cajun fried turkey

Name: Cajun Fried Turkey
Cook time: 35 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon(s) smoked paprika; 3 tablespoon(s) Zatarain's Creole seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic salt; 1 tablespoon(s) poultry seasoning; 2 1/2 gallon(s) peanut oil; 14 - 20 pound(s) turkey

(2 RATINGS)

238 Pinches 15 Photos

Aneisha Grinton

Washington, DC

Updated on Dec 8, 2017

Mine was so tender it fell apart.

Rate

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This is a different take on fried turkey. Rubbing the spices under the skin and marinating overnight lets the flavor permeate the meat and makes the skin crispier. Wrapping the turkey with plastic wrap keeps the seasoning flavor and the trick that makes the turkey superb. It's spicy and savory in every bite.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time

cook time 35 Min

method Deep Fry

yield 10 +

Ingredients

2 tablespoons smoked paprika
3 tablespoons Zatarain's Creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 1/2 gallons peanut oil
14 - 20 pounds turkey

How To Make cajun fried turkey

Test Kitchen Tips

When lowering the turkey keep in mind the oil has to fill the cavity of the bird so that's why it takes so long to lower. If the oil pops a little that is normal. If the oil spits at you, then you are going too fast and slow down.

Step 1

To measure the amount of oil, put the turkey in the fryer and fill with water to cover the turkey.

Step 2

Remove the turkey from the fryer. Mark the water line with a crayon or marker. This tells you how much oil to use.
Step 3

Remove insides - giblets and all.
Step 4

Wash the turkey.
Step 5

Dry removing all moisture from turkey.
Step 6

Mix all seasonings in a bowl.
Step 7

Season turkey, making sure to lift skin and rub seasoning in.
Step 8

Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Step 9

When ready to cook, fill fryer to line with oil and set to 400 degrees. It will take an hour for the oil to get completely heated.
Step 10

Remove turkey from refrigerator right after setting temp on oil. This allows it to get room temperature. Lightly pat down the outside and inside of the turkey to remove moisture. By the time the oil is heated the turkey should be room temperature.
Step 11

When the oil is heated, very slowly lower turkey in the oil.
Step 12

Cook for 30-40 minutes. The meat thermometer should read 165 degrees.
Step 13

Allow to rest for 30 minutes before serving.
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