Using an electric fryer is a great way to get your turkey goodness with all the crispy texture and delicious flavors. But you can never get the right texture and taste if you don't know how to deep fry a turkey. And that includes knowing how much oil to use.
To get all the irresistible tender and juicy turkey from your butterball turkey fryer we will be detailing everything you need to know about butterball turkey fryer including how much oil you need.
How Much Oil Do I Need To Use?
The Butterball turkey fryer requires about 2.75 gallons of oil max. The maximum fill line is the highest amount of liquid that can be used in the unit.
According to most users, the fryer consumes 33 percent less oil than the traditional fryer. To fry an extra large turkey, you need about 2.75 gallons, that's about 11 quarts of oil. However, your cooking method is a huge contributor to the amount of oil you need.
It is also important to preheat the oil to 375 degrees F for about 35 to 45 minutes before adding the turkey to it. Don't forget to cover the fryer while preheating the oil.
What Type of Oil Should I Use?
Peanut oil is recommended for the fryer. That's because it has a higher smoke point and greater taste. But you can use common cooking oil.
What is the Best Temperature to Fry Turkey in a Butterball Fryer?
Without cooking your turkey at the right temperature, it might cause your turkey to become not crispy at low temperatures. Or get burnt from very high temperatures. The best temperature to fry is 375 degrees F after preheating the oil to about 35 to 45 minutes for best results.
Never fry your turkey immediately when you bring it out from the freezer. Always defrost first. It takes about 24 hours to defrost a 5-pound turkey in the refrigerator. Then pat dry as water can be dangerous when it comes in contact with hot oil.
If you have a very big turkey, you may need to cut it into two or three and fry the pieces separately. This will make it easier for you to submerge each of them in oil.
At the right temperature, the deepest part of the turkey should be 165 degrees F. You can confirm this by dipping a meat thermometer into your turkey about 2 inches deep. Bring it out and check the temperature.
How to Fry Turkey in a Butterball Fryer
- Dry out water if there's any and ensure and remove the neck and giblet bags.
- Close the draining valve and fill the pot with oil.
- Set the control dial to 375 °F or 191 °C and allow it to preheat for 45 minutes. Close the lid of the fryer during this time.
- Inject and season your turkey to taste and insert after preheating.
- Your fryer will display a green light when the temperature is reached.
- Place the turkey horizontally in the basket breast side up. Using mitts, hook and slowly lower the basket onto the hot oil.
- Close the lid and set a digital timer. Ensure the turkey cooks for the calculated time. Â The actual time to fry turkey is 3.5 to 4 minutes per pound or 0.35 kg.
- Check turkey breast to ensure it is well cooked or has reached the appropriate cooking temperature of 165 °F to 170 °F or 74 °C to 77 °C. In the absence of a meat thermometer, fry your turkey for 4 minutes per pound.
- If you do not have a meat thermometer then fry a turkey for 4 minutes per pound or 0.45 kg.
- When the time is up, turn the turkey fryer off and unplug it from the outlet. Slowly take out the basket from the oil with the drain clip hooked on the drain clip mounting hole.
- Let the turkey sit for ten minutes before removing for carving and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know how much oil to put in my Butterball Turkey Fryer?
Your fryer should have a max fill line that indicates how much oil to add. If not, you can measure by first placing the turkey into an empty pot and then filling it with water until the turkey is fully submerged.
Is there a minimum amount of oil required for frying a turkey in a Butterball Turkey Fryer?
Yes, there is usually a minimum fill line indicated on your fryer which ensures that your turkey cooks evenly and safely.
How long does it take for the oil in my Butterball Turkey Fryer to heat up?
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes for the oil to heat up, but this can vary depending on how much oil you're using and its starting temperature.
What happens if I overfill with too much Oil in my butter ball turkey fryers?
Overfilling can cause the oil to overflow when the turkey is added, which could lead to a fire hazard. Always ensure you fill up to the recommended line.
Can I mix different types of oils when using my Butterball Turkey Fryer?
It's generally not recommended as different oils have different smoke points which could affect the taste and safety during frying process.
Wrap Up
Frying a turkey with a butterball fryer is easy. But it is important to close the lid when frying. Also, if you have a very large turkey, you might need to cut it into two or more pieces and fry it separately.Butterball Turkey Fryer requires approximately 2 gallons or around 7.5 liters of oil for optimal frying. However, the amount may vary slightly depending on the size of the turkey being fried. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results and safety measures.
