Deep frying turkey is a great alternative to the traditional roasting method and can result in incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat that won’t dry out as easily. When deep frying a turkey, you must choose an oil that can withstand high temperatures without burning or releasing toxins into the food. Many oils do well for deep frying turkey, but some are more suited to the task than others.
The seven best oils for deep frying turkey include vegetable oil, peanut oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. Vegetable and peanut oils are both highly stable regarding temperature changes and relatively flavorless, so they don’t overpower the taste of your food.
Grapeseed and canola oils also have higher smoke points making them ideal for high-temperature cooking like deep frying. Sunflower seed, coconut, and olive oils have lower smoke points than other options, but they all have unique flavors that may work nicely with certain dishes or turkeys. Read on to learn more about it.
What is the Best Oil for Deep Frying Turkey?
When deep-frying a turkey, the oil used is just as important as the recipe. The right type of oil can help enhance flavor and prevent splattering when cooking your bird. The best oil for deep frying turkey depends on personal preference, but there are several popular options to choose from. Such as:
1. Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is quickly becoming a go-to when it comes to deep frying a turkey. This oil provides excellent results with its high smoke point of 450°F that helps to seal the turkey’s skin while allowing the air and steam inside to finish cooking the bird to perfection.
Peanut oil also has a mild taste, making it an ideal choice for those looking for healthier fats without compromising on flavor. Plus, since peanut oil has such a high smoke point, it can be reused several times before needing to be replaced.
When choosing your peanut oil, make sure you purchase enough bottles for your fryer, as certain brands are best priced. Additionally, if you plan on reusing the oil, make sure you strain any impurities out of each batch and store it properly between uses. I personally love using this one from Amazon – hands down, the best peanut oil I’ve ever tried.
2. Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is an incredibly versatile cooking oil that can be used for a variety of methods due to its high smoke point. It’s made from the pressing of sunflower seeds, resulting in an oil with a mild flavor that makes it ideal for deep-frying, roasting, and stir-frying.
In addition to providing great culinary results, it is also favored by health-conscious individuals because it is low in saturated fats and high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
For those looking to reap all of the benefits of sunflower oil while avoiding added preservatives or genetically modified ingredients, try the Healthy Harvest Non-GMO Sunflower Oil, which uses natural processing techniques to retain natural antioxidants.
It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy sunflower oil’s taste and nutrition without compromising their health goal. Whether you’re looking to bake, fry or sauté, this oil should be your go-to choice for any cooking.
3. Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is an excellent choice for deep frying turkey as its high smoke point of up to 510°F allows for long-term high heat tolerance. It is made from safflower seeds and is mostly monounsaturated fats, thus making it a healthier option for deep frying. Additionally, due to its mild taste, the flavor of the turkey remains unaltered during cooking.
Even though deep frying may not be the healthiest way to cook, when consumed in moderation, safflower oil can be beneficial to one’s health by increasing good cholesterol levels. For instance, the AVO Naturally Processed NON-GMO High Oleic Safflower Oil is a particularly healthy option as its processing technique involves minimal chemicals and additives.
Investing in such products when deep frying turkey will maximize the nutritional value obtained from the food item while ensuring you also consume healthy fats.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been gaining in popularity over the past few years for its versatility in cooking and its health benefits, making it an excellent oil for deep frying turkey. This oil has a high smoke point of 350°F that makes it ideal for high-heat cooking and a unique flavor that will add variety to your bird.
Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which has been known to increase good cholesterol levels, support brain development, and boost your immune system.
When selecting a coconut oil for deep frying turkey, make sure to purchase an organic and unrefined variety such as the Virgin Coconut Oil from BetterBody Foods.
This product is made with non-GMO coconuts grown without any pesticide, ensuring you get the most natural product available. Plus, since it’s unrefined and cold-pressed, it will preserve its flavor and nutritional value for an even healthier result.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil has been praised for its health benefits for centuries and is now becoming a popular choice for deep frying turkey. It has a smoke point of 375°F, making it suitable for high-heat cooking, and its distinct flavor will infuse your bird with aromatic goodness.
This oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, as well as polyphenols, which can help protect against inflammation and oxidative damage.
When selecting an olive oil for deep frying turkey, make sure to buy a pure variety such as the Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Carbonell. This product is cold-pressed using only organically grown olives and has no added preservatives or chemicals, preserving its flavor and nutritional value for a healthier option.
6. Rice Bran Oil
Rice bran oil is an excellent choice for deep frying turkey due to its high smoke point of around 450°F, which helps lock in moisture and keep the turkey tender.
It’s also a sustainable oil since it utilizes a byproduct of rice—the outer layer—that would be hulled and procured regardless. The mild flavor doesn’t overpower the flavor of the turkey either, and it’s considered healthier due to its low amount of saturated fats.
Try Heavenly Chef’s Rice Bran Oil which is all-natural, made from 100% non-GMO rice, unfiltered, contains no trans-fat, and is heart-healthy. This product offers superior quality, ensuring you get a safe and healthy product you can trust when cooking your holiday feast.
