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The BEST Deep-Fried Turkey {With Injection Recipe}

Tired of the same dry, boring turkey every year? I was too. Once you try a fried bird, you’ll never go back. And the super-flavorful injection takes your turkey to the next level.

This is the deep-fried turkey you’ll make every year.

finished turkey with berries and leaves on serving plate.

Deep Fried Turkey with Injection

Beautifully browned crispy skin wirh moist, flavorful meat. Say goodbye to boring turkey with this delicious recipe. You'll never make turkey another way.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Food syringe
  • Large deep fryer

Ingredients 

For the Injection Liquid

  • .7 ounce Italian dressing mix (1 package)
  • ยผ cup white vinegar
  • ยฝ cup water
  • ยฝ cup mild oil such as vegetable
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ยฝ cup salt
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • ยฝ tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon celery salt

For the Turkey

  • 1 10-14 pound turkey fully defrosted and patted dry, timer and giblets removed
  • 3-5 gallons peanut oil check deep fryer manual to see how much is needed

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Instructions 

  • Prep the fryer. Following the manufacturer's instructions, heat the oil in your deep fryer to 375ยฐ. This will usually take at least 45 minutes. Be sure to do this in a safe place.
    electric deep fryer outside.
  • Make the injection. Mix all the injection ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Blend for at least 2 minutes, until completely liquified.
    overhead view of blender with liquid inside.
  • Inject the turkey. Using a large syringe designed for food, inject the turkey on each side of the breast, and upper thighs. Inject other meaty parts of the bird for a total of around 10 injections.
    turkey being injected.
  • Fry. Following manufacters instructions, carefully lower the turkey into the deep fryer. The temperature will drop to around 350ยฐ but should not go much lower. Cook for 3-4 minutes per pound, until the breast measures 170ยฐ and the thigh 180ยฐ
    turkey in basket being lowered.
  • Rest and carve. Remove the turkey and allow it to drain over the fryer for a minute or so. Let rest on a cutting board for twenty minutes before carving.

Notes

We prefer an electric turkey fryer: it uses less oil and is easier to clean.ย  However, an old-fashioned propane fryer will yield delicious results and comes up to temperature a bit faster.
For a spicier bird, double the cayenne and add a tablespoon of hot sauce.
ย 
finished turkey with leaves and berries.

โค๏ธ Why you’ll love this recipe

  • So moist with tons of flavor. This recipe will make your turkey so juicy and flavorful, you’ll never go back to the old way. With a delicious injection liquid, this turkey is guaranteed to be moist and crispy.
  • Frees up oven space. Perfect for busy holidays in the kitchen.
  • The skin! Like anything deep-fried, your turkey will be crisp, golden brown, and gorgeous.

This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your new favorite turkey recipe:

  • Italian dressing mix 
  • white vinegar
  • water
  • vegetable oil
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cayenne pepper
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • celery salt
  • Blender or food processor
  • Food syringe
  • Large deep fryer

๐ŸดInstructions

Step One: prep the fryer

electric deep fryer outside.

 You will need to heat the oil in your deep fryer to 375ยฐ. This usually takes about 45 minutes. Make sure you do this in a safe place where the hot oil will not cause any problems.

Step Two: make the marinade

overhead view of blender with liquid inside.

Mix all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until they are smooth. Blend for at least 2 minutes, until everything is liquified.

Step three: inject

turkey being injected.

Inject the turkey on each side of the breast, and upper thighs using a large syringe designed for food. Inject other meaty parts of the bird for a total of around 10 injections.

Step Four: fry

turkey in basket being lowered.

Carefully lower the turkey into the deep fryer following the manufacturer’s instructions. The temperature will drop to around 350ยฐ but should not go much lower. Cook for 3-4 minutes per pound, until the breast measures 170ยฐ and the thigh 180ยฐ.

Remove the turkey from the fryer and let it drain for a minute or so. Let it rest on a cutting board for twenty minutes before carving.

๐Ÿฅซ Storage instructions

If you’re like most people, you’ll have some leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or Christmas. Don’t worry, you can store it and enjoy it later. Here’s how:

First, let the turkey cool completely before storing it. You can either store it in the fridge or freezer. If you’re going to freeze it, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil so that it doesn’t get freezer burn.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it out in the fridge overnight or microwave on low power until thawed. Simple.

๐Ÿ” FAQs

How long do I need to fry the turkey?

You’ll need to fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, until the breast reaches 170ยฐ and the thigh 180ยฐ.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

The easiest way to check if your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the breast and the thigh, and if it reads between 170ยฐ-180ยฐ, then it’s done.

Can I use a different type of injectable liquid?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of liquids to find your ideal flavor profile. But I’ve tried many, and this one is the best!

Why is the oil temperature so high?

Because plunging a giant cold turkey into it will lower it a lot. If it goes below 340, oil will start seeping into the meat. You have to start at 375 so that it cooks at around 350.

Can I use a different type of oil than peanut oil?


Yes, you can use a different type of oil if you prefer. However, peanut oil is generally considered the best for deep frying because it has a high smoking point and not too strong a flavor.

Can I reuse the oil after frying the turkey?

Yes! We always do. I typically pour it back into the container and freeze it to use again at Christmas.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ Expert tips

  • The turkey has to be fully defrosted before frying. Any ice crystals are dangerous when they hit the hot oil.
  • Be careful! The hot oil can cause serious burns if it splatters out of the fryer. Make sure you’re using proper safety precautions, such as wearing long sleeves and gloves when handling the turkey or oil. Take special care to keep pets and children away.
  • Let your fried turkey rest before carving it. This will help seal in all the juices and prevent your turkey from drying out.

๐Ÿ“˜ Related Recipes

๐Ÿฝ Serve it with

All the classic holiday dishes are perfect with this.

close up view of browned turkey.
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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