If you’re looking to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level of deliciousness, deep-frying your turkey is an absolute game-changer. I’ll never forget the first time I tasted it—the skin was unbelievably crispy, and the meat was the juiciest I’d ever had.
It cooks in a fraction of the time of a roasted bird, freeing you up to enjoy the day. Ready to experience this incredible flavor for yourself? Here are 15 Fried Turkey Recipes Thanksgiving that will make your holiday unforgettable.
1. Garlic and Herb Deep-Fried Turkey
Infuse your turkey with classic, savory flavors before it even hits the fryer. A fragrant blend of garlic and herbs like rosemary and thyme seasons the meat from the inside out, creating a wonderfully aromatic and juicy final product.
Click here for the full recipe.
2. Buttered and Salted Deep-Fried Turkey
For a turkey that’s rich, moist, and perfectly seasoned, this simple method is a winner. Injecting the bird with melted butter and applying a generous salt rub ensures every bite is tender, flavorful, and wrapped in perfectly crispy skin.
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3. Oil-Less “Deep-Fried” Turkey
Get that coveted deep-fried texture without the gallons of oil. Using an infrared or oil-less turkey fryer, you can achieve incredibly crispy skin and juicy meat through radiant heat. It’s a safer, less messy alternative with delicious results.
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4. Spicy Cajun-Style Fried Turkey
Bring the bold flavors of Louisiana to your Thanksgiving table. A spicy Cajun-inspired injection and rub, packed with cayenne pepper, paprika, and other seasonings, will give your turkey a zesty kick that perfectly complements its crispy, fried exterior.
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5. The Simplest Deep-Fried Turkey
New to deep-frying? This recipe keeps it straightforward and delicious. With a simple brine or seasoning and a focus on proper technique, you can master the art of frying and produce a perfectly cooked, juicy turkey with minimal fuss.
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6. Butter and Creole Seasoning Injected Turkey
For an unbelievably rich and flavorful turkey, inject it with a mixture of melted butter and Creole seasoning. This simple step guarantees an incredibly moist result while adding a layer of savory, slightly spicy flavor that is simply irresistible.
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7. Honey-Glazed Fried Turkey
Add a touch of sweetness to your savory feast. After frying, a delicate honey glaze is brushed over the hot, crispy skin, creating a beautiful shine and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will have everyone reaching for more.
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8. Buttermilk-Brined Fried Turkey
The secret to incredibly tender meat is a buttermilk brine. Soaking the turkey in buttermilk before frying helps to break down proteins, resulting in a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is second to none. It’s an easy step for a gourmet payoff.
9. Chipotle-Injected Smoked and Fried Turkey
Why choose one method when you can have both? Lightly smoking the turkey before giving it a quick fry creates an amazing depth of flavor. The smoky chipotle injection adds a warm, zesty note for a truly show-stopping centerpiece.
10. Citrus and Herb Brined Fried Turkey
Brighten up your fried turkey with a refreshing citrus and herb brine. The combination of oranges, lemons, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme infuses the meat with a zesty, aromatic flavor that lightens up the rich, fried bird beautifully.
Click here for the full recipe.
11. Sweet Tea Brined Fried Turkey
Introduce a touch of Southern hospitality to your meal with a sweet tea brine. This unique method infuses the turkey with a subtle sweetness that balances the salt, keeping the meat exceptionally moist and tender through the frying process.
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12. Salt and Pepper Rubbed Fried Turkey
Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. A generous rub of coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of the turkey, creating a perfectly seasoned bird with unbelievably crispy skin.
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13. Brown Sugar and Spice Rub Fried Turkey
Create a sweet and savory crust with a rub of brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. As the turkey fries, the sugar caramelizes, forming a delicious, slightly sweet crust that contrasts wonderfully with the savory meat inside.
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14. Garlic Butter-Injected Fried Turkey
You can’t go wrong with garlic butter. Injecting a rich mixture of melted butter and minced garlic throughout the turkey before frying is a surefire way to guarantee every single bite is moist, succulent, and bursting with savory flavor.
Click here for the full recipe
15. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Fried Turkey
For those who love a sweet and savory combination, this recipe is a winner. The turkey is fried until crisp and then immediately glazed with a sticky, rich sauce made from real maple syrup and a splash of quality bourbon.
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Whichever recipe you decide to try, remember that safety is key when deep-frying. But with a little preparation, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular Thanksgiving centerpiece. Enjoy the incredible flavors and the time spent with family and friends. Happy frying
