Description
This deep-fried turkey recipe delivers a juicy, tender interior with a perfectly crispy outer crust. Ideal for outdoor holiday cooking, it frees up your oven while creating a flavorful and impressive centerpiece. The turkey is seasoned with Creole spices and cooked in hot peanut oil to ensure even cooking and rich taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Frying Ingredients
- 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 0.25 cup Creole seasoning
- 1 medium white onion
Instructions
- Prepare Oil and Platter: Gather all ingredients. Fill a turkey fryer or large stockpot with enough peanut oil to fully submerge the turkey while leaving space to prevent overflow. Heat the oil to 400°F (200°C). Line a large platter with food-safe paper bags to catch excess oil after frying.
- Season the Turkey: Rinse the turkey under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Rub Creole seasoning generously inside the cavity and all over the skin. Ensure the neck hole is open at least 2 inches to allow oil to flow freely into the cavity during frying.
- Lower Turkey Into Oil: Turn off the heat source to safely place the turkey. Place the whole onion into the fryer’s drain basket, then place the turkey into the basket neck-end first. Slowly lower the basket into the hot oil until the turkey is completely submerged. Be cautious to avoid oil splashing.
- Fry the Turkey: Turn the heat source back on and maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Cook the turkey for about 45 minutes, or approximately 3.5 minutes per pound, until the meat is no longer pink near the bone and the juices run clear.
- Check Doneness and Drain: Carefully lift the basket from the oil and allow excess oil to drain. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone; the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) but not exceed 180°F (80°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the turkey to the prepared platter lined with paper to finish draining for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, flavorful deep-fried turkey.
Notes
- Deep-frying turkey outdoors is a great way to free up oven space during holidays and special events.
- This method produces a juicy and tender bird with a crispy skin that’s difficult to achieve with traditional roasting.
- Ensure the turkey is completely dry before seasoning and frying to prevent dangerous oil splatters.
- Maintain proper oil temperature throughout frying to cook the bird evenly and prevent grease absorption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 oz cooked turkey)
- Calories: 603 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 571 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 69 g
- Cholesterol: 229 mg
