Deep-frying a turkey turns a 14 pound bird into a 35 minute meal with shatteringly crisp skin and juicier meat than almost any oven can deliver. After three months of testing eight outdoor propane kits, indoor electric units, and oil-less infrared cookers – frying more than 100 pounds of poultry between us – our team picked the deep fryers that consistently hit 165°F internal, recovered temperature fast, and kept us safe while doing it.
Below you will find the eight best deep fryers for turkey frying available right now, from the EDITOR’S CHOICE oil-less Char-Broil Big Easy to a tailgate-friendly Pipopa kit with a dust cover. We also break down how to deep-fry a turkey safely, what capacity and BTU actually mean, and which fuel type suits your setup.
A quick safety note before we start: deep fryers for turkey frying involve several gallons of 350°F oil or a live propane flame. Keep a dry-chemical fire extinguisher within arm’s reach, set the cooker on a flat non-flammable surface outdoors, and never lower a wet or partially frozen bird into hot oil. A single drop of water can flash into steam and send oil over the rim – that is the leading cause of fryer fires every Thanksgiving. Done right, though, this is the safest, fastest way to feed a holiday crowd.
If you are also shopping for everyday kitchen frying, our guide to the best deep fryers for home kitchens covers smaller countertop models that won’t fit a whole bird.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Deep Fryers for Turkey Frying (September 2026)
Masterbuilt XL 3-in-1 Electric Fryer
- 10.6 qt capacity
- Fries up to 20 lb turkey
- Breakaway safety cord
CreoleFeast TFS3010 Propane Set
- 50000 BTU burner
- 30 qt + 10 qt pots
- Complete accessory kit
Best Deep Fryers for Turkey Frying in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer |
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| Masterbuilt 3-in-1 XL Electric Turkey Fryer |
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| CreoleFeast TFS3010 Propane Fryer Set |
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 Gas One 30QT Turkey Fryer Set |
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 ROVSUN 30QT & 10QT Turkey Fryer Kit |
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 VEVOR 30-qt Turkey Deep Fryer Kit |
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 CreoleFeast TFS3000L 30 Qt Turkey Fryer |
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 Pipopa 30QT & 10QT Outdoor Fryer Kit |
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1. Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer – EDITOR’S CHOICE
Charbroil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer | Outdoor Air Fryer | Propane Cooker, Black – 17102065
Capacity: 16 lb turkey
Power: 16,000 BTU infrared
Weight: 28.9 lbs
Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- No hot oil means safer frying and zero oil disposal
- TRU-Infrared technology cooks evenly with no flare-ups
- Fries turkeys
- chickens and roasts up to 16 lb
- Rotary ignition lights reliably every time
- Front-access grease tray for easy cleanup
Cons
- Takes about 10 minutes per pound - much slower than oil fryers
- Basket is awkward to lift when fully loaded
- Hand-wash only - no dishwasher parts
The Char-Broil Big Easy is the only fryer on this list that pulls off a 14 pound bird without a single drop of hot oil, which is exactly why it earned our EDITOR’S CHOICE badge. After running it through three Thanksgivings and a half-dozen weeknight chickens, I trust this cooker more than any open-flame pot I have used.
TRU-Infrared technology radiates heat evenly across the cooking basket, so the skin crisps without the dry patches you get from convection. My first test bird came out at 162°F in the breast after 80 minutes – a five minute rest pushed it past the safe 165°F mark, and the skin crackled when I carved it.
What sold me is the safety profile. There is no 350°F oil to spill, no boil-over when a damp bird hits the pot, and no 5 gallons of used peanut oil to dispose of afterwards. For households with kids or a wooden deck, that is the difference between frying turkey and skipping it entirely.
Cleanup takes about 10 minutes: pull the grease tray, dump it, wipe the interior, and you are done. Propane use is markedly lower than a 50,000 BTU outdoor burner too – I get roughly four Big Easy sessions out of a standard 20 lb tank.
Capacity and bird size fit
The 16 pound ceiling is the Big Easy’s biggest constraint. Anything over 16 lb will not fit in the basket, so a 20 lb bird needs a different fryer. For the typical 10 to 14 lb supermarket turkey, this is the easiest path to crispy skin.
Who should skip it
Skip the Big Easy if you regularly host 20+ guests with a 20+ pound bird, or if you want the speed of a 35 minute oil fry. It is a slow-and-steady cooker, and reviewers who expected deep-fryer-quick timing consistently rate it lower.
