Emeril's Fried Turkey
Take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level with Emeril's Fried Turkey, a show-stopping centerpiece bursting with bold flavors and irresistible crispiness. This recipe combines Emeril's signature Essence seasoning with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic, and onion powders to create a perfectly spiced bird that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Fried to golden perfection in peanut or vegetable oil, this 12-pound turkey is ready in under an hour, making it surprisingly quick for such an impressive dish. The key to success lies in careful preparation, from drying and seasoning the turkey thoroughly to maintaining a steady oil temperature of 350°F while frying. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this fried turkey guarantees a flavorful, tender bite in every slice—ideal for your holiday table. Pair it with your favorite sides, and get ready for the ultimate taste of Southern-inspired indulgence!
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Ingredients
- 12 pounds whole turkey
- 0.5 cup Emeril's Essence seasoning
- 3 gallons vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 5 cups water (for rinsing and patting turkey)
Directions
Step 1
Begin by thawing your turkey completely if frozen, and removing the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the bird thoroughly inside and out under cold running water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Rub the turkey evenly, inside and out, with Emeril's Essence seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be sure to massage the spices into the meat and under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
Step 3
Let the seasoned turkey sit uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight, if possible) to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 4
Before frying, ensure the turkey is at room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. Pat it dry again with paper towels to prevent any moisture from reacting dangerously with the hot oil.
Step 5
In a large outdoor fryer, add vegetable or peanut oil to the appropriate fill line (consult your specific fryer’s manual to avoid overfilling). Heat the oil to 350°F using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Step 6
Carefully place the turkey into the hot oil using the fryer basket or turkey hanger. Lower the bird slowly to prevent oil from splattering.
Step 7
Fry the turkey for 3.5 to 4 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound turkey, this will take approximately 42-48 minutes. Monitor the oil temperature to keep it consistent at around 350°F.
Step 8
After the frying time has elapsed, carefully remove the turkey from the oil and drain excess oil by letting it sit on a wire rack or paper towels for 15 minutes.
Step 9
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey—the breast should reach 165°F, and the thighs should reach 175°F. If the turkey hasn't reached these temperatures, you can briefly return it to the fryer for additional cooking.
Step 10
Carve the turkey and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful result of Emeril’s Fried Turkey recipe!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (18137.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105075.9 |
| Total Fat 11547.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1676.9g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 3810.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 13955.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 78.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.5g | |
| Protein 1307.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 740.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 63.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 13390.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories