Fried turkey has become a popular alternative to the traditional roasted turkey for Thanksgiving and other holidays. When done correctly, deep-frying a turkey can result in a bird that is moist, crispy, and flavorful. However, choosing the right oil for frying your turkey is crucial for safety and maximizing the taste.
What type of oil is best for deep frying turkey?
The optimal oil for deep frying turkey should have a high smoke point and minimal flavor. The smoke point refers to the temperature at which the oil begins burning and smoking. For deep frying whole turkeys, you need an oil with a smoke point of at least 400°F. Oils that meet this criteria include:
- Peanut oil – With a smoke point of 450°F, refined peanut oil is ideal for frying turkey. It has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the turkey.
- Canola oil – With a smoke point around 400°F, canola oil is another great choice that lets the turkey flavor shine through.
- Vegetable oil – A blend of different vegetable oils, it has a smoke point of about 450°F.
- Corn oil – With a smoke point of 450°F, corn oil is suitable for frying turkey without imparting too much flavor.
- Sunflower oil – This oil has a smoke point of 440°F, making it another neutral-tasting option.
- Soybean oil – With a smoke point of 460°F, refined soybean oil won’t overwhelm the turkey.
Oils to avoid for deep frying turkey include:
- Olive oil – With a low smoke point range of 374–405°F, olive oil can burn quickly.
- Butter – The milk solids in butter can burn and the smoke point is only 302°F.
- Flaxseed oil – This has a low smoke point of only 225°F.
Is peanut oil the best oil for frying turkey?
Many people consider peanut oil to be the best choice when deep frying a turkey. Here are some of the key benefits of using peanut oil:
- High smoke point (450°F) – Peanut oil can withstand the high heat needed to fry a turkey without burning.
- Neutral flavor – Refined peanut oil has a very mild, neutral taste that doesn’t compete with the turkey flavor.
- Low viscosity – Thinner peanut oil penetrates the turkey skin and meat quickly for uniform cooking.
- High monounsaturated fat – Peanut oil is over 80% monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthier type of oil.
- Reusability – Peanut oil maintains integrity well for reusing a few times when frying at proper temperatures.
One potential downside is that peanut oil is more expensive than other frying options. Overall, peanut oil is prized by many cooks as it yields delicious fried turkeys without contributing much flavor of its own.
What are the pros and cons of different oils for frying turkey?
Here is a comparison of some of the most common oils used for deep-frying turkeys:
| Oil | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut oil |
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| Canola oil |
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| Vegetable oil |
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| Sunflower oil |
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| Soybean oil |
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| Olive oil |
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How much oil do you need to fry a turkey?
The amount of oil needed to deep fry a turkey depends on the size of your turkey. Here are some general oil quantity guidelines:
- 12-14 lb turkey – 3-4 gallons of oil
- 15-18 lb turkey – 4-5 gallons of oil
- 18-20 lb turkey – 5-6 gallons of oil
- 20-24 lb turkey – 6-8 gallons of oil
You need enough oil so the turkey is fully submerged, but not so much that the oil overflows when you add the turkey. Allow at least 5 inches of clearance between the oil level and the top of your pot. It’s better to have a bit too much oil than not enough.
How to choose the right fryer pot for turkey?
Choosing the proper pot for deep frying your turkey is important for safety and results. Here are some tips:
- Use a heavy stockpot designed for frying – Lightweight pots can tip over easily leading to oil spills and burns.
- Choose the right size – Make sure the pot can fully submerge your turkey with room to spare.
- Get a pot with at least an 8 inch opening – You need ample room to lower in and remove your turkey.
- Use pots with gallon markings – This allows measuring the precise oil amount.
- Look for helper handles – Handles make lifting the heavy pot of hot oil much easier.
- Pick a pot that is wider than tall – A wide pot provides more surface area for even cooking.
- Avoid pots with a dark interior – The oil level will be harder to monitor in a dark pot.
Quality stainless steel turkey fryer kits often come with the right size heavy pot and accessories. You can also use a heavy pot designed for boiling seafood or making jams in a pinch.
Is reused oil safe for frying turkey?
It is generally not recommended to reuse oil after frying a turkey. Reusing old oil carries some potential risks:
- Lower smoke point – The smoke point drops as oil is used, making it more likely to burn.
- Off flavors – Old oil can impart rancid flavors to your fried turkey.
- Harmful compounds – Fats can break down into unhealthy compounds with repeated high heat.
- Carryover flavors – Reusing oil can impart flavors from your previous turkey fry.
That being said, oil can be reused about 2-3 times safely if stored properly. Here are some tips if reusing oil:
- Use fresh peanut oil – Its integrity holds up to reuse better than other oils.
- Let oil fully cool first before straining and storing.
- Filter out food particles with cheesecloth or coffee filter.
- Store oil in an airtight container away from light and heat.
- Limit reuse to 2-3 times before discarding oil.
- Check the oil’s smoke point before reusing.
For the best results, fresh oil is ideal. But with proper care between uses, reusing peanut oil a couple times can save you money.
What precautions should be taken when frying turkey?
Deep frying turkey comes with some safety concerns. Follow these precautions:
- Use caution when handling hot oil to avoid burns – slowly lower turkey in/out.
- Monitor oil temp constantly – Overheating can cause fires.
- Do not overfill the pot with oil.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Turkey must be fully thawed and dry before frying.
- Keep the fryer far from any combustible materials.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
- Do not leave a frying turkey unattended.
- Allow oil to cool fully before disposal.
Frying turkey outdoors is recommended for fire safety. Stay sober to carefully monitor the hot oil. With proper precautions, deep-fried turkey cooked in fresh oil can be a delicious holiday treat.
Conclusion
From considering smoke points to oil quantities, choosing the right oil is one of the most important aspects of deep frying a turkey. While many options like peanut, canola, sunflower, and soybean oil can work, peanut oil is prized by many as the best oil for frying turkey. It has a high smoke point of 450°F, neutral taste, and the ability to be reused a couple times. Calculate the right amount you need for your turkey’s size and use a heavy, quality pot big enough to fully submerge the bird. Take all necessary safety precautions, and your holiday guests will enjoy tasty deep-fried turkey.