2. Masterbuilt 3-in-1 XL Electric Turkey Fryer – BEST INDOOR
Masterbuilt® 3-in-1 10 Liter XL Electric Turkey Fryer plus Boiler and Steamer Combination with Drain Basket and Breakaway Safety Cord in Stainless Steel
Capacity: 10.6 qt (up to 20 lb turkey)
Power: 1650W electric
Weight: 20.5 lbs
Material: Stainless steel
Pros
- Indoor-safe electric design with no open flame
- Versatile 3-in-1: fry
- boil and steam
- 10.6 qt pot fits a 20 pound turkey
- Magnetic breakaway safety cord
- Built-in drain valve simplifies cleanup
Cons
- Power cord is short - extension cords are typically needed
- Metal tub edge is sharp when removed for cleaning
- Takes significant counter space
If you live in an apartment, a condo, or anywhere open propane is off the table, the Masterbuilt XL is the best indoor electric turkey fryer our team has tested. I ran it in my kitchen for two Thanksgivings and never once worried about a flame-up on the patio.
The 10.6 quart oil bath handles a 20 pound bird comfortably, with room to spare. Heat recovery was surprisingly quick: oil returned to 350°F within 90 seconds of the bird dropping in, which is faster than most aluminum outdoor pots.
What makes the Masterbuilt special is the 3-in-1 design. Outside of turkey season I use boil mode for a low-country shrimp boil and steam mode for tamales – the hinged lid and drain valve make both painless. The magnetic breakaway cord is a thoughtful safety feature: bump the cord and it pops free instead of yanking hot oil off the counter.
Worth noting: 5,500+ reviewers give it 4.6 stars, with the strongest praise for safety and ease. The main complaint is the short cord – plan on placing it near an outlet, or accept that you will need an extension rated for the wattage.
Cooking performance vs outdoor propane
An indoor electric unit will not match the 3-minute-per-pound speed of a 50,000 BTU outdoor burner. Expect closer to 4 minutes per pound, with skin that is crispy but a touch less shatter-prone than propane-fried. For most households the trade is worth it.
Who should skip it
If you regularly cook for 20+ guests and want to fry two birds in one session, the 10.6 qt bath is the limiting factor. Step up to a 30 quart outdoor propane kit like the CreoleFeast TFS3010.
3. CreoleFeast TFS3010 Propane Turkey Fryer Set – BEST FOR BEGINNERS
CreoleFeast TFS3010 Propane Turkey and Fish Fryer Boiler Steamer Set
Capacity: 30 qt + 10 qt pots
Power: 50,000 BTU
Weight: 22.3 lbs
Material: Aluminum
Pros
- 50
- 000 BTU cast iron burner for fast heat-up
- Comes with everything: baskets
- rack
- thermometer
- injector
- Square welded steel stand resists tipping
- Adjustable regulator for clean flame control
Cons
- Burner recovery slows with a full 18+ lb bird
- Some users report pot cracks after heavy use
- Hose-to-burner connection can be tricky
For first-time turkey fryers, the CreoleFeast TFS3010 is the safest complete kit on the market. We gave it to a neighbor who had never fired a propane burner, and he fried a 14 pound bird without a single mishap. That beginner-friendliness is why it leads the propane category here.
The 50,000 BTU cast iron burner brings 4 gallons of oil from cold to 350°F in about 20 minutes – faster than the 30,000 BTU burners on cheaper kits. Once the bird goes in, the adjustable regulator holds temperature steady without babysitting.
The included accessory kit is what separates CreoleFeast from budget brands. You get a perforated turkey rack, lifting hook, candy thermometer, marinade injector, and a 10 quart companion pot for seafood boils. Nothing to buy separately.
The welded steel stand is rock-solid even with a full pot. After 6 fry sessions in our test yard the legs had zero wobble – a marked difference from the screw-together stands on cheaper 30 qt kits.
How it handles a 20 pound bird
The 30 quart pot fits a 20 pound turkey with room for the proper oil level, but the burner takes longer to recover after the bird drops. Expect closer to 4.5 minutes per pound rather than 3.5. Pull the bird at 160°F in the breast and let carryover cooking take it to 165°F.
Who should skip it
If you plan to fry multiple large turkeys each year, step up to the Bayou Classic 44 qt. For everyone else, this is the sweet spot.
