This Turkey Fryer Uses No Oil But Gives The Same Crispy Results

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There are about a million ways to cook a turkey—roast, brine, slow cook, the list goes on. They're all delicious, but none of those methods serve up a turkey with “unbelievable crispy skin” quite like deep frying your bird does, says Delish food director Robert Seixas. “Fried at the right temperature for the correct amount of time, it will be quite juicy,” he adds.

But don’t just take our word for it. 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 brags 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 like a meat thermometer and grill gloves, it's totally doable. We've rounded up the most important tips, plus the seven best turkey fryers to help make your Thanksgiving turkey recipe extra special this year.

How we picked these products

To find the best turkey fryers, we tapped Delish food director Rob Seixas as well as Grove Bay Hospitality culinary director and chef Kenny Gilbert for their recommendations. We also consulted Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab Nicole Papantoniou and her team of on-staff experts—which includes all types: engineers! data analysts! registered dietitians!—who rigorously put everyday products to the test (and then more and more tests) in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones you can trust.

The Kitchen Tech Experts assessed each model based on its user ratings, the temperature increments they reach, capacity, versatility, ease of cleaning, and most importantly, safety features. After reviewing their research and all our experts’ insights, we’ve determined that these are the best turkey fryers you can buy in 2023.

Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer

Seixas calls the Bayou Classic 32-Quart Stainless Steel Turkey Fryer “an excellent” choice to cook up a bird thanks to its “durable” stainless steel build and “great accessories,” like its perforated insert. The Good Housekeeping Institute is also a fan of this model, adding that the insert is “versatile... for steaming, boiling, and, of course, frying.”

This is also a great pick if you plan on cooking for a crowd. The Good Housekeeping Institute testers “love” how it can hold “up to a 20-pound bird.” And since it’s so big, it’s also designed to handle other feast-worthy meals, from seafood boils to stews. The experts recommend placing your bird upside down on the poultry rack and carefully lowering it into the oil once it’s heated to the right temperature.

The fryer also comes with a 12-inch thermometer featuring a 50 to 750°F range and a grab hook “for easy retrieval” of the turkey once it's ready. You’ll have to buy a propane cooker separately, but otherwise, Seixas says this turkey fryer “checks all the boxes."

• Dimensions 18 x 14 x 14 inches

• Capacity: 32 quarts

• Weight: 0.06 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: 18 pounds

• Power: Not applicable

• Power source: Not applicable

• Material: Stainless steel

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

• Accessories: Lid, perforated poultry rack, lift hook, detachable skewer set, thermometer, and seasoning injector

King Kooker Propane Turkey Fryer

The Good Housekeeping Institute says King Kooker's outdoor turkey fryer “heats up quickly” and “isn’t too heavy,” which is ideal for its 30-quart size. But the Lab experts’ favorite part about this propane fryer is its built-in spigot “that makes cleanup easier.” All you have to do is open the drain hole to collect the leftover oil. Just make sure to let all cooking liquids cool completely before emptying to prevent injury, they warn.

Even more, this turkey frying earns brownie points for its lid, lifting hook, and rack that offer “added safety” and “ease of use,” the experts add.

• Dimensions: 27.5 x 14 x 14 inches

• Capacity: 29 quarts

• Weight: 16 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: 20 pounds

• Power: 38,000 BTUs

• Power source: Propane

• Material: Aluminum

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

• Accessories: lid, turkey rack, thermometer, hose, regulator, and lifting hook

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

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.

The Big Easy Oil-Less Gas Turkey Fryer

This Char-Broil turkey fryer is great because it doesn't use any oil. Instead, it employs infrared technology to crisp your bird, so you don't have to worry about potential spills or splattering. The Good Housekeeping experts also note that infrared cookers “heat up quickly, reach high temperatures, and cook evenly.” And unlike traditional fryers that dissolve herbs and spices, this oilless fryer allows you to use a seasoned rub on the outside of your turkey.

