Turkey fryer questions

[sparkyaber]

Two questions:

First, whenever I cook a turkey in the fryer, the inside is perfect, but the outside is burnt black. Do I have the oil to hot when I put the turkey in? I usually run it up to about 375 and it cools to about 325 when I put the bird in. I then keep it at about 350 degrees.

Second: What do you all do with the old oil? You know the stuff that is full of charred gobbler remains? I get about three birds cooked and then it is garbage.

Thanks.

Abe

[irvingdog]

Go to Youtube and search for "Alton Brown fry turkey". Every turkey fryer owner out there should see film #2. The fire that ensues is spectacular! Even if you don't own one, it's something to see.

Whew.

Fry a turkey in your garage?

Insanity!

[RobertELee]

What size bird do you use? If it is above 15 or so pounds you will have to burn the outside to get the inside cooked. Also they make filters to clean the oil. It will make it last a little bit longer.

[sparkyaber]

smaller bird. 10-13 lbs. I use a cheese cloth to filter oil, but I use dry rubs on the turkeys and it seems that the oil gets "dirty" a little quicker.

[Try Too Fish]

The dry rub will darken the bird!Try Injectable seasoning

[Gissert]

I dont have too much trouble with the outside getting black. I drop my birds in at about 375 too. If you have anything injected or rubbed on the outside for flavor, that will tend to dirty up the oil a little quicker, and make the outside of the bird darker. As a result, I quit injecting and putting dry rubs on my birds.

I let my oil cool in the pot for a couple hours, and most of the crud settles to the bottom of the pot. Then I will pour the oil slowly back into the jug with a big plastic funnel in the jar. The last inch or so is waste. I store the used oil in the freezer. I can usually do about 3 birds before I retire the oil.

Waste oil goes back into the jug, and is used for burning brush, or it just goes in the trash.

[Whoaru99]

Maybe want to check your thermometer too.

I give mine an occasional test with boiling water just to see if it's in the ballpark.

[Jim Almquist]

My friends that bear hunt use the old oil and mix it with oats and corn for bear bait so I always have someone that wants a jug. I guess the oil stays on there paws and they leave a trail for the next bear to find.