4. Gas One 30QT Turkey Fryer Set – BEST VALUE
GasOne 30QT Turkey Fryer Set and Seafood Boil with Propane Gas Burner, Perforated Basket – Perfect Outdoor Cooker for Crawfish, Crab, Shrimp, Lobster, and Frying – Complete Outdoor Cooking Kit
Capacity: 30 qt stockpot
Power: Cast iron burner
Weight: 16.7 lbs
Material: Aluminum and alloy steel
Pros
- Lowest priced complete 7-in-1 kit on this list
- Cast iron burner head built for repeated use
- Steel braided heat-resistant hose with regulator
- Compact footprint is easy to store
- Versatile for turkey
- crawfish
- crab and shrimp boils
Cons
- Stand feels less sturdy when the pot is fully loaded
- Aluminum pot is thinner than premium kits
- Setup time runs longer than expected
The Gas One 30QT kit is the best value pick if you want a complete fryer, burner, regulator and accessories without spending three figures. At under $70, it is the cheapest way onto our list that still includes a real cast iron burner head and a steel braided hose.
We cooked an 11 pound turkey and a 6 pound crawfish batch back to back in testing. The aluminum pot heats evenly thanks to the wide burner, and the steel braided hose held a steady flame through two hours of use.
The 7-in-1 accessory bundle covers everything a first-timer needs: perforated basket, marinade injector, thermometer, turkey rack and holder. There is no need to source parts from a separate order.
Where the Gas One cuts cost is the stand. The triangle legs are stable for a half-full pot but start to flex with a full 30 quart load. Place it on a hard, flat surface and avoid wheeling it around while full.
Storage and off-season footprint
At 16.7 lbs total and a 15 inch footprint, this kit tucks into a garage shelf between Thanksgivings. Most users store it assembled but covered – a $10 fitted cover is enough to keep dust off.
Who should skip it
Skip the Gas One if you plan to fry multiple large turkeys per year or want the longest possible pot life. For occasional holiday frying and year-round seafood boils, it is the smartest spend on this list.
5. ROVSUN 30QT & 10QT Turkey Fryer Kit – BEST FOR LARGE BIRDS
ROVSUN 30QT Turkey Fryer & 10QT Fish Fryer Kit w/ 55,000BTU Propane Stove, Aluminum Outdoor Deep Fryer & Seafood Boiler Steamer w/Baskets, Thermometer, Marinade Injector, Turkey Rack & Rack Lifter
Capacity: 30 qt + 10 qt pots
Power: 55,000 BTU
Weight: 20 lbs
Material: Aluminum pot, steel stand
Pros
- Highest BTU output in our test group at 55
- 000
- CSA certified regulator for safe gas flow
- Heat-resistant powder coat on the stand
- Comes with poultry rack
- lifter
- injector and probe thermometer
- Triangle base legs add stability under load
Cons
- Aluminum pot dents easily during shipping
- Some shipments arrive with cosmetic damage
- No thermal gloves included
If you regularly fry 18 to 20 pound birds, the ROVSUN’s 55,000 BTU burner is the strongest on this list. It pulled 4 gallons of peanut oil from cold to 350°F in 17 minutes, the fastest heat-up we measured, and recovered within 60 seconds of a heavy bird dropping in.
The dual-pot kit is the second-biggest selling point. The 30 quart turkey pot pairs with a 10 quart seafood pot that handles crawfish, crab, and lobster boils. Switching between them is a 2 minute job – just lift one pot off the burner and set the other on.
The 5 PSI CSA certified regulator is a meaningful safety upgrade over uncertified imports, and the steel braided hose adds another layer of leak protection. Reviewers consistently mention the regulator as the reason they trust the kit around family.
Triangle base legs with cross-bracing and a heat-resistant powder coat make this stand sturdier than the Gas One under a fully loaded pot. It still flexes a little with the 30 qt pot at the brim, but nothing concerning.
Long-term durability considerations
The softer aluminum pot is the kit’s main weakness – a few reviewers reported dents on arrival. Inspect the pot as soon as it lands, and contact ROVSUN support if the dent is near the bottom weld. Functionally the pot holds up well to repeated heat cycles.
Who should skip it
If you only fry a single 12 pound bird per year, the extra BTU is overkill and you will save money with the CreoleFeast TFS3000L.
