Deep-Fried Turkey: Delicious or Dangerous?

on November 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM

I embarrassed to admit that I've actually never had deep-fried turkey. I've been scared away from making it because I've read that it's a serious fire hazard. But according to, well, EVERYONE I've talked to, I'm missing out: Apparently, deep-fried turkey is incredibly juicy and ridiculously tasty.

Do you deep-fry your Thanksgiving turkey?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: dinner, entertaining, family meals, food, food safety, holidays, thanksgiving, trends

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Comments (11)

RoseAsh

on Nov 26, 2008 at 11:39 AM

I've ate one before and they are great. We got a deep fryer last year for Christmas and we are going to do our own deep fried turkey this year. I can't wait. It's only dangerous if you don't read the instructions about using the fryer properly.

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jms124

on Nov 26, 2008 at 12:28 PM

I agree with RoseAsh. They are so tasty! But you have to follow the directions.

FIVEHAPPYHEARTS

on Nov 26, 2008 at 1:22 PM

my brother is trying it this year his frien is going to make one

Peajewel

on Nov 26, 2008 at 1:42 PM

We do them that way a lot, you just have to be sure you don't do it in your garage. Do outside and out of the wind. They are yummy. I can tell you though, making one in a trash can (new not used of course) is the best way to get a tender, fall off the bone kind of turkey!

dsteiner23

on Nov 26, 2008 at 3:32 PM

I had it once and I didn't think it was any better than a regular oven-roasted turkey. I'll tell you the best turkey I ever had was done on a regular bbq with charcoal (not a gas grill). YUM!!!!!

Sidonie

on Nov 26, 2008 at 11:49 PM

My Fatherinlaw does one every year; he is a pro at it. We aren't traveling there this year since we are expecting our 2nd baby any day. Fried turkeys are absolutely dynamite. So my husband is frying one here at home this year. I think it will be fine; he has watched his dad do it year after year so we feel pretty comfortable about it.

Cafe MichelleL

on Nov 27, 2008 at 10:43 AM

My DH started adding the fried turkey to the Thanksgiving menu two years ago. It's fab.

FinallyaMommy2

on Nov 27, 2008 at 2:39 PM

The temp in our fryer is up to 200 degrees....this is the first year that we are frying one ourselves. I have injected the poor thing with a butter creole seasoning and a dry rub on the outside. I just can't wait until it's done! I will keep y'all updated.

on Nov 28, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Well....our deep frying experience FLOPPED! Undoubtedly we put the turkey in to early. The temp was at 350. When we put the turkey in, the temp dropped to 250 and it never got over 250 even with the flame on high! The turkey completely fell apart in the fryer. This is the first time I can ever remember not eating turkey on Thanksgiving...lol AND it was the most expensive turkey we've ever had (lol). Nearly $30 for the turkey and $40+ for the peanut oil, not to mention the $$ for the propane tank. $120 later and not one bite salvageable....LOL

mama_k228

on Nov 29, 2008 at 5:14 AM

We've deep fried before, but I can say this was not our best experience. We used an injectable marinade that came with the fryer (Years ago). It left ugly black streaks on/in the bird, and the flavor (honey-lime) which was good, did not go with the sweet potatoes and cranberries,etc. We'll stick with creole seasoning next time.

And I'll be better prepared for the price of peanut oil. !!!! $$$$ Sheesh!!!