Oven-roasted and grilled turkeys are great — they always deliver solid results. But every now and then, you might want to mix things up and try something different.
That’s where deep-frying comes in, and I’ve got 3 amazing recipes for you to try right now!
1. Deep-Fried Cajun Turkey
If you’re trying to break away from the usual sage and thyme flavors, this recipe is a bold and spicy twist that’ll give your turkey some serious kick.
The Cajun seasoning adds an exciting edge to the dish, making it anything but ordinary.
So, to get started, you’ll need garlic powder, Creole seasoning, Hungarian paprika, salt, and ground pepper for the rub.
Then, for the injection mix, grab some butter, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Creole seasoning, black pepper, salt, and a splash of Tabasco pepper sauce.
If you’re ready to get cooking, click here.
2. Smoked Deep-Fried Turkey
Looking to spice up your next turkey meal? This recipe will give you a juicy, flavor-packed centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
It’s injected with a zesty lemon-butter mixture, then it’s smoke-bathed, and finally deep-fried for a tasty finish! It’s perfect for your next cookout or family feast, so be sure to give this one a try!
And considering all the steps involved, this recipe comes together in just an hour and a half! Pretty impressive, right?
Want the full step-by-step breakdown? Click here.
3. Dry Brine Deep-Fried Turkey
Dry brining in its simplest form involves rubbing a tablespoon of salt for every four pounds of turkey. But feel free to get creative and add some herbs and spices to make your brine more flavorful.
Take this recipe, for example: in addition to the salt, we’re also adding granulated garlic, freshly ground black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Blend all the ingredients together, and we’re good to go!
Once the turkey is seasoned to perfection, we have to leave it in the fridge uncovered to rest for 2 to 3 days. This will dry out the skin, giving you that crispy, golden finish once you fry it.
For the complete recipe, click here.
Before Deep-Frying, Check Out These Tips
Committing to a deep-fried turkey recipe for Thanksgiving or any other occasion might seem like a whole production, but it’s not as tricky as it sounds — though it definitely requires some caution.
So, before you dive in, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- First, never fry indoors. Find an open area, away from kids, pets, and anything else that might get in the way.
- Next, make sure your equipment is on a flat surface to avoid tipping, and keep a wool blanket nearby just in case you need to smother any out-of-control flames.
- And whatever you do, never drop a frozen turkey into hot oil! The second moisture hits the boiling liquid, it will cause a huge mess and put you in a dangerous situation.
- Lastly, don’t forget to remove the giblets from the cavity and set aside the stuffing before you start frying.
As for equipment, you can use a stockpot, an electric fryer, or a propane setup — whatever works best for you.
But if you ask me, a turkey fryer ( the one that comes with a metal basket and thermostat) is the easiest and safest way to go.
Deep-Fry Your Way to Turkey Perfection!
Are you ready to try deep-frying turkey? It may take some getting used to, especially if you’re just starting out, but with these recipes, you can experiment and master the technique in no time.
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to serve up a crispy, juicy turkey like a pro!
Featured image credit to @oneillsfoodmarket.
