How to Deep Fry a Turkey
(without burning your campsite down).
Deep-fried turkey has become a tradition for our family. We look forward to it every year on our annual Thanksgiving camping trip.
Besides the fact that it’s almost impossible to fit a turkey into an RV sized oven, there is no better way to put on a turkey when you’re living out of your RV.
It’s so nice being outside in nature with friends and family, enjoy the beautiful fresh Autumn air while your turkey bubbles away. It’s a beautiful thing!
7 Steps to the Perfect Deep-Fried Turkey
Step 1 Thaw
Remove giblets and rinse your completely thawed turkey inside and out with cold water. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2 Rub
Rub inside and out with dry rub (recipe below). Allow to sit until turkey reaches room temperature
Step 3 Secure
Secure poultry hook according to the directions it came with. Place turkey in basket/rack
Step 4 Heat Oil
Pour peanut oil into deep fryer and heat to 350 degrees F
Step 5 Submerge Turkey
Slowly and carefully lower the turkey into hot oil. It must be fully submerged.
Step 6 Fry the Bird
FRY TIME: 5 Minutes + 3 minutes per lb
Set your timer. When done, remove turkey from oil and check to ensure internal temperature has reached 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Drain on paper towels.
Step 7 Carve
Allow to cool enough to handle and carve as usual
Enjoy!
SUPPLY LIST
– Turkey frying kit like this one
If you’d rather purchase components separately, your kit should include
- 30-quart or larger aluminum pot
- Propane burner with a hose connecting to a propane tank with a gage to regulate the flame
- A rack made specifically for a turkey with a hook for getting the turkey in and out of the pot
- A 12” Deep fryer thermometer with a clip that allows it to stay in the oil to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process, like this one here.
– A full tank of propane
– Peanut oil
- 9 lb Turkey : 3-4 Gallons of Oil
- 13 lb Turkey : 4-5 Gallons of Oil
- 14 lb Turkey : 5 Gallons of Oil
– 9-14 lb Turkey
If you decide to go with a larger turkey the outer layer will burn before it reaches an internal temperature to of 180 degrees F (80 degrees C)
– Turkey Spice Rub
Combine 2 tsp salt with 1 tsp each pepper, thyme, sage and garlic powder
SAFETY FIRST!
First thing’s first. If the message wasn’t already clear by the title… Deep frying a turkey can be super dangerous! Please use caution to keep yourself and our loved ones safe! Oil fires are no joke!
- Read your fryers instructions carefully ahead of time
- Set up your fryer away from kids and pets
- Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before putting it into the hot oil
- Use your fryer outside, not even in your garage. Be sure to set up on a hard, level surface
- Plan on spending the entire cooking time outside with your turkey while it cooks. Put a (non-flammable) sweater on and get comfy.
- Do not pour oil past the fill line on your pot
- Use eye protection, and potholders or oven mitts when handling the turkey and fryer
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Water will NOT put out a grease fire of Oil
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