While this model is slightly smaller than other outdoor fryers on our list, able to “handle up to a 16-pound turkey,” it’s super versatile for cooking other big pieces of meat, like chicken or beef roasts. The Lab experts also note that features like a cooking basket and lifter are helpful for maneuvering your turkey in an out of the fryer.

Dimensions: 23.5 x 16.3 x 20.75 inches
Capacity: N/A
Weight: 16 pounds
Maximum turkey size: 16 pounds
Power: 16,000 BTUs
Power source: Propane
Material: Stainless steel
Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
Accessories: Lid, fry basket, drip tray, thermometer, hose, regulator, and grab hook

Barton X-Large Outdoor Aluminum Turkey Deep Fryer Pot and Burner Kit

When it comes to turkey fryers, generally, the bigger the better. Not only does Barton's outdoor turkey deep fryer have a “large” 52-quart capacity, but it “comes with all the necessities for perfecting a fried turkey,” says Gilbert, including a fry basket, handy clip-on thermometer, propane regulator, hanger, and marinade injector. Its poultry rack and fry basket are designed to help you tackle frying tasks big and small, from a 20-pound turkey to more delicate foods like fish or hush puppies. The rack is designed to hold your bird in place to ensure even oil distribution and crispy meat every time. Plus, it features a convenient loop for attaching the hanger so you can easily remove your bird from the oil when it's time.

Since the set also comes with a burner stand featuring 80,000 BTUs, you'll be able to start cooking in no time.

• Dimensions 17 in x 19 in x 18 inches

• Capacity: 52 quarts

• Weight: 26 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: 20 pounds

• Power: 80,000 BTUs

• Power source: Propane

• Material: Aluminum, steel, cast-iron

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

• Accessories: Lid, steamer basket, burner stand, hose and regulator, thermometer, poultry rack, and marinade injector

Concord Banjo 16” Single Propane Burner

While holiday meals come and go, you can look forward to them for years to come with the help of this sturdy Concord propane burner. The Good Housekeeping Institute says it has a “heavy-duty” cast iron build that’s “designed to last for a very long time.” Out of all the turkey fryers on our list, this burner packs the most power with 200,000 BTUs. In other words, it “will heat oil quickly, even in large batches,” the experts say.

Big pots will find the perfect home on this burner. Yes, you will have to buy them separately, but the manufacturer sells 30-quart and 40-quart pots that can handle bigger birds, the Good Housekeeping Institute says. Plus, the legs detach for easy storage after you’re done cooking.

• Dimensions 12 x 16.5 x 16.5 x inches

• Capacity: Doesn't come with a cooking pot

• Weight: 20 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: The frame itself can support up to 400 pounds

• Power: 200,000 BTUs

• Power source: Propane

• Material: Cast iron

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

• Accessories: Regulator, hose, and connector

Masterbuilt 10 Liter XL Electric Fryer, Boiler, Steamer

Like the saying goes, good things come in small packages. And for anybody out there who's trying to save some space in the kitchen, this couldn’t be truer than with the Masterbuilt electric fryer. The Good Housekeeping Institute appreciates its "reasonably small footprint” for a turkey fryer that can still fit a 20-pounder. Unlike the other turkey fryers in this guide, you can also put it to use inside your home.

It can heat up to 375ºF and comes with a lifting hook to help raise and lower the cooking basket, which can also work as a steamer and boiler. The testers also like its “sleek design,” ease of use, and that it has a removable hinged lid and drain valve for easier cleanup.

• Dimensions: 4.803 x 18.425 x 16.457 inches

• Capacity: 10.5 quarts

• Weight: 20 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: 20 pounds

• Power: 375ºF

• Power source: Electric

• Material: Stainless steel

• Indoor/outdoor: Indoor

• Accessories: Lid, cooking basket, drain valve, and lifting hook

CreoleFeast TFS3010 Propane 30 Qt. Turkey and 10 Qt. Fish Fryer Boiler Steamer Set

If you’re caught between a rock and hard place about what size turkey to fry, the CreoleFeast turkey fryer is here to help ease your stress. Papantoniou likes that this top-rated fryer “comes with both a 30-quart pot and a 10-quart pot” for frying different sized birds. Plus, it works well for frying a range of other foods, too, from large cuts of meat to French fries and chicken wings for post-Thanksgiving festivities.