The oil can withstand high temperatures without breaking down or releasing any unwanted compounds, making it ideal for deep frying larger cuts of meat like turkey with perfectly crisp skin and succulent moistness inside.\
7. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is quickly becoming one of the top choices for deep frying turkey. With its high smoke point of up to 570°F, it can take the heat needed to give your turkey a golden-brown, crispy exterior, and juicy interior. Avocado oil also has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the taste of your dish.
It is also packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidant compounds that have been linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain function.
For the best results when deep frying turkey, try Chosen Foods Avocado Oil. This product is cold-pressed using only high-quality avocados and is 100% pure and unrefined, ensuring that you get a healthy oil that won’t break down easily under high heat. Plus, it has a mild, buttery flavor that will make your turkey taste even better.
8. Corn Oil
Corn oil is an excellent choice for deep frying turkey thanks to its similar smoke point of 440°F as compared to peanut oil. It also has a light, neutral taste, which allows the natural flavor of the food to shine through. The price is also friendly on your wallet, making it a great option.
The only concern with corn oil for deep frying is that it retains some of the flavor from previously cooked foods. To counteract this, you should use fresh corn oil each time or be mindful when reusing it for something else.
Deep frying turkey can work well with reused corn oil, however and if you opt for Happy Belly Corn Oil from Amazon, you can get it in an ample 128oz bottle that’ll give you plenty of servings.
Things to Considered While Choosing Oil For Turkey
When it comes to deep frying turkey, choosing the right oil is key. Not only does the oil need to be able to withstand high temperatures without burning, but it should also have a neutral flavor so that it doesn’t detract from the bird’s natural taste. Here are some things to consider when selecting an oil for deep frying turkey:
1. Temperature Stability: The oil’s temperature stability is the first consideration. You want to choose an oil with a high smoke point that won’t break down and produce unwanted compounds when heated.
2. Flavor: The flavor of the oil should be neutral so that it doesn’t overpower the taste of your food. Opt for oils like avocado, coconut, or peanut which have mild flavors.
3. Health Benefits: You also want to consider the oil’s health benefits. Some oils, like olive or avocado, contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can positively affect your heart health and cholesterol levels.
4. Cost: Finally, consider the cost of the oil. While some oils, like coconut and avocado, may be more expensive than others, they are worth it, given their superior health benefits and flavor stability.
What’s the Perfect Time to Deep Fry Turkey?
Deep frying a turkey is the perfect way to make your bird incredibly juicy and flavorful. Although it may sound intimidating, the process is actually quite simple. To get started, first, you need to calculate approximately how long it will take to fry your turkey deep.
Generally, chefs allow three minutes per pound of turkey plus an additional five minutes for cooking time. For instance, if you’re preparing a 15 lb. bird, it should take about 50 minutes to deep fry to perfection.
However, be aware that larger turkeys will require more time due to their size and weight. Suppose you are considering deep-frying a large turkey. In that case, we suggest that you break down the bird into smaller pieces in order to ensure an even cook throughout without burning the exterior while leaving the interior undercooked.
As always, when using hot oil for heating and cooking purposes, practice caution and use appropriate safety gear such as oven mitts and face shields. You can make a delicious deep-fried turkey that your family will enjoy with proper timing and attention.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Is Vegetable Oil OK For Frying Turkey?
Vegetable oil is an acceptable choice for deep-frying a turkey, although some chefs prefer other types of oil for this task. Vegetable oil is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a convenient option for many home cooks. Additionally, it has a high smoke point, meaning that it can tolerate the high temperatures required for deep-frying without smoking or burning.
2. What Is The Best Oil For Deep-Frying Turkey?
The best oil for deep-frying a turkey is one with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Oils that are ideal for deep-frying turkey include avocado oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and canola oil.
These oils have high smoke points, which means that they can withstand the high temperatures necessary for deep-frying without burning or producing unwanted compounds. Additionally, their mild flavors won’t overpower the natural taste of the bird.
3. Which oil is better for deep-frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are frequently utilized for deep frying because of their elevated smoke point, with grapeseed oil being an alternative option.
4. What Is Pure, Clear Frying Oil?
Pure, clear frying oil is a cooking oil that has been refined and filtered to remove all impurities, leaving it with a light golden color. It is commonly used for deep frying turkey, fish, and other foods due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It also contains no trans fats or cholesterol, making it a healthy option for deep frying.
Conclusion
The best oil for deep frying turkey is one with a high smoke point and neutral flavor. Oils that are ideal for deep-frying turkey include avocado oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and canola oil. Additionally, pure clear frying oil can be used if you’re looking for an option with no trans fats or cholesterol.
Meet our air fryer recipe expert, Jenny J. Brown. Jenny is a culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals using the latest kitchen appliances. As an experienced home cook and food blogger, Jenny has spent years experimenting with air fryer recipes and perfecting her techniques to create meals that are both nutritious and satisfying.