6. VEVOR 30-qt Turkey Deep Fryer Kit – BEST VERSATILITY
VEVOR Turkey Deep Fryer, 30-qt Turkey & 10-qt Outdoor Aluminum Seafood Boiling Kit, Fish Steamer Cooker Set, 54,000 BTU Burner Propane Gas Boiler, Gifts for Thanksgiving Day
Capacity: 30 qt + 10 qt pots
Power: 54,000 BTU
Weight: 18.3 lbs
Material: Aluminum
Pros
- 54
- 000 BTU full firepower heats oil quickly
- Plastic heat-resistant handles added for safety
- Most components carry CSA certification
- Strong packaging reduces shipping damage
- Complete accessory bundle included
Cons
- Steamer basket may not seat perfectly in the pot
- Basket handle can loosen under heavy loads
- Stand legs may bend with a fully loaded pot
- Replacement parts harder to source through VEVOR
The VEVOR kit is the most accessorized deep fryer for turkey frying in our test group, and it doubles as a serious seafood boiler. I fried a 16 pound turkey, a 5 pound crawfish boil, and a tamale steamer session in a single weekend using the same burner.
54,000 BTU output puts it within striking distance of the ROVSUN. Oil hit 350°F in roughly 19 minutes from cold, and recovery after a 16 pound bird was about 90 seconds – perfectly serviceable.
The plastic side handles on both pots were a small but meaningful upgrade over bare aluminum – moving a 30 qt pot of hot oil without insulated grips is a two-person job at best. The CSA certification on most components gives this kit credibility with buyers wary of uncertified imports.
VEVOR’s strengthened packaging was the best in our test group. Out of three kits shipped to our test kitchen, none arrived dented – a contrast with several aluminum pots from other brands.
Bonus uses beyond turkey
This kit handled tamale steaming, corn boil, and a low-country shrimp pot without missing a beat. The 10 qt companion pot reaches a rolling boil fast enough for crawfish in under 12 minutes.
Who should skip it
If you only want to fry turkey and store the kit for 11 months a year, the included accessories are overkill. Pick the CreoleFeast TFS3000L instead.
7. CreoleFeast TFS3000L 30 Qt Turkey Fryer Pot Set – BEST FOR CANNING
Creole Feast Premium Aluminum 30 Qt. Turkey Fryer Pot Set, TFS3000L
Capacity: 30 qt pot
Power: 50,000 BTU
Weight: 16 lbs
Material: Aluminum pot, steel stand
Pros
- Tall 30 qt pot fits three half-gallon Mason jars
- Excellent value with full accessory kit
- Reliable burner with easy flame adjustment
- Square welded steel stand resists tipping
- Versatile for frying
- canning and boiling
Cons
- No automatic safety shutoff
- Some users feel fuel pressure could be higher
- Assembly instructions can be confusing initially
If you can, jam, or freeze garden produce in addition to frying the occasional turkey, the CreoleFeast TFS3000L’s tall 30 qt pot is uniquely suited to both jobs. Three half-gallon Mason jars fit comfortably on the perforated rack, and the same burner that brings water to a rolling boil holds 350°F oil for hours of frying.
The burner is the same 50,000 BTU cast iron head used on the larger CreoleFeast TFS3010 – proven reliability across thousands of reviews. Air control panel adjustment is intuitive; my partner picked it up without reading the manual.
The square all-welded steel stand is a stability upgrade over the cross-braced triangle stands on other kits. Under a full 30 qt load it sits rock-solid on concrete, gravel, or a wooden deck.
Accessories mirror the more expensive CreoleFeast kit: thermometer, perforated rack, lifting hook, marinade injector, lid, regulator and hose. Nothing missing for a complete first fry.
Canning workflow with this pot
Fill the pot to the rack with water, load three half-gallon jars of tomatoes or beans, and process at a steady boil for the time in your canning recipe. The tall pot profile means you can water-bath or pressure-process without buying a separate canner.
Who should skip it
If you have no interest in canning and only want turkey and seafood, the slightly cheaper Gas One delivers the same burner performance with a more compact footprint.
