Deep Fried Turkey Recipe

This fried turkey recipe has been a delicious part of our family’s Thanksgiving for almost twenty years now. It all started with my sister’s in-laws, David and Shelly (who we love dearly), who have perfected the process year after year (they say about 30 years). David takes charge of the frying, and let me tell you—once we tasted that crispy, golden skin, and juicy, flavorful meat, it became our go-to turkey for the holidays.

While we appreciate a good roasted turkey, there’s just something unbeatable about the texture and moisture that deep frying brings. The seasoning might seem simple, but it’s truly the “secret sauce” that takes this turkey to the next level, keeping it perfectly moist inside, with every bite with flavor.

The tradition stuck, and now, no Thanksgiving is complete without that familiar sizzle and the unmistakable aroma of a perfectly fried bird. If you’ve never tried a fried turkey, you’re in for a treat—it’s an experience that will change the way you think about holiday meals.

How Long Does It Take To Completely Defrost a Frozen Turkey?

Refrigerator Thawing (Safest method):

• Place the turkey (still in its packaging) on a tray or in a pan to catch any drips.
• Allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. I always give myself one extra day, just to be safe.
• Example: A 12-pound turkey will take about 3 days to thaw.
• Once thawed, the turkey can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.

Cold Water Thawing (Faster option):

• Keep the turkey in its packaging and submerge it in cold water, making sure it’s fully covered.
• Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
• Allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
• Example: A 12-pound turkey will take about 6 hours to thaw this way.
• Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

How Much Oil Is Needed To Fry The Turkey?

The most common reason there are accidents with deep frying turkeys is because there is too much oil displacement when the turkey is lowered into boiling oil. 

When frying a turkey, the amount of oil needed depends on the size of the turkey and the size of the fryer. A general rule of thumb is to use enough oil to completely submerge the turkey, but not so much that it overflows once the turkey is placed in the fryer.

Most fryers these days come with a pretty accurate chart based on the size of the turkey that you can use to determine how much oil to use with the fryer you have. So, I recommend checking your particular fryer instructions. However, if you don’t have them or want to double-check here is a way to measure (this is especially helpful for an outdoor pot-style fryer):

1. Place the turkey in the fryer completely thawed (before seasoning it) into the fryer.
2. Fill the fryer with water until the water is at the fill line.
3. Remove the turkey and mark the water level. This is how much oil you’ll need.
4. Make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the fryer before adding oil to avoid dangerous splattering when you heat the oil.

Then, follow directions to season and fry as directed in the recipe.

How to Use an Electric Fryer to Make Fried Turkey

Last year, we gave the Masterbuilt XL Electric Fryer a try, and we were impressed with the results. 

• This method uses less oil and doesn’t involve an open flame like a traditional gas fryer, which makes it a safer option. 
• With an electric fryer, you get controlled, even heating, making it easier to manage the cooking process from start to finish. 
• You can use an electric fryer indoors or outdoors. 
• We were able to cook a large (19.34 pound) turkey in this fryer.

Use the same cooking instructions as above except for the cooking temperature. Preheat an electric fryer to 375℉ and follow the instructions in the recipe.

How to Store Peanut Oil After Frying a Turkey?

Follow these steps, and your peanut oil will stay fresh and good to go for months! Just keep an eye on it—if it starts looking cloudy, smells off, or gets foamy when you heat it, it’s time to toss it and grab a new batch.

1. Cool the Oil Completely: Allow the oil to cool to room temperature in the fryer before handling it. This prevents burns and makes it easier to manage.
2. Strain the Oil: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any food particles or debris. Skipping this step can lead to spoilage or off-flavors over time.
3. Store in an Airtight Container: Pour the filtered oil into its original container (if available) or a clean, airtight container. Make sure the container is dry to avoid water contamination.
4. Label with Date: Note the date you used the oil and how many times it’s been reused to keep track of its quality. Peanut oil can typically be reused 3 to 4 times, as long as it hasn’t developed off-flavors or a dark color.
5. Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the oil in a pantry, cabinet, or other dark area. If the room is warm, you can store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life, though it may solidify—simply bring it to room temperature before using again.

Follow these steps, and your peanut oil will stay fresh and good to go for months! Just keep an eye on it—if it starts looking cloudy, smells off, or gets foamy when you heat it, it’s time to toss it and grab a new batch.

Recipe FAQs

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Cool the Turkey Quickly: Let the turkey rest briefly after carving, but don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cooling it promptly helps prevent bacterial growth.

Portion and Store in Airtight Containers: Slice or shred the leftover turkey into portions, removing from the bones and store them in airtight containers or resealable bags. Make sure to remove as much air from the bags as possible. Storing in portions will make it easy to grab what you need without exposing the whole batch to air each time.

Refrigerate: Leftovers last 3-4 days. For the best shelf life, store them in the coldest part of your fridge.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze turkey in airtight containers or freezer bags. Turkey can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Be sure to label the date to keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Reheat Safely: When reheating, make sure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Adding a little broth or gravy helps prevent it from drying out.

What to Serve with Thanksgiving Turkey

Our Thanksgiving menu offers many options, traditional sides, and desserts. Below are a few ideas. For more Holiday meal ideas, visit our Thanksgiving or Christmas pages to complete the menu. And don’t forget the Homemade Turkey Gravy to top off your turkey!