10+ Fry Turkey Recipes Deep for a Flavorful Feast

10+ Fry Turkey Recipes Deep for a Flavorful Feast

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 10 minutes

Deep-frying turkey can add a delicious twist to your holiday meals or family gatherings. With the right recipes and techniques, you can create an incredibly flavorful and juicy turkey that your guests will love. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your frying skills, exploring different fry turkey recipes can help you achieve that tasty outcome.

A large pot of bubbling oil with a whole turkey being lowered in

In this article, you will find a variety of methods and tips to make deep-frying turkey easy and enjoyable. From choosing the right ingredients to ensuring safety, you will be well-equipped to tackle this culinary adventure. Prepare to impress your friends and family with your frying talents!

Cajun Deep-Fried Turkey

A large turkey being lowered into a bubbling pot of hot oil, surrounded by Cajun spices and herbs

Cajun deep-fried turkey is a flavorful way to enjoy this classic dish. The deep frying method makes the turkey crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

To start, prepare a marinade with butter, water, and spices. Inject this mixture into the turkey for added flavor. It’s best to let the turkey sit overnight in the fridge to soak up the marinade.

When you’re ready to cook, heat the oil to 365°F (185°C). Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil, making sure it is fully submerged. A cooking basket can help with this process. Cook the turkey for about 3 minutes per pound.

When it’s done, allow the turkey to rest before carving. You’ll be amazed at the delicious flavors that come from this Cajun twist!

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • Cajun seasonings (your choice)
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Melt the butter and mix it with water and spices.
  2. Inject the marinade into the turkey.
  3. Refrigerate the turkey overnight.
  4. Heat the oil to 365°F (185°C).
  5. Lower the turkey into the hot oil.
  6. Cook for 3 minutes per pound.
  7. Let the turkey rest before serving.

2) Garlic Butter Deep-Fried Turkey

A turkey being deep-fried in a large pot of bubbling garlic butter

Garlic butter deep-fried turkey is a tasty treat for any gathering. The rich garlic flavor combined with the crispy skin makes it a favorite. This recipe is simple and sure to impress your guests.

To start, you will need to make a garlic butter mixture. Combine melted butter with minced garlic, salt, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Rub this mixture all over your turkey, getting it under the skin for extra flavor.

Next, prepare your fryer by heating oil to 375°F (190.6°C). Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Fry it for about 3 to 4 minutes per pound. For example, if your turkey is 12 pounds, cook it for about 36 to 48 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (73.9°C).

Ingredients

  • 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chopped herbs (rosemary or thyme)
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix melted butter, garlic, salt, and herbs together.
  2. Rub the garlic butter mixture all over the turkey.
  3. Preheat oil in the fryer to 375°F (190.6°C).
  4. Lower the turkey into the oil carefully.
  5. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per pound until the internal temperature is 165°F (73.9°C).

3) Spicy Buffalo Deep-Fried Turkey

A whole turkey being deep-fried in a large pot of hot oil, with spicy buffalo sauce being drizzled over it

For a tasty twist on traditional fried turkey, try making a Spicy Buffalo Deep-Fried Turkey. This recipe adds a flavorful kick that your guests will love.

Start by preparing your turkey. Make sure it is completely thawed and dry. Then, pat the turkey dry again before placing it on the fryer stand or in the basket.

Heat your oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). You will need about 3.5 minutes of frying per pound. So, for a 10 to 12-pound turkey, this will take about 35 to 42 minutes.

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oil. Be sure to brush it with Buffalo sauce while it’s hot. Let it sit for 15 minutes. You can repeat basting a couple of times for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
  • Oil for frying
  • Buffalo sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Thaw and dry the turkey completely.
  2. Pat the turkey dry again before frying.
  3. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Fry turkey for 3.5 minutes per pound.
  5. Brush with Buffalo sauce after frying.
  6. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

4) Honey Bourbon Deep-Fried Turkey

A large turkey submerged in bubbling honey bourbon batter, ready to be deep-fried to golden perfection

Honey bourbon deep-fried turkey brings a sweet and smoky flavor to your holiday meal. This recipe is perfect for adding a delicious twist to a traditional turkey.

Start by injecting the turkey with a mix of honey and bourbon. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Remember to distribute the injection evenly to prevent any pockets of strong taste.

Next, prepare your frying oil. Heat it to 350°F (about 175°C) for optimal frying. Carefully lower your turkey into the hot oil. Cook it for around 3-4 minutes per pound.

Make sure to monitor the temperature of the oil during cooking. Everything needs to stay at that temperature to get crispy skin. Once done, let your turkey rest before carving.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • Cooking oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix honey and bourbon in a bowl.
  2. Inject the mixture into various parts of the turkey.
  3. Heat oil in a fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Carefully lower the turkey into the oil.
  5. Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound.
  6. Remove the turkey and let it rest before serving.

5) Herb-Marinated Deep-Fried Turkey

A whole turkey marinating in herbs, then being deep-fried in a large pot of bubbling oil

Herb-marinated deep-fried turkey offers a delicious twist for your meal. This method adds moisture and flavor, making your turkey extra tasty.

To start, you should prepare a simple marinade. Mix olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to fill the cavity as well.

