This deep-fried turkey recipe will score you many oohs and aahs this Thanksgiving. It perfectly balances a crispy exterior while keeping t...
Deep-Fried Turkey
This deep-fried turkey recipe will score you many oohs and aahs this Thanksgiving. It perfectly balances a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Here's our take on how to deep-fry a turkey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Total Time
Prep: 40 min. + chilling Cook: 35 min. + standing
Makes
16 servings
Ingredients
1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
Oil for deep-fat frying
Directions
In a small bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey; rub salt mixture under skin, inside cavity and over outside of turkey. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Refrigerate 18-24 hours.
Add oil to turkey deep fryer; preheat oil to 275°. Allow turkey to stand at room temperature while oil is preheating. Place turkey on deep fry rack, breast side down. Turn burner off; carefully lower turkey into oil. Turn burner on high and heat to 350°. Adjust heat to maintain 350°. Cook turkey until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, (about 35-45 minutes total time in fryer). Remove turkey from oil; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving.
