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The Best-Ever Deep-Fried Turkey

by the Perdue Farms Culinary Team

The Best-Ever Deep-Fried Turkey

by the Perdue Farms Culinary Team

Crispy, crunchy and so incredibly juicy! This recipe for deep-fried turkey guarantees a tender and delicious result every time! Be sure to set up your turkey frying station outside and away from your house and check for doneness with a digital meat thermometer.

Prep

Minutes

Cook

Minutes

Makes

Servings

Ingredients

12-pound Perdue Whole Turkey
2 tablespoons salt
4 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons oregano
3 gallons vegetable oil

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Step 1

Stir together first five ingredients in a small bowl. Remove giblets from turkey and rub herb mixture all over turkey. Make sure neck hole is at least 2 inches in diameter, as oil will need to flow through freely.

Step 2

Set up turkey cooker outside, in an open area. Put 3 gallons oil into pot and set it over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 390 F, place turkey into basket and lower it very slowly into oil. (Oil temperature will decrease at this point.) Add more oil if necessary to cover turkey. Turn heat to high and let oil temperature come back up to 365 F. Fry turkey 40 to 50 minutes, or until it floats.

Step 3

Carefully remove turkey from oil by lifting handle of basket. Let oil drain for a minute or so back into the pot. Remove turkey and place on a cutting board. Use meat thermometer to make sure thickest part of thigh registers 180 F; if not, return to fryer and fry 10 more minutes, then repeat removal process. Let turkey sit for about 15 minutes before carving and serving.

The Perdue Farms Culinary Team

Chef Chris Moyer, CEC, CRC, and Chef Shawn Reese, CEC, CRC, bring decades of combined culinary experience to their roles at Perdue Farms. The chefs contribute to recipe development, culinary ideation, and all culinary aspects of the company business.

MEET THE CHEFS