Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful ride? Look no further! In this article, we’re diving into 18 mouth-watering crispy turkey fried recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic Southern-style comfort food to bold and spicy fusion dishes, these recipes showcase the versatility of turkey when it comes to frying.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, our collection of crispy turkey fried recipes has something for everyone. With flavors ranging from savory and smoky to sweet and tangy, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron, get ready to get cooking, and let’s dive into the delicious world of crispy turkey fried dishes!
Classic Southern Fried Turkey
Classic Southern Fried Turkey Recipe
A quintessential Southern delight, this crispy fried turkey recipe is a staple of family gatherings and holiday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip the turkey in the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Place the coated turkey in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the turkey from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Buttermilk Brined Fried Turkey
This recipe yields a juicy, crispy, and flavorful turkey that’s sure to impress your guests. By using buttermilk as the brine, you’ll get a tender bird with a rich, tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons black pepper
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until dissolved.
2. Submerge the turkey in the brine solution, making sure it’s fully covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and carefully place it in the hot oil.
4. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the turkey from the oil, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Cajun Spiced Deep Fried Turkey
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this mouthwatering Cajun Spiced Deep Fried Turkey recipe, perfect for your next holiday feast or special occasion. This crispy and juicy turkey is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Cajun seasoning blend, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the turkey to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the turkey from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
5. Fry the turkey for 3-1/2 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain the turkey on paper towels and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: approximately 4-5 hours
Garlic Herb Butter Fried Turkey
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful and moist turkey recipe, featuring a rich garlic herb butter crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme.
4. Rub the garlic herb butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
7. Cook for 3-3 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-3 1/2 hours
Peanut Oil Fried Turkey with Crackling Skin
Elevate your turkey game with this crispy-skinned delight, perfect for special occasions or everyday feasts.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey
– 1 cup peanut oil
– 2 tbsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry the turkey.
3. In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Heat peanut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (about 425°F or 220°C).
6. Place the turkey in the hot oil, breast side down. Cook for 30 minutes.
7. Flip the turkey and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from oil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Spicy Hot Honey Glazed Fried Turkey
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your Thanksgiving turkey with this mouthwatering recipe. The combination of crispy fried exterior, juicy interior, and sticky glaze will make this dish a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons spicy hot honey (or substitute with a similar blend of hot sauce and honey)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Submerge the turkey in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Fry the turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and spicy hot honey.
7. Glaze the turkey with the mixture during the last 10 minutes of frying.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours to cook the turkey to perfection. Adjust cooking time based on turkey size and desired level of crispiness.
Smoked and Fried Turkey Combo
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this innovative recipe that combines the richness of smoked turkey with the crunch of fried goodness. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, this combo is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) whole turkey breast
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F. Season turkey breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Smoke turkey for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove from heat and let cool. Cut into strips.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and a pinch of salt. Dredge cooled turkey strips in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Fry turkey strips in hot oil (350°F) for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time:
– Smoking: 4-5 hours
– Frying: 2-3 minutes
Asian Five-Spice Fried Turkey Wings
Elevate your snack game with these crispy and flavorful turkey wings infused with the warm, aromatic spices of Asia. Perfect for game day gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds turkey wings
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons Asian Five-Spice powder
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, Asian Five-Spice powder, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Add turkey wings to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange wings in a single layer. Drizzle with vegetable oil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Pepper Fried Turkey Tenders
A zesty twist on classic fried tenders, these bite-sized morsels are perfect for a quick snack or as a main course. The combination of lemon and pepper creates a tangy, savory flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound turkey breast strips (tenders)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each turkey tender into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dredge tenders in lemon zest to coat.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total, depending on the size of your turkey tenders.
Jerk Seasoned Fried Turkey Legs
Elevate your game day snacks with these crispy and flavorful Jerk Seasoned Fried Turkey Legs. A perfect blend of spicy jerk seasoning, crunchy breading, and juicy turkey.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey legs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each turkey leg into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated turkey legs on a plate or tray.
6. Fry the turkey legs for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
8. Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the fried turkey legs and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Dry Rub Fried Turkey Breast
Get ready to elevate your turkey game with this mouth-watering BBQ dry rub fried turkey breast recipe! With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb turkey breast
– 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together the BBQ dry rub and flour.
2. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip the turkey breast into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the BBQ dry rub mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the turkey breast for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes total.
Rosemary and Thyme Infused Fried Turkey
Elevate your holiday meal with this aromatic and flavorful fried turkey recipe, perfectly seasoned with rosemary and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped rosemary, and thyme leaves.
3. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Carefully place the turkey in the deep fryer basket and lower it into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from the oil and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Korean Gochujang Fried Turkey Bites
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this addictive snack, combining crispy fried turkey bites with spicy gochujang glaze.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Gochujang glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a plate or tray.
4. When the oil is hot, fry the turkey bites in batches for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Toss fried turkey bites with gochujang glaze and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including frying time)
Panko Crusted Fried Turkey Cutlets
Panko Crusted Fried Turkey Cutlets Recipe
A crispy exterior meets a juicy interior in this Panko crusted fried turkey cutlet recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious meal. This dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 4 turkey cutlets
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your favorite seasonings (e.g. paprika, garlic powder)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip each turkey cutlet in the beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add coated turkey cutlets to skillet (do not overcrowd).
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Maple Bourbon Glazed Fried Turkey
Elevate your Thanksgiving game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the richness of bourbon with the warmth of maple syrup. This show-stopping dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or turkey fryer to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the glaze all over the turkey, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Lower the turkey into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Buffalo Style Fried Turkey Strips
Get ready to spice up your snack time with these crispy Buffalo-style fried turkey strips! Marinated in a zesty buffalo sauce and then coated in crunchy breading, these savory bites are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or tenders
– 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce ( Frank’s RedHot works great)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and flour.
2. Add turkey strips to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Remove turkey from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Dip each strip into buttermilk, then coat in breading mixture (flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
6. Fry turkey strips for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Garlic Parmesan Fried Turkey Drumsticks
Satisfy your cravings with these crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Fried Turkey Drumsticks, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day snack.
Ingredients:
• 4-6 turkey drumsticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each drumstick into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured drumsticks into the beaten egg and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Place coated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Fried Turkey
Add a kick to your Thanksgiving dinner with this sweet and spicy sriracha fried turkey recipe. The combination of crispy fried skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip turkey in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry turkey for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Brush sriracha sauce with honey during the last 2 minutes of frying.
8. Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Cooking Time: About 45-50 minutes total cooking time, including prep and frying time.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your turkey game with these 18 crispy recipes! From classic Southern fried turkey to innovative twists like Korean gochujang bites and Buffalo-style strips, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for tender wings, crackling skin, or savory drumsticks, this collection has it all. Say goodbye to dry and hello to mouth-watering, finger-lickin’ goodness with these deliciously savory turkey fried recipes.
