. Birds smaller than 10 lbs might cook unevenly.
14″ Infrared Fryers
A 14-inch infrared fryer can hold a turkey up to about 15 lbs. This can feed around 8-10 people. Make sure taller slender turkeys don’t exceed the height of the cooking chamber.
16″ Infrared Fryers
A 16-inch infrared fryer is ideal for turkeys up to 18 lbs, providing ample portions for 10-14 people. Stockpot-shaped turkeys will fit best in this size.
18″ Infrared Fryers
The largest infrared turkey fryers with 18-inch widths can hold a turkey up to 20 lbs. This size can accommodate gatherings of 14-16 people for a holiday feast. Make sure to stay within the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.
Tips for Maximizing Turkey Capacity
Here are some tips to help you get the largest turkey that will safely fit in your infrared fryer:
- Look for a relatively tall, slender turkey rather than a short wide one if your fryer is borderline.
- Allow the turkey to thaw completely before frying so it can become more compact.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavities before cooking.
- Carefully lower the turkey into the cooking chamber before securing the lid. Pressure from the lid can compress it slightly.
- Consider using a turkey breast rather than a whole turkey if size is borderline. Turkey breasts have a more predictable shape.
With an infrared turkey fryer, you don’t have to deep fry a whole large turkey to enjoy delicious fried turkey. A 12-14 lb turkey breast can provide plenty of fried turkey for a group.
Conclusion
Infrared turkey fryers allow you to safely cook moist, delicious fried turkey indoors without having to handle gallons of hot oil. Typical infrared fryers can accommodate turkeys ranging from 10-20 pounds depending on the size of the cooking chamber. A 12-14 inch infrared fryer is sufficient for most small-medium sized gatherings. Carefully follow your fryer’s weight capacity guidelines and consider the turkey’s proportions for a safe fit. With some planning, infrared technology lets you enjoy crunchy fried turkey easily at home.