Here's How to Fry a Thanksgiving Turkey With One of the Best Appliances

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Even though turkey is the mainstay of any Thanksgiving menu, it often gets a bad rap for being dry. For many of us, it can't compare to splashier side dishes like marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. But there is one way to make your turkey a stand-out dish, and that's by deep-frying it! To do that, you'll need to study up on how to fry a bird safely (that’s a lot of searing hot oil!) and of course, you'll want one of the best turkey fryers, too.

Fried turkey has undeniable appeal. Think: crispy skin and extra-juicy meat. It's also a space saver. No double oven? No problem. You can cook your turkey in separate vessel and save room for all those dessert recipes. It's also faster! Yes, heating up the oil and cleanup require some effort, but the physical frying takes less than half the time of normal roasting. According to Butterball, frying takes about three to four minutes per pound.

Like any other appliance, the best turkey fryers come with tons of options. Do you want to fry inside or outside? How large will your turkey be? How do you feel about air fryer recipes? What's the safest around kids and pets? These are all things to consider when shopping these top picks. Then, there's just one last question: Do you believe you can fry?

Bayou Classic Turkey Fryer Kit

This 30-quart outdoor fryer can cook up an 18-pound turkey in 45 minutes! The sturdy riveted handles allow you to lift and transfer the bird with relative ease and it comes complete with a 12-inch thermometer to check when it's done. You can also use the versatile stockpot for other batch cooking like seafood boils and chili.

Masterbuilt 10.6-Quart Deep Fryer

Want to fry inside? Try this electric fryer, which can handle a bird as large as 20 pounds. It's actually a three-in-one appliance so you can also use it to steam and boil food. Bonus: It has a simple drain valve and all the removable components are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easier, too.

King Kooker Outdoor Turkey Fryer

If you've got a propane grill, all you have to do is hook up your tank to this model, and you'll be ready to fry! The 30-quart capacity can cook a bird up to 20 pounds with a whopping 38,000 BTUs. Included are a thermometer, a rack, and a sturdy lift kit to ensure your (and the turkey's) safety.

Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer

Fry turkeys (or chickens and other birds) up to 16 pounds without oil. The infrared technology makes it safer to use and way easier to clean since you don't have to worry about boiling liquids. You should use this outside, though, even without the risk of flare-ups.

Barton Aluminum Turkey Fryer Steamer

If you have a lot of mouths to feed, this 52-quart fryer can accommodate a substantial turkey. The poultry rack keeps the oil distributed properly for even cooking, even on a 25-plus pound bird. Keep it around all year for clam bakes and big parties, because it boils and steams, as well.

Presto ProFry Electric Rotisserie Turkey Fryer

This option has a motorized rotisserie that spins the turkey for even cooking, and you only need four quarts of oil. It's great for indoor use thanks to its splatter-shield cover and stainless-steel exterior. You can cook up to a 15-pound turkey in about an hour!

COSORI 12-in-1 Convection Oven

Yes, of course you can air fry a turkey! You just need a large capacity option, like this one. It can cook up to a five pound turkey, which isn't big compared to other turkey fryers. However, it's bigger than most other air fryers and you can use it all year round for basically everything!

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