Let the turkey marinate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in fully. When you’re ready to cook, heat your oil to 350°F (about 175°C).

Carefully lower the turkey into the fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).

This herb-marinated turkey will impress your guests with its juicy texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 14-16 pound turkey
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Rub the marinade over the turkey.
  3. Marinate for 24 hours in the fridge.
  4. Heat oil in your fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound.
  6. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

6) Lemon Pepper Deep-Fried Turkey

A whole turkey being dipped into a pot of bubbling oil, surrounded by lemon wedges and sprinkled with pepper

Lemon pepper deep-fried turkey is a tasty twist on the classic method. The bright flavors of lemon and the warmth of black pepper make every bite delicious.

To start, you can use a simple injectable marinade. Combine lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and a little salt. Inject this marinade into the turkey to ensure every part is flavorful.

Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the turkey for about 3.5 minutes per pound. Keep an eye on the temperature, as dropping below 340°F (171°C) can make your turkey greasy.

When finished, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the meaty part of the thigh. Once done, carefully remove the turkey and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by mixing lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Inject the marinade into various parts of the turkey.
  3. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry the turkey for 3.5 minutes per pound.
  5. Check for a temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

7) Creole Deep-Fried Turkey

A large turkey being submerged in bubbling hot oil for deep-frying. The turkey is coated in Creole seasoning, creating a flavorful and crispy exterior

Creole deep-fried turkey brings bold flavors to your holiday table. The key is in the seasonings and marinade. You’ll enjoy a juicy turkey with a crispy, flavorful skin.

Start by marinating your turkey in a Creole butter mixture. This gives it a nice kick and keeps it moist. Make sure to let it sit for a few hours.

When you’re ready to cook, heat your oil to 350°F (about 175°C). Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Fry it for about 3 minutes per pound, plus an extra 5 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

This method locks in flavor and ensures your turkey is tender and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 turkey (10-12 pounds)
  • 1 cup Creole butter marinade
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • Peanut oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate the turkey in Creole butter for several hours.
  2. Heat peanut oil to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Carefully lower the turkey into the oil.
  4. Fry for 3 minutes per pound plus 5 extra minutes.
  5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Orange Glazed Deep-Fried Turkey

A golden-brown deep-fried turkey, glistening with a tangy orange glaze, sizzling in a bubbling fryer

Orange glazed deep-fried turkey is a delightful twist on traditional turkey. The glaze combines sweet and tangy flavors that enhance the juiciness of the turkey while keeping it crispy on the outside.

To prepare this dish, you will need a whole turkey, ideally between 10 to 14 pounds (4.5 to 6.4 kg). Start by seasoning your turkey and getting the frying oil ready at around 365-375 degrees F (185-190 degrees C).

Once the oil is hot, carefully place your turkey in the fryer. Fry it for about 2 minutes per pound. After frying, let it drain and rest for about 20 minutes.

Warm the orange glaze and drizzle it over the carved turkey before serving. This adds an extra burst of flavor that your guests will love.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (10-14 lbs)
  • 24 ounces bitter orange marmalade
  • 1 cup Zinfandel wine
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • High smoke point oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oil to 365-375°F (185-190°C).
  2. Season the turkey and prepare it for frying.
  3. Fry the turkey for 2 minutes per pound until golden brown and 165°F (74°C) inside.
  4. Drain the turkey and let it rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Warm the orange glaze and pour it over the carved turkey.

9) Maple Brined Deep-Fried Turkey

A large turkey submerged in a bubbling fryer, surrounded by autumn leaves and maple branches

Maple brined deep-fried turkey is a delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavor of the turkey. It’s perfect for special occasions.

To start, you will need to prepare your brine. Combine water, kosher salt, maple syrup, and spices. Let it cool and then soak your turkey for several hours or overnight. This process ensures your turkey remains juicy and flavorful.

When you’re ready to cook, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil, making sure to avoid splashes. The cooking time is about three minutes per pound.

Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey and let it rest. This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice tender and moist.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 2 gallons water
  • Spices (your choice, like garlic or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine with water, salt, maple syrup, and spices.
  2. Cool the brine and soak the turkey for several hours or overnight.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Lower the turkey into the oil gently.
  5. Cook for 3 minutes per pound.
  6. Remove and let the turkey rest before slicing.

Sriracha Deep-Fried Turkey

A whole turkey being deep-fried in a large pot of bubbling hot oil, with splashes of Sriracha sauce being drizzled over it

Sriracha deep-fried turkey adds a spicy twist to your holiday feast. The crispy skin pairs perfectly with the rich, juicy meat and bold Sriracha flavor.

To start, you’ll need a whole turkey, Sriracha sauce for flavor, and a few basic spices. Make sure to prepare your turkey by thawing it and seasoning it well.

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large deep fryer. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil to prevent any splatters. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per pound.

Once the turkey is golden and cooked through, remove it from the oil. Let it rest before carving to maintain the juiciness.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12-16 pounds)
  • 1 cup Sriracha sauce
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Thaw the turkey and pat dry.
  2. Rub Sriracha sauce all over the turkey.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Carefully lower the turkey into the oil.
  6. Fry for 3-5 minutes per pound.
  7. Remove the turkey once golden and cooked through.
  8. Let it rest before carving.

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