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The 7 Best Turkey Fryers For The Crispiest, Juiciest Bird Ever
Make sure you check out our safety tips before you start cooking.
There are about a million ways to cook a turkey—roasted, brined, slow cooked, the list goes on. They're all delicious, but none of those methods serves up a turkey as crispy and juicy as deep frying your bird does. And the people who decide to fry the turkey on Thanksgiving normally make a big deal out of it: Their crowd gathers around the frying vessel, drink in hand, all waiting for a glimpse. Plus, the fryer always brag about how it's so much better than a regular oven-roasted bird.
The concept of plunging your Thanksgiving turkey into a massive deep fryer might seem unnerving, but when you follow proper safety protocols and have the right tools, it's totally doable. We've rounded up the most important tips, plus six turkey fryers that you'll love.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
- Properly set up your space. Only use propane turkey fryers outside (electric turkey fryers can be used indoors). Place your fryer on a level surface, away from areas where kids and pets traffic. Temperatures can rise to 400 degrees, so never leave your machine unattended.
- Monitor the temperature. You are cooking meat, after all. Invest in an oil thermometer because most turkey fryers don't come with one. Hit the off button if the oil starts smoking. Also, never deep fry a frozen turkey—you gotta give your bird time to thaw.
- Use protective gear. Remember that 400 degree oil we were telling you about? That can leave a serious burn. Don't get near a turkey fryer without protective goggles and grilling mitts. And if you can, wear an outfit that doesn't leave much skin exposed—at least until you're done cooking.
- Turn off the burner when adding the turkey in the fryer. Once the turkey is entirely submerged in the oil, crank the heat.
- Give it some space. Leave at least two feet between the tank and the burner of a propane fryer. Once your turkey is finished cooking, let the oil cool overnight before disposing of it.
Got all of that? Good. Now you can shop the best turkey fryers to make your Thanksgiving super special this year.
King Kooker Turkey Fryer Propane Outdoor Cooker
King Kooker Turkey Fryer Propane Outdoor Cooker
Outdoor propane cookers function similarly to your grill—so only use them outside. Attach a propane tank to your turkey fryer with the hose, and the propane burner will get the oil you add to the pot hot enough for your turkey to sizzle and fry.
Bayou Classic High Pressure Cooker
Bayou Classic High Pressure Cooker
This option will save you a decent chunk of change if you already own a 30-quart pot. With a pot that's large enough to hold a turkey, you can use this standard-sized propane burner.
Masterbuilt Butterball Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer
Masterbuilt Butterball Oil-Free Electric Turkey Fryer
Oil-free turkey fryers are also connected to propane tanks (and must be used outside!), but as the name implies, they don't need oil to cook your bird. It works the same way as an air fryer; circulation of hot air is what crisps the skin and produces juicy meat. Though it will take a little longer for your turkey to cook, it's the healthiest method on this list.
Butterball Masterbuilt XL Electric Fryer
You don't need to spend hours outside for a homemade fried turkey. This electric turkey fryer is definitely the safest and easiest to use, plus it has a oil drain valve for easy clean-up.
Enterprises Turkey Deep Fryer
If there are a whole lot of turkey lovers at your table, this large capacity fryer will hold a 25-pound turkey (!), making it perfect for a large gathering on Thanksgiving.
Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer
Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
This option is great for a few reasons: For one, it doesn't use oil, so you can use a seasoned rub on the outside of your turkey unlike with a typical fryer. And it uses infrared cooking, so you can count on crispy, delicious, and evenly cooked meat every time.
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
Alexis Morillo is the Associate Editor at Delish.com where she covers breaking food news and viral food trends.
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