Cooking a turkey in an electric fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and delicious bird on the table for holidays or anytime you have a craving. With an electric fryer, you don’t have to worry about monitoring an oven temperature or basting the turkey – the oil does all the work! When frying turkey, getting the right cook time is critical to ensuring the meat is thoroughly and safely cooked. Let’s take a look at how long you should cook a Butterball turkey in an electric fryer.
Factors That Affect Turkey Fry Time
There are a few key factors that will determine how long your Butterball turkey needs to cook in the electric fryer:
- Turkey size – Larger birds will need more time. Butterball provides size guidelines for fry times.
- Oil temperature – The oil must maintain a consistent 350°F temperature. This allows for even cooking.
- Thawed vs. frozen – A frozen turkey will take significantly longer to fry than a thawed one.
- Brined or unbrined – Brining adds moisture and flavor. A brined turkey may cook slightly faster.
Butterball has done extensive research on frying times to take the guesswork out of frying their turkeys. They provide clear instructions based on the size of your turkey. Be sure to carefully follow their recommendations for safely cooking your bird.
Butterball Turkey Fry Time Chart
Here are the recommend Butterball turkey frying times for both thawed and frozen birds:
| Turkey Size | Thawed Time | Frozen Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 10 lbs | 3 – 4 minutes per lb | 4 – 5 minutes per lb |
| 10 – 12 lbs | 3 – 4 minutes per lb | 4 – 5 minutes per lb |
| 12 – 14 lbs | 3 – 4 minutes per lb | 5 minutes per lb |
| 14 – 16 lbs | 3 – 4 minutes per lb | 5 minutes per lb |
| 16 – 18 lbs | 3 – 4 minutes per lb | 5 – 6 minutes per lb |
| 18 – 20 lbs | 3 1/2 – 4 minutes per lb | 6 minutes per lb |
| 20 – 22 lbs | 3 1/2 – 4 minutes per lb | 6 minutes per lb |
As you can see, cook times range from 3 – 6 minutes per pound depending on the size and whether it is thawed or frozen. Butterball states to never fry a turkey larger than 18 pounds if it is still frozen.
Key Tips for Fried Butterball Turkey
Follow these tips for fried turkey success:
- Completely thaw turkey before frying for shortest cook time.
- Use a thermometer to verify oil is at 350°F before cooking.
- Slowly lower turkey into hot oil to prevent splashing or burns.
- Use commercial electric fryer for safety. Do not overload oil capacity.
- Monitor oil temp and adjust heat to maintain 350°F.
- Use oils with high smoke points like peanut or canola oil.
- Fry turkey 3 1/2 – 4 minutes per lb until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Remove and drain on paper towels before slicing and serving.
Thawing Your Turkey
For quicker frying, be sure your turkey is completely thawed. Here are safe methods to thaw your frozen bird:
- Refrigerator thawing – Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs.
- Cold water thawing – Submerge sealed turkey in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
- Never thaw at room temp or in hot water due to bacteria risk.
Once thawed, remove giblets and rinse turkey inside and out with cold water before patting dry. Cut out the backbone and fold in half to fit in fryer if needed. Finally, inject marinade deep into thicker breast and thigh areas for added moisture and flavor.
Is Fried Turkey Safe?
Frying turkey is safe when proper precautions are taken. Here are some key safety tips:
- Use an electric fryer, not propane, for stability.
- Do not overfill oil past recommended levels.
- Keep children and pets away from hot oil.
- Monitor oil temp closely to prevent overheating.
- Wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection.
- Completely thaw and dry turkey before frying.
- Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
- Allow oil to cool completely before disposing.
As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your fryer, thaw your turkey properly and monitor the temperature, fried turkey is a delicious and safe option!
Serving Fried Turkey
Fried turkey is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute. Serve alongside classic Thanksgiving sides or on sandwiches and salads. Some tasty serving suggestions include:
- Fried turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce.
- Fried turkey tacos with avocado and pepper jack.
- Fried turkey salad with romaine, bacon, cheese, ranch dressing.
- Slice white and dark meat for sandwiches or chop/shred for toppings.
- Make turkey pot pie or turkey noodle soup with leftovers.
Storing and Reheating Fried Turkey
Properly stored fried turkey keeps well for 3-4 days refrigerated. For longer storage, slice or shred meat and freeze turkey for 2-3 months. Reheat leftover turkey to 165°F. Ideas include:
- Microwave slices or shredded meat, adding broth or water.
- Sauté chunks or slices in a skillet with butter or oil.
- Make turkey casseroles or pot pies.
- Simmer pieces in gravy, broth or sauce.
With quick electric turkey frying, you can enjoy juicy, crispy turkey year-round. Follow Butterball guidelines for size and cook times. Take safety precautions, and store and reheat leftovers properly. Fried Butterball turkey makes for finger-licking holiday feasts and easy sandwiches all week long!
Conclusion
Cooking a Butterball turkey in an electric fryer allows you to get tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast. Key factors like turkey size, oil temperature and thaw status all affect cook times. Butterball provides detailed frying time instructions based on these factors so you can perfectly fry a turkey every time. For safety, be sure to use an outdoor electric fryer and follow guidelines on filling oil level. Monitor temperature closely. With proper thawing, frying and storage methods, fried Butterball turkey is a delicious meal on holidays or any night of the week.