Adding to its versatility, this fryer also comes with “unique accessories,” Papantoniou notes. She calls out the steamer basket in particular, which has two adjustable levels and a scale line that will help you boil or steam food to your liking.

Most importantly, the pot is designed with dual-riveted, heat-resistant handles for safety.

After using this fryer, some reviewers noticed scorch marks on the bottom of the pot and discoloration on the interior, but mention that overall it's super easy to clean.

• Dimensions: 29.92" x 12.99 x 12.99 inches

• Capacity: 10 quarts

• Weight: 22.2 pounds

• Maximum turkey size: 18 pounds

• Power: 50,000 BTUs

• Power source: Propane

• Material: Aluminum

• Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor

• Accessories: 30-quart pot, 10-quart pot, lid, perforated fryer steamer basket, thermometer, perforated turkey rack, lifting hook, marinade injector, burner stand, hose, and regulator.

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 with kids and pets traffic. Temperatures can rise to 400°F, 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 have to give your bird time to thaw.

• Use protective gear. Remember that 400°F 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.

What To Look For In The Best Turkey Fryers

Outdoor versus indoor fryers: The Good Housekeeping Institute says outdoor turkey fryers offer “natural ventilation,” usually come in a wider range of sizes, and require less splatter cleanup than in your kitchen. They add that indoor units are “more convenient” and “generally safer” since they don’t need a propane tank and can simply be plugged into an outlet.

Propane vs. electric vs. oilless fryers: Choosing the right model for you often depends on your space and comfort level. “If you can fry outdoors and aren't intimidated by lots of hot oil, then I recommend using a gas-powered fryer,” says Seixas. “For those who can't fry outside and are worried about safety, an electric turkey fryer is great.”

• Propane turkey fryers: Like an outdoor gas grill, this type of fryer is gas-powered. The Good Housekeeping Institute says they are “usually heavy-duty with a hose” that connects to a propane tank (sold separately) “so you can ignite the propane burner.” The propane burner then heats the pot filled with oil. These types of fryers should only be used outdoors in open settings—not in garages or on porches or balconies—to avoid risk of severe injury or property damage.

• Electric turkey fryers: Like a deep fryer, many of these turkey fryers can be used indoors. The Good Housekeeping Institute says these “tend to be safest,” since they usually have a built-in thermostat and auto shut-off features to keep oil from overheating.

• Oilless turkey fryers: These are connected to a propane tank, and while they don’t require oil, the Good Housekeeping Institute says they can take “a bit longer to cook.” They function similar to an air fryer in that they circulate hot air to cook and crisp a turkey. You'll need to brush the turkey with oil to help brown the bird’s skin, but experts say this is the healthiest cooking method of all three since it requires the least amount of oil. Plus, cleanup afterwards is much easier. Make sure to only use an oilless turkey fryer outdoors to prevent safety hazards.

Accessories: Look for features with a focus on safety and convenience.

• Lid: The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends a vented lid that’ll keep steam from getting trapped while cooking the turkey.

• Poultry rack and lifting hook: These tools will help you move the turkey in and out of the oil-filled pot and help avoid splattering.

• Oil thermometer: An oil thermometer will allow you to keep track of oil temperature, as “most oils can catch fire over 400˚F,” the Good Housekeeping Institute says.

• Built-in timer: This will help you keep tabs on the turkey’s cook time.

• Auto-shut-off: Often found in indoor models, this function automatically shuts off the turkey fryer when oil starts to overheat or catch fire, says Papantoniou.

• Oil drain: An oil drain allows you to empty the pot’s tank without tipping it over, which “can be dangerous and very messy,” warns the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Capacity: To properly fry your turkey, you’ll need to completely submerge it in oil, says the Good Housekeeping Institute. So, if you’re buying a 20-pound turkey or larger, you’ll likely need to fry it outdoors, since indoor turkey fryers can typically only hold birds up to 15 pounds. In this case, Seixas says to go with an outdoor turkey fryer with at least a 32-quart capacity. “Bigger than that, even better,” he says.

