Amanda from Silverhill ask: “How long do i deep fry an 18 pound turkey?”

The ideal size for a frying turkey is 8 - 12 pounds, 12 -15 pounds is pushing it and 18 pounds is a problem for two reasons. First, it’s quite dangerous adding a turkey that size to 375 degree oil and equally dangerous removing it. Second, because bigger birds take longer to cook, the extra cooking time will result in over exposure to the skin, which will likely be over cooked.

But there’s a solution.

Remove the thighs and legs as a unit and fry them first, then cook the rest of the bird. Figure 3 minutes per pound. And watch the oil temperature — it will cool quickly when you add the turkey. If it drops below 350 for figure it will need to cook a bit longer, if above 350 then reduce the time. Also, after removing the leg/thigh pieces, bring the oil back up to 375 before adding the turkey body.

from, Chef Kevin Weeks

Amanda - You might also want to listen now to Chef Jackie’s podcast and recipe for a great injection marinade. Have a great Thanksgiving!