© 2025 National Turkey Federation
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
1225 New York Avenue NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005
2 tbsp salt
4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp dried thyme
2 tbsp oregano
1 12-lb WHOLE TURKEY, thawed if frozen
3 Gallons peanut or vegetable oil
Stir together first five ingredients in a small bowl.
Remove giblets from turkey and pat interior and exterior dry.
Rub herb mixture all over turkey. Make sure neck hole is at least 2 inches in diameter, as oil will need to flow through freely.
Set up turkey cooker outside, in an open area. Pour 3 gallons oil into pot and set it over medium-high heat. When oil reaches 375 degrees F, place turkey into basket and lower it very slowly into oil. (Oil temperature will decrease at this point.) Add more oil if necessary to cover turkey.
Turn heat to high and let oil temperature come back up to 365 degrees F. Fry turkey 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the breast and 175 degrees F in the thigh.
Carefully remove turkey from oil by lifting handle of basket. Let oil drain for a minute or so, back into the pot. Remove turkey and place on a cutting board.
Use meat thermometer to make sure thickest part of thigh registers 175 degrees F; if not, return to fryer and fry 10 more minutes, then repeat removal process.
Let turkey stand for about 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Total Calories 530
Total Fat 27 g
% Daily Total Fat 42
Saturated Fat 7 g
% Daily Saturated Fat 35
Cholesterol 195 g
% Daily Cholesterol 65
Sodium 1320 mg
% Daily Sodium 55
Total Carbohydrates 2 g
% Daily Total Carbohydrates 1
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 67 g