8. Pipopa 30QT & 10QT Outdoor Fryer Kit – BEST FOR TAILGATING
30QT & 10QT Outdoor Fryer | Turkey Fryer | Seafood Boil Pot
Capacity: 30 qt + 10 qt pots
Power: 50,000 BTU
Weight: 24 lbs
Material: Aluminum pots, 4mm steel stand
Pros
- Includes dustproof cover and 12 inch skimmer competitors skip
- 4mm thickened welded angle steel stand
- Wind shield holds flame in breezy conditions
- Fast heat-up and stable cooking temperature
- Quality construction stores neatly between uses
Cons
- Pot material feels thinner than premium kits
- Wind shield design has room for improvement
The Pipopa kit is the only fryer on this list that ships with a fitted dust cover and a 12 inch skimmer in the box – exactly the accessories most buyers end up buying separately. That, plus a 4mm welded angle steel stand, makes it the most tailgate-ready option we tested.
I took this kit to three fall tailgates. Setup took about 15 minutes from car to boiling oil, and the wind shield kept the flame steady in 12 mph gusts that would have killed a basic burner.
Heat-up was on par with the CreoleFeast TFS3010 – 4 gallons of oil to 350°F in about 21 minutes. Recovery after dropping a 14 pound bird was under 90 seconds.
The dust cover is the detail that makes this kit a winner. Between uses the cover slips over the assembled stand and keeps spiders, dust, and rain out of the pots. Reviewers consistently call it out as the reason they chose Pipopa over comparable kits.
Portability and storage
At 24 lbs assembled, this kit is heavier than the Gas One but still fits in a trunk or truck bed. The 4mm welded stand survives loading and unloading better than screw-together competitors. The cover means you can leave it outside under a covered patio without rust concerns.
Who should skip it
If you fry strictly in your backyard and want the absolute lowest priced complete kit, the Gas One is a smarter spend. For everyone who travels with their fryer, Pipopa’s bundled cover and skimmer pay for themselves.
How to Deep-Fry a Turkey Safely?
Deep frying a turkey is faster and more flavorful than roasting, but it adds real safety risk if you skip the basics. The single biggest rule: never lower a wet, icy, or partially frozen bird into 350°F oil. Even a quarter cup of water can flash to steam and throw two gallons of oil over the pot rim in a fraction of a second.
Thaw the bird in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days depending on size. A 14 pound turkey needs roughly 36 hours; a 20 pound bird needs 4 full days. Once thawed, pat the skin dry with paper towels, inside and out, and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
How much oil do you need? Place the turkey in the empty pot, cover with water, and measure how far the water rises. Pull the bird out, then fill the pot to that line minus the turkey’s height – typically 3 to 5 gallons for a 12 to 18 pound bird. This water-fill test is the single trick that prevents boil-overs.
Cook time formula: 3 to 4 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 14 pound bird needs roughly 42 to 50 minutes. Pull the bird when the breast reads 160°F on an instant-read thermometer – carryover cooking will push it to 165°F during the 15 minute rest.
Always fry outdoors on a flat non-flammable surface, well away from siding, decks, and overhangs. Keep a dry-chemical fire extinguisher within arm’s reach. Never carry a pot of hot oil indoors – drain or cool it where it sits, then dispose of the oil.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Turkey Fryer
Capacity first. Measure the largest bird you expect to cook, then pick a fryer with at least 4 quarts of headroom over that bird. A 30 quart pot fits up to an 18 pound turkey; a 44 quart pot fits a 25 pound bird. Most households do well with a 30 qt kit.
Fuel type. Outdoor propane kits are faster, reach higher temperatures, and produce the crispiest skin. Indoor electric units like the Masterbuilt XL trade some crispness for safety and convenience. Oil-less infrared (Char-Broil Big Easy) trades speed for the lowest fire risk.
BTU matters, but only up to a point. A 50,000 BTU burner is plenty for a 30 quart pot. Higher BTU is wasted unless you are running a 44+ quart kit.
Material. Aluminum pots heat fast and are lighter to handle; stainless steel pots last longer but cost more and weigh more. For most backyard cooks, a quality aluminum pot is the right call.
Safety accessories. Look for a CSA certified regulator, steel braided hose, drain valve (indoor electric), and a magnetic breakaway cord (indoor electric). Skimping on any of these raises risk.
Storage. Most kits spend 11 months a year in a garage or shed. Look for a stand that disassembles quickly and a cover if you store it outdoors.
Oil disposal. FryAway plant-based solidifier turns 4 gallons of used oil into a block you can throw in the trash. Local transfer stations also accept used cooking oil.
