Name: Simple Deep Fried Turkey
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3.5 gallons peanut oil for frying; 1 (10 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed; 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste; 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, or to taste

a straight on view of a golden brown turkey on a white oval platter dressed with fresh herbs and sliced lemons

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Additional Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

1 hrs

Servings:

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It's easier than you think to make a perfect deep-fried turkey. Learn what you'll need, how long to deep fry a turkey, and get our best serving tips and side dish inspiration.

Deep-Fried Turkey Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this easy deep-fried turkey recipe:

· Oil: Peanut oil is perfect for frying, as it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor.
· Turkey: This recipe calls for a 10-pound turkey. If your bird is larger or smaller, you'll have to adjust the cooking time.
· Seasonings: This deep-fried turkey recipe is simply seasoned with salt and pepper. You can add more seasonings to taste.

How to Deep Fry a Turkey

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this simple deep-fried turkey:

1. Prep: Make sure your stockpot or fryer is located outdoors in a safe area. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Cut any neck skin away from the thawed bird and make sure the neck hole is at least 1-inch in diameter.
2. Season: Use a paper towel to pat the turkey dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper on the inside and outside.
3. Fry: Place the turkey, neck-side down, in a drain basket. Gently lower the turkey into the hot oil until it's completely covered. Continue frying until the turkey is cooked through. Remove from the oil, drain, and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

How Long to Deep Fry a Turkey

Fry your turkey for about 3.5 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound turkey, you'll fry for about 35 minutes. A meat thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F.

Brining a Turkey for Deep Frying

The beauty of this deep-fried turkey recipe is in its simplicity. There's no brining or marinating needed! However, you can brine the turkey before frying if you'd like. Consider Matt's Fried Turkey Brine — it's full of sweet and savory flavor that's impossible to resist.

Deep-Fried Turkey Temperature

Make sure your oil is heated to 350 degrees F throughout the cooking process. At this temperature, your 10-pound turkey should be done in about 35 minutes.

What to Serve With a Deep-Fried Turkey

This deep-fried turkey will pair perfectly with all your holiday favorites, such as green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. Explore these mouthwatering collections for delicious inspiration:

· 15 Best Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
· The 10 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes for a Traditional Holiday Spread
· Our 15 Best Veggie Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

More Turkey FAQs

Here at Allrecipes, we know a thing or two about cooking the perfect Thanksgiving feast — that's why we've made it our mission to answer your most burning turkey questions. Check out some of our best turkey tips, tricks, and guides from over the years:

· How to Brine a Turkey
· 3 Ways to Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey
· How Much Turkey Per Person Do You Need?
· How to Truss a Turkey the Easy Way
· How to Smoke a Turkey
· How to Carve a Turkey the Easy Way

Explore our entire collection of Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks.

Ingredients

3 ½ gallons peanut oil for frying
1 (10 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Heat oil in a large stockpot or turkey fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Make sure the fryer is located outdoors in a safe area, preferably on dirt or pavement, and far away from buildings, wooden decks, or other objects. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
Ensure that the turkey is completely thawed. Cut any extra skin away from the neck area and make sure neck hole is at least 1 inch in diameter. Pat the bird completely dry with paper towels, then rub liberally with salt and pepper on both the outside and the inside. Place turkey into a drain basket, neck-side first.
Working slowly and carefully, gently lower the basket into the hot oil to completely cover the turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 35 minutes.
Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Editor's Note

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount may vary depending on cook time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

568	Calories
27g	Fat
0g	Carbs
77g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 568
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g	34%
Saturated Fat 8g	39%
Cholesterol 224mg	75%
Sodium 768mg	33%
Total Carbohydrate 0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Protein 77g
Vitamin C 0mg	1%
Calcium 75mg	6%
Iron 5mg	29%
Potassium 770mg	16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.