How to Cook in an Electric Turkey Fryer
Electric turkey fryers offer significant advantages over more traditional propane operated versions. They can be used indoors and give cooks greater control over grease temperature, thereby decreasing fire and other safety risks. Use these steps to learn how to cook in an electric turkey fryer, delivering crisp turkey every time.
Items needed:
- Turkey
- Pair of tongs
- Oil
- Goggles
- Oven mitts
- Knife
Instructions:
- Defrost the turkey. Attempting to cook a frozen bird in hot oil is dangerous, as the hot grease reacts to the icy temperature of a frozen turkey by bubbling upwards and possibly starting a fire. Thaw the turkey completely before cooking to prevent this safety hazard.
- Determine how much oil should be in your fryer by inserting the turkey standing up into the pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the turkey and add an additional inch. Remove the turkey from the water and use a permanent marker to designate the water line. Drain the water and fill the fryer with oil up to that line. Preheat the oil to 350 degrees.
- Clean the turkey thoroughly by running warm water over the entire surface of the bird, being sure to remove the giblets and neck. Use a knife to cut half-inch slits in the leg and thigh joints of your turkey, which allows the oil to drain when it is cooked. Rub your favorite seasonings into the turkey covering the entire surface completely. For extra taste, use a flavor injector to insert a savory marinade directly into the skin.
- Put on your goggles and oven mitts. Insert the turkey into the fryer basket with the legs facing up. Gently ease the basket down into the fryer, being cautious of oil popping and bubbles. Cook the turkey for 3 and 1/2 minutes per pound at a continuous temperature of 350 degrees. Never leave your turkey unattended and always keep flammable objects at least 15 feet away from your fryer.
- Use the handles on the basket to remove the turkey from the fryer when it is completely cooked. Place the basket onto the already prepared flat pan lined with newspaper and use tongs to remove the turkey from the basket. Allow the turkey to set for 3-5 minutes and serve.