What Is the Best Oil for Deep Frying Turkey?
There are two principles to finding the best oil for fried turkey. Deep frying a whole turkey in a commercial fryer requires an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Peanut oil has both features, making it one of the best options for deep frying turkey.
Why Use Peanut Oil to Fry Turkey?
Turkeys are typically fried in 350- to 375-degree Fahrenheit oil, so an oil with a smoke point above 400 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary. Peanut oil fits the job, as its smoke point is around 450 degrees F. Its neutral flavor maintains the bird's subtle taste while providing a crispy exterior and moist interior.
Can You Reuse Peanut Oil?
Yes, it's safe to reuse peanut oil after frying a turkey. However, operators should filter and store the recycled oil properly. Vulcan Director of Chain Sales Stacey Turek explains, "Filtering oil can extend life by 200 to 400 percent, saving operators thousands per year." While some fryers come with a built-in filter, those that don't will need a fryer filter. Store used oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation.
If you are reusing oil, check for a rancid smell or darkened color to make sure the oil hasn't gone bad. Degraded oil can cause your oil to bubble over.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Peanut Oil?
When properly strained and stored, peanut oil can be reused for frying a turkey three to five times within 6 months. Label your oil container, noting how many times you've used it, and store it in an accessible location.
Alternatives to Peanut Oil for Deep Frying Turkey
While peanut oil is ideal for frying turkey, other options include avocado, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and canola oils. These oils all have high smoke points and relatively neutral flavors. When deciding which oil to use, research flavors, health benefits, and cost. Some oils have higher levels of polyunsaturated fat, making them vulnerable to breaking down at higher temperatures.1
Can You Use Vegetable Oil to Fry a Turkey?
Made with a blend of oils like soybean, corn, and peanut, vegetable oil also works for turkey frying. While it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, some vegetable blends aren't suitable for high temperatures. Always check the label before purchasing vegetable oil for frying.
Can You Use Canola Oil to Fry a Turkey?
Canola oil has a light flavor and a smoke point around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s commonly used as an inexpensive alternative to peanut oil and performs well during extended frying.
How Much Oil Do You Need to Fry a Turkey?
After determining what oil to use for deep frying turkey, make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the turkey. Since large turkeys displace a lot of oil, it's important to heat the right amount to cover the bird without overflowing the pot. To find out how much oil is needed, place the turkey into your empty fryer pot and fill it with water so it's just covering the turkey. The oil level should be several inches from the top to contain splashes. After removing the turkey, measure the water level, drain and thoroughly dry the pot, and fill the oil to the marked level.
The amount of oil you'll need will vary based on the volume of your turkey and the dimensions of your fryer. For an average-sized turkey (12 to 15 pounds) you'll need 3 to 5 gallons of oil.
1. Fill your pot with the correct amount of oil before heating
2. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature
3. Never put a wet or frozen turkey into hot oil; it could cause overflows or fires
4. Slowly lower the turkey into the oil while wearing thick gloves and an apron
Learn more about methods of cooking turkey in our Learning Center.
Best Type of Fryer for Deep Frying Turkey
There are numerous fryer styles that work for frying turkey. Since turkeys are so large, traditional deep fryers with baskets aren’t big enough to hold the entire bird. Large stock pots are typically used instead. Alternatively, you can cut the turkey into pieces for small batches.
- Outdoor vs. indoor fryers: Outdoor fryers provide extra safety for beginners while indoor fryers offer convenient access in kitchens
- Gas vs. electric fryers: Choose gas fryers for fast heating and electric fryers for improved temperature recovery
- Pressure fryers: Quickly cook turkey without the need for active monitoring. Matt Greear, a senior manager at Henny Penny, says, "Pressure fryers hold in more natural juices compared to open fryers, which lose more moisture and take on more oil. That's why brands like KFC and Chick-fil-A use pressure fryers.
Explore Commercial Deep Fryers at KaTom
KaTom offers hundreds of deep fryer models for any application. Options include deep, flameless vats for safety and precise thermostats for control. Shop KaTom to find the ideal turkey fryer for your operation.
References
- The Healthiest Oil for Deep Frying. Healthline. Accessed July 2025.
