Description
This deep-fried turkey recipe offers a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. Perfect for outdoor holiday cooking, it frees up your oven and adds a flavorful Creole seasoning for a tasty twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Oils and Seasonings
- 3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as needed
- 0.25 cup Creole seasoning
Turkey
- 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 1 medium white onion
Instructions
- Prepare the fryer and oil: Gather the ingredients and fill a turkey fryer or large stockpot with enough peanut oil to submerge the turkey without overflowing. Heat the oil to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large platter lined with food-safe paper bags to drain the turkey after frying.
- Season the turkey: Rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to ensure safety and proper frying. Rub the Creole seasoning inside the cavity and over the entire turkey surface. Make certain the neck hole is open at least 2 inches to allow oil to circulate properly inside the cavity.
- Lower the turkey into the oil: Turn off the heat source. Place the whole onion into the fryer’s drain basket, then add the turkey, neck-end first. Slowly and carefully lower the basket into the hot oil until the turkey is fully submerged. Once lowered, turn the heat back on and maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) during cooking.
- Fry the turkey: Cook the turkey until no pink remains at the bone and the juices run clear, about 45 minutes total or approximately 3 1/2 minutes per pound. Constantly monitor the oil temperature to keep it steady at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and safety.
- Check doneness and drain: Carefully remove the basket and drain the turkey over the fryer. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh near the bone to ensure the turkey’s internal temperature is between 165°F (74°C) and 180°F (80°C). Transfer the turkey to the prepared platter to finish draining for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve: Carve and serve the turkey warm, enjoying its crispy skin and juicy meat.
Notes
- This deep-fried turkey method is ideal for outdoor cooking and helps free up your oven during big holiday meals.
- The high temperature frying results in a crispy skin while locking in moisture for tender meat inside.
- Always ensure the turkey is fully thawed and patted dry to prevent dangerous oil splatters and fires during frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- 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
