How to Deep Fry a Turkey

Instructions

1. Thaw your bird (quick tips available here) and brine it. 

2. Remove the twine from the legs and the giblets from the chest cavity.

3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and, if needed, remove excess fat (Market House Turkeys have 55% less fat, so this step may not be necessary).

4. Inject melted butter into the turkey, starting with the breast and legs, until butter emerges (use a syringe or marinade injector).

5. Place the turkey on a rack and lower it into the frying pot.

6. Measure oil needed by filling the pot with cold water until the bird is submerged. Mark the waterline, then remove the turkey and dry the pot.

7. Fill the pot with peanut oil (or other high-smoke point oil) up to the marked line—never exceed it.

8. Heat the oil to 325°F, then turn off the gas.

9. Slowly lower the turkey into the oil using fireproof gloves and a safety hook, reducing burn risks and spills. Reignite the flame.

10. Cook for 3.5 minutes per pound, referencing the cheat sheet for Market House Turkeys.

11. Turn off the gas, remove the turkey, and empty its cavity of excess oil.

12. Rest for 20-30 minutes to redistribute juices, then carve and serve.

How Long to Deep Fry a Turkey Per Pound? 

Deep fry a turkey for 3.5 minutes per pound. Refer to the cheat sheet below for Market House Turkey sizes:

- 8-10lbs: 28-35 min  

- 10-12lbs: 35-42 min  

- 12-14lbs: 42-49 min  

- 14-16lbs: 49-56 min  

- 16-18lbs: 56-63 min  

Note: These times are guidelines. Regardless of cook time, the turkey must reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Turkey Frying Safety Tips

• Never fry a frozen bird—it can result in poor quality and pose flame risks.
• Fry on a level surface, away from your home, and ideally on an inflammable area.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Don’t use a lid—it increases the risk of boil-overs.
• Monitor for rain or debris falling into the pot.
• Never add excess oil—too much oil can cause serious harm.
• Use common sense and trust the process; the result will be delicious.

Don’t have a bird yet? Look no further than right here!