The 8 Best Turkey Fryers For The Crispiest, Juiciest Bird Ever
Make sure you check out our safety tips before you start cooking.
There are about a million ways to cook a turkey—roasted, brined, slow cooked, the list goes on. They're all delicious, but none of those methods serves up a turkey as crispy and juicy as deep frying your bird does. And the people who decide to fry the turkey on Thanksgiving normally make a big deal out of it: Their crowd gathers around the frying vessel, drink in hand, all waiting for a glimpse. Plus, the fryer always brag about how it's so much better than a regular oven-roasted bird.
The concept of plunging your Thanksgiving turkey into a massive deep fryer might seem unnerving, but when you follow proper safety protocols and have the right tools, it's totally doable. We've rounded up the most important tips, plus six turkey fryers that you'll love.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
- Properly set up your space. Only use propane turkey fryers outside (electric turkey fryers can be used indoors). Place your fryer on a level surface, away from areas where kids and pets traffic. Temperatures can rise to 400 degrees, so never leave your machine unattended.
- Monitor the temperature. You are cooking meat, after all. Invest in an oil thermometer because most turkey fryers don't come with one. Hit the off button if the oil starts smoking. Also, never deep fry a frozen turkey—you gotta give your bird time to thaw.
- Use protective gear. Remember that 400 degree oil we were telling you about? That can leave a serious burn. Don't get near a turkey fryer without protective goggles and grilling mitts. And if you can, wear an outfit that doesn't leave much skin exposed—at least until you're done cooking.
- Turn off the burner when adding the turkey in the fryer. Once the turkey is entirely submerged in the oil, crank the heat.
- Give it some space. Leave at least two feet between the tank and the burner of a propane fryer. Once your turkey is finished cooking, let the oil cool overnight before disposing of it.
Got all of that? Good. Now you can shop the best turkey fryers to make your Thanksgiving super special this year.
