Deep frying a turkey can be a delicious and convenient way to cook this traditional holiday bird, but it is important to be aware of the safety risks and various factors that can affect the outcome of the dish.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about deep frying a 14 lb turkey, including how much oil to use, the ideal frying temperature, how long to let the turkey sit out, the best oil to use, and how to determine when the turkey is done.
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How Much Oil Do I Need To Deep Fry A 14-pound Turkey?
To deep fry a 14-pound turkey, you will need a pot or deep fryer that can hold at least 3 to 4 gallons of oil. This will provide enough oil to fully cover the turkey, which is necessary for even cooking.
To determine the precise amount of oil needed, it is recommended to use a fryer with a built-in oil gauge or measure the oil using a ruler or tape measure. Place the turkey in the fryer or pot and add enough oil to reach about halfway up the sides of the turkey.
What Temperature Do You Deep Fry A Turkey At?
The ideal temperature for deep frying a turkey is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit because it allows the turkey to cook evenly and safely. At this temperature, the outside of the turkey will become crispy and golden brown, while the inside will be fully cooked and moist.
Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process is important to ensure that the turkey is cooked properly. Too low of a temperature can result in undercooked turkey, while too high of a temperature can cause the turkey to be overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
How Long Should A Turkey Sit Out Before Deep Frying?
A turkey should sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before deep frying. This allows the turkey to come to a safe cooking temperature and helps to ensure that it cooks evenly.
It is important to note that the exact amount of time a turkey should sit out will depend on the size of the turkey and the ambient temperature.
What Is The Best Oil To Deep Fry A Turkey?
The best oil for deep frying a turkey is a high-quality oil with a high smoke point. A high smoke point means that the oil can be heated to a high temperature without breaking down or smoking. This is important when deep frying a turkey, as the oil needs to be heated to a temperature of at least 350 degrees Fahrenheit to properly cook the turkey.
How Many People Will A 14 Pound Turkey Feed?
A 14-pound turkey will typically feed about 10 to 12 people. This is based on an estimated serving size of about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and the actual number of people that a 14-pound turkey will feed will depend on a variety of factors, such as the appetites of the people being served and the availability of other dishes.
To ensure that you have enough food for your group, it is always a good idea to prepare a little extra. You can also consider serving other dishes, such as side dishes and appetizers, to round out the meal.
It is generally recommended to deep fry a turkey with the lid off. This allows the oil to circulate freely around the turkey, which helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and prevents hot spots that could cause the oil to boil over.
Leaving the lid off also allows you to easily monitor the turkey as it cooks and check the oil temperature using a deep-fry thermometer. It is important to maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure that the turkey is cooked properly and safely.
If you do choose to fry a turkey with the lid on, be sure to use a fryer or pot with a sturdy and secure lid, and use caution when opening the lid to check on the turkey or take temperature readings.
Can You Inject A Turkey Before Deep Frying?
Yes, you can inject a turkey before deep frying. Injecting a turkey involves using a syringe or injection needle to deliver a marinade or flavorful liquid directly into the meat of the turkey. This can help to add moisture and flavor to the turkey and can make it more tender and delicious.
How Do I Know When Fried Turkey Is Done?
To determine when a deep-fried turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and at least 175 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh.
Do You Tie Turkey Legs Together When Frying?
Tying the legs of a turkey together before deep frying can help keep the turkey compact, make it easier to handle and cook, and prevent it from tipping over in the fryer.
How Long To Deep Fry 14 lb Turkey
To deep fry a turkey, it will take about 3 to 4 minutes per pound at a temperature of 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a 14-pound turkey will take about 42 to 56 minutes to deep fry.
Here is a list of estimated cooking times for deep frying a turkey per pound:
How To Thaw Frozen Turkey Before Deep Frying
- Refrigerator thawing: To thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, place it in a large, leak-proof plastic bag and place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any drips. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. For example, a 14-pound turkey will take about 3 to 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
- Cold water thawing: To thaw a turkey using cold water, place the frozen turkey in a large, leak-proof plastic bag and place it in a sink or large pot. Fill the sink or pot with cold water, making sure the turkey is completely submerged. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing time for every pound of turkey. For example, a 14-pound turkey will take about 7 hours to thaw using this method.
- Microwave thawing: To thaw a turkey in the microwave, place the frozen turkey in a microwave-safe container and follow the microwave manufacturer’s instructions for thawing times.
How To Deep Fry A Turkey 14 Lb Turkey
- Determine the amount of oil you will need. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1.5 to 2 cups of oil per pound of turkey. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
- Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to a temperature of 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it and letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Carefully place the turkey in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer or pot.
- Fry the turkey for about 3 to 4 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 175 degrees Fahrenheit in the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Remove the turkey from the oil and let it drain on a rack or paper towels.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving.
How To Store Deep Fried Turkey
- Let the turkey cool to room temperature before storing it. This will help to prevent the turkey from becoming soggy or spoiling faster.
- Place the turkey in a large, airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze the turkey, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
- Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 to 4 months.
What To Serve With Deep Fried Turkey
Some classic side dishes to serve with deep-fried turkey include stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, green beans, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and cornbread.
You can also consider serving appetizers or snacks such as deviled eggs, spinach and artichoke dip, shrimp cocktail, antipasto platter, cheese, and crackers, or olives and pickles.
For dessert, try a classic pumpkin or pecan pie, or get creative with a chocolate bourbon pecan tart or gingerbread trifle.
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Here is a simple recipe for deep frying a 14lb turkey:
