How to Deep Fry a Turkey (Plus Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe)
Follow our easy step-by-step guide to learn how to deep fry a turkey this Thanksgiving. The combination of crispy skin and tender turkey breast is irresistible.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fried, turkey
Servings: 4
Calories: 568kcal
Ingredients
1whole turkeyfresh or completely thawed (10 to 14 lbs)
Thaw turkey if frozen. To properly thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 pounds.
1 whole turkey
Fill the deep fryer with 2 gallons of oil and heat to 375°F.
2 gallons cooking oil
Remove turkey giblets and neck. If present, remove and discard the plastic leg holder and pop-up timer. Rinse the turkey thoroughly with warm water or completely cover it with warm water and soak for no more than 30 minutes to ensure the cavity is free of ice. Pat the turkey completely dry on the outside and inside of the cavity with paper towels.
Whisk together water and dry ranch seasoning to make the marinade. Using a marinade injection syringe, inject 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of the marinade into each breast. Inject 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of the marinade into each leg and thigh.
Optional: Sprinkle turkey generously with dry ranch seasoning, completely coating the outside of the turkey and the inside of the cavity.
Place the turkey, breast side up, in the fryer basket. Slowly lower the basket into the hot oil, being careful not to splatter the hot oil.
Fry the turkey for 3 to 4 minutes per pound. Lift the basket from the hot oil slowly. Insert a meat thermometer in the meaty part of the breast; turkey is done when it reads 165°F. If the turkey is not done, lower it carefully back into the oil for an additional 5 minutes. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature (minimum 165°F), remove it from the oil.
Allow the turkey to rest and drain in the fryer basket for about 10 minutes before removing it for carving. Serve with buffalo sauce if desired.
Buffalo Ranch Sauce
Mix ranch dressing with buffalo sauce. Season with dry Cajun seasoning to taste. Makes a great dipping sauce!
1/2 cup light ranch dressing, 1 cup low-sodium buffalo sauce, Cajun seasoning