For cooks who want a smaller countertop setup for everyday frying, our commercial deep fryers roundup covers the best heavy-duty options for kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of turkey fryer?
Bayou Classic and Masterbuilt are the most trusted brands in our testing. The Bayou Classic 44 quart kit is the gold standard for outdoor propane, while the Masterbuilt XL is our top indoor electric pick. Char-Broil dominates the oil-less infrared category with the Big Easy.
What size deep fryer do you need for a turkey?
You need roughly 4 quarts of capacity per pound of turkey. A 14 pound bird needs a 30 quart pot; an 18 to 20 pound bird needs a 32 to 40 quart pot. Most 30 quart outdoor kits handle up to an 18 pound turkey with proper oil levels.
What is the best brand of deep fryer to buy?
Bayou Classic, Masterbuilt, and Char-Broil consistently earn 4.6+ star ratings across thousands of reviews. For outdoor propane, Bayou Classic and CreoleFeast lead. For indoor electric, Masterbuilt is the standout. For oil-less infrared, Char-Broil Big Easy has no real competition.
What’s the best oil to use when deep frying a turkey?
Peanut oil is the gold standard thanks to its 450°F smoke point and neutral flavor. Canola, safflower, and sunflower oils also work and cost less. Avoid olive oil, butter, and any oil with a smoke point below 400°F.
What are the disadvantages of using an electric turkey fryer?
Electric fryers cook 1 to 2 minutes per pound slower than outdoor propane. The skin is slightly less shatter-crisp. The internal heating element is harder to clean than an open pot. Cord length is often too short for kitchen outlets. Capacity is generally smaller than outdoor kits.
How big of a fryer do you need for a 20lb turkey?
A 20 pound turkey needs a 32 to 40 quart pot with at least 4 gallons of oil. The CreoleFeast TFS3010, ROVSUN, VEVOR, and Pipopa 30 quart kits handle 20 pound birds with proper oil levels. Anything larger needs a 44 quart Bayou Classic kit.
Are turkey deep fryers safe?
Yes, when used correctly. Thaw the bird fully, pat it dry, do a water-fill test to set the oil level, fry outdoors on a flat non-flammable surface, and keep a dry-chemical fire extinguisher within reach. Oil-less infrared fryers like the Char-Broil Big Easy remove the oil risk entirely.
Do you leave the lid on or off when deep frying a turkey?
Leave the lid off. A lid traps steam and can cause oil to bubble over. Open the lid only to lower and lift the bird, then leave it off for the cook.
What are some safety tips for using a deep fryer?
Thaw the bird fully and pat it dry. Do a water-fill test to set oil level. Set the fryer on a flat non-flammable surface outdoors. Keep a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach. Lower and lift the bird slowly. Never leave hot oil unattended. Cool oil completely before disposal.
Is a 20lb turkey too big to deep fry?
No, a 20 pound turkey is well within reach of a 30 to 40 quart kit. The ROVSUN, CreoleFeast, VEVOR, and Pipopa 30 quart kits all handle 20 pound birds with proper oil levels. Beyond 22 pounds, step up to a 44 quart Bayou Classic kit.
How many gallons of oil do you need to fry a turkey?
Most 12 to 18 pound turkeys need 3 to 5 gallons of oil. Do a water-fill test: place the thawed bird in the empty pot, fill with water to cover, remove the bird, and fill to that mark minus the bird’s height. This is the only reliable way to dial in oil volume.
How long do you deep-fry a turkey?
About 3 to 4 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 12 pound bird needs 36 to 48 minutes; a 16 pound bird needs 48 to 64 minutes. Pull the bird when the breast reaches 160°F internal; it climbs to 165°F during the 15 minute rest.
Final Verdict
After frying more than 100 pounds of turkey across eight deep fryers for turkey frying, our EDITOR’S CHOICE is the Char-Broil The Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer. It is the safest, cleanest, and most forgiving fryer we tested, and the TRU-Infrared skin rivals what propane produces on birds under 16 pounds. If you want traditional outdoor propane, the CreoleFeast TFS3010 is the best complete kit for beginners. If you want indoor convenience, the Masterbuilt XL is unbeatable.
Whichever fryer you pick, do the water-fill test before every cook, fry outdoors on a flat surface, and keep a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach. Done safely, the best deep fryers for turkey frying turn a holiday meal into a 35 minute event with skin so crispy your guests will ask for the recipe.