Power: BTU stands for British thermal unit and is the amount of heat needed to increase one pound of water by 1°F. The Good Housekeeping Institute says the higher the BTU, “the more powerful the fryer.” This results in a faster heating time for the oil and cooking time for the turkey. The experts add that higher BTUs typically mean “better control of the oil temperature,” too.

How To Use A Turkey Fryer

Follow these steps to properly fry a turkey, according to Seixas:

1. Set up the fryer: Set your outdoor fryer on an even surface at least 20 feet away from buildings, pets, and children, as noted above.

2. Assess connections: Make sure the connections between the fryer and tank are stable.

3. Determine oil level: Put the rack in the fryer, then place the turkey inside. Fill the pot with water so it’s 1 inch above the turkey. When you add the water, remember how many cups or gallons you added. That amount equates to how much oil you'll need. Remove the turkey and pat it dry throughly. "I recommend doing this a few days in advance, especially if you are brining the bird, which should be done after the water test," says Seixas.

4. Make sure everything is dry: The turkey, fryer, and all the fryer's parts need to be completely dry before frying. "Ever fried anything and forgot to thoroughly dry the pot? Not good," says Seixas. "Imagine that on a massively larger scale: water and hot oil can equal an oil explosion."

5. Add oil and place in the turkey: Heat the oil to 325°F, and slowly lower the turkey into the pot with turkey fryer tools, like a lifting hook and poultry rack. Maintain the temperature from 300 to 325°F until the bird is thoroughly cooked.

Which Oil Is Best For Turkey Frying?

It’s best to go with a neutral oil (think: vegetable, corn, or canola oil) since this will allow you to fry without compromising the flavor of the turkey, Papantoniou says. Plus, each of these are usually pretty cheap, which is great since you’ll usually need about 4 gallons of oil for a 12- to 14-pound turkey (usually for propane turkey fryers), Gilbert adds.

In the mood to experiment with your oil? Gilbert shares that using part duck fat and peanut oil can help you fry up “a very flavorful bird.”

How Long Should You Deep Fry A Turkey?

Gilbert says it takes three to four minutes per pound to fry a turkey. So, if you fry a 16-pound turkey, it’ll take about an hour to cook. Plus, the USDA notes that your cooked turkey is safe to eat once its internal temperature hits 165˚F.

What Else Can You Use A Turkey Fryer For?

Turkey fryers usually include a big pot that's versatile enough to make tons of different meals. Papantoniou says they are great for "frying big batches of food" or cuts of meat, like roasts. Plus, you can use them like you would another large pot to make hefty servings of stews, soups, and seafood boils. Simply fill the pot with water instead of oil if you plan on doing the latter.

How To Clean A Turkey Fryer

1. Like cleaning a deep fryer, let the pot and any oil cool. From there, Papantoniou recommends straining the oil and storing it in a resealable container in a cool, dark storage area. Gilbert personally likes to clarify the oil and freeze the leftovers for future use. You can store it for about three months, the USDA advises. If you aren’t going to reuse the oil, let it cool overnight, pour it into a resealable container, and toss it in the trash (not down a drain).

2. Wash the frying pot with soap and water and a non-abrasive sponge to clear it of any stuck-on food pieces or residue. Papantoniou suggests reviewing your unit's manufacturer instructions for any other cleaning guidelines.

3. Let the unit dry completely.

Meet The Experts

Rob Seixas is the food director at Delish.

Kenny Gilbert is a chef and culinary director at Grove Bay Hospitality.

Nicole Papantoniou is the director at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances & Culinary Innovation Lab.

Why Trust Delish

Katie Bourque is as an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping, where she covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture.

Alexis Morillo is the former associate editor at Delish where she covers breaking food news and viral food trends.

Felicia LaLomia is the former food and culture editor at Delish and covers food news and features about delicious trends in the culinary world.

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world. For this story, she interviewed Delish's food director, a chef, and GHI experts to find the best turkey fryers on the market and what to look for when shopping.

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