Cooking on the Big Easy charcoal-powered infrared turkey fryer can yield delicious results when done properly. Determining cook times requires considering several factors like meat thickness, desired doneness, and weight. While cook times vary, most meats cook surprisingly fast thanks to the intense infrared heat. With some simple guidelines, you can master cooking times on the Big Easy.
What Is the Big Easy Fryer?
The Big Easy is a proprietary charcoal-powered infrared turkey fryer and smoker manufactured by Char-Broil. It uses infrared heat and convection to cook meat quickly while infusing delicious smoky flavor.
Here are some key features of the Big Easy:
- Uses infrared heat – Infrared waves cook food fast by penetrating deeply and heating efficiently.
- Convection cooking – A built-in fan circulates hot air for convection cooking.
- Charcoal-powered – Burns charcoal as clean fuel for authentic smoky flavor.
- Turkey fryer – Large enough to cook whole turkeys up to 16 lbs.
- Portable – Weighs only 22 lbs. with carry handles for transport.
- Temperature control – Adjustable heat levels up to 1800°F.
The combination of infrared heat, convection, and smoky charcoal flavor enables the Big Easy to cook foods thoroughly and quickly while imparting delicious flavor.
Factors that Determine Cook Times
Several factors impact how long food takes to cook on the Big Easy, including:
Meat Thickness
Thicker cuts of meat naturally take longer to cook than thinner pieces. For example, a 1-inch pork chop may take 10-15 minutes while a 2-inch chop may need 25-30 minutes.
Bone vs Boneless
Bone-in meats often require a little more cook time than boneless pieces. Bones act as insulators slowing the cooking process. Remove bones ahead of time or expect bones to add 5-15 extra minutes.
Desired Doneness
Rare or medium meat takes less time than well-done. Chicken is safest cooked to 165°F but many meats taste best cooked medium rare (125-135°F). Adjust cook times down for less done meat.
Starting Temperature
Meat straight from the fridge takes longer to cook through than meat at room temp. Let thicker cuts sit out for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
Quantity Being Cooked
The more meat you cook, the longer it takes for all pieces to finish. Cook similar sized pieces together for even cooking.
Fryer Heat Level
Higher heat settings cook food faster but may burn the outside before the inside is done. Lower heat is gentler and more even.
Altitudinal Differences
Higher altitudes impact cook times. Increase time by 5-10% per 1000 feet above sea level.
Cook Time Guidelines by Meat
Here are general cook time ranges for common meats cooked in the Big Easy:
Chicken
| Chicken Cut | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless) | 18-25 minutes |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | 22-28 minutes |
| Whole chicken (4-6 lbs) | 1-1.5 hours |
| Turkey breast (5 lbs) | 1.5-2 hours |
Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F and turkey reaches 170°F. Allow carryover cooking time and tent with foil before serving.
Pork
| Pork Cut | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Pork chops (1-inch thick) | 10-15 minutes |
| Pork tenderloin (1-1.5 lbs) | 30-40 minutes |
| Baby back ribs (rack) | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Pulled pork shoulder (5 lbs) | 5-8 hours |
Cook pork to at least 145°F with a 3 minute rest. Add smoke wood chips for extra flavor.
Beef
| Beef Cut | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Burgers (1/2 pound) | 8-12 minutes |
| Steaks (1-inch thick) | 8-12 minutes |
| Beef ribs | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Brisket (8-12 lbs) | 8-12 hours |
Use a meat thermometer and remove beef between 125-165°F for desired doneness. Let rest 5+ minutes before slicing.
Fish and Seafood
| Type | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 8-12 minutes |
| Tuna or swordfish steaks | 8-10 minutes |
| Scallops or shrimp | 5-8 minutes |
| Lobster tails | 10-15 minutes |
Seafood cooks fast so watch carefully. Cook until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Vegetables
| Vegetable | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Corn on the cob | 15-20 minutes |
| Potatoes, cubes | 15-20 minutes |
| Brussels sprouts | 8-12 minutes |
| Asparagus spears | 8-10 minutes |
Toss veggies in oil or sauce and cook until tender-crisp. Shake the basket occasionally for even cooking.
Tips for Cooking on the Big Easy
Use these tips for best results when cooking on the Big Easy:
- Preheat the fryer with charcoal fully engaged for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness, especially for poultry.
- Let meat rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juiciness.
- Brush or spray oil on meat and veggies before cooking.
- Cook similar sized pieces together for consistent doneness.
- Adjust heat higher or lower as needed to prevent burning.
- For smoke flavor, add wood chips 30 minutes before cooking.
- Clean the fryer regularly to prevent grease buildup and flare ups.
With high heat and convection, food cooks amazingly fast in the Big Easy. Monitor closely and use a thermometer for perfectly cooked meat and vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you grill in the Big Easy?
Yes, the Big Easy works well for grilling. The intense infrared heat sears the meat for grill marks while cooking the inside. Use grill baskets and keep the grease pan in place for best results.
What temperature does the Big Easy reach?
The Big Easy burning charcoal can reach temperatures over 1800°F. However, cooking temperatures are adjustable from 200-600°F for proper cooking.
Can you rotisserie cook on the Big Easy?
No, the Big Easy does not have a rotisserie function. Food is cooked in baskets suspended over the flame. To achieve rotisserie style, cook meat on a vertical roaster.
Is it possible to bake in the Big Easy?
While the Big Easy excels at grilling, smoking, roasting and frying, it is not ideal for baking. There is no way to control temperature accurately enough for proper baking. Use a standard oven instead.
What fuel does the Big Easy use?
The Big Easy is designed to burn charcoal as its heat source. Charcoal provides clean, high heat that infuses food with delicious smoky flavor. Do not use gas or wood only.
Conclusion
Cooking on the Big Easy charcoal turkey fryer allows you to make juicy, tender meats and veggies infused with smoky goodness. Cook times are impressively fast thanks to infrared heat and convection. While times vary based on many factors, the cooking guidelines provided will set you up for succcess. Master your Big Easy fryer by monitoring temperature, using meat thermometers, and adjusting cook times as needed. Your flavorful, mouthwatering meals will be worth the minimal effort.