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While “deep fried” may not be a term you are accustomed to hearing when it comes to Thanksgiving it's one that is converting many people who were used to baking their turkeys the old fashioned way!

Directions:

Special equipment: A propane turkey fryer like this one from Bayou Classic was all we needed to make a crisp, succulent turkey. It comes with the base, pot, turkey rack, and thermometer, plus a bunch of accessories. We wore heatproof rubber gloves and safety goggles to protect our hands and eyes while we fried (safety first!). And on that note, it can’t hurt to have an all-purpose fire extinguisher on hand, just in case.

Game plan: Be sure to give your rubbed turkey a full night in the fridge to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. Also, at frying time, give your oil plenty of time to heat up. It took ours about 40 minutes to come to temperature each time we tested. And be sure to thoroughly read through the instruction booklet that comes with your fryer before use!

Make the rub:

1. Combine the rub ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Rub and cook the turkey:

1. Remove the bag of giblets and the neck from inside the turkey. Reserve in the refrigerator until ready to prepare the gravy. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim most of the excess fat and skin from the neck and cavity (this allows for better frying). Make a 3-inch-long cut on either side of the turkey through the skin where the leg meets the breast. This will allow the oil to drain away and the thigh meat to cook completely.
2. Place the turkey on a cutting board or baking sheet and coat it evenly with the rub, including inside the cavity. Place the turkey in a plastic bag and allow to rest in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Heat the oil in a turkey fryer until it registers 350°F. (This takes about 40 minutes.) Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Remove it from the bag and lightly blot it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the turkey on the frying rack, drumsticks pointing upward as though it’s doing a headstand. Use the grab hook to very slowly lower the turkey into the heated oil; this takes at least 90 seconds. The oil will boil furiously; this is normal. Wear heatproof gloves and safety goggles, and do not drop the turkey.
4. Once the turkey is completely submerged remove the hook. Fry for about 3 minutes per pound or until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the inner part of the thigh reads 155°F.
5. Use the grab hook to slowly remove the turkey from the oil, allowing sufficient time for the hot oil to drain away. Place the turkey and rack on a rimmed baking sheet set on the ground, and let them sit a few minutes before moving to allow any extra oil to drain. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes. Remove it from the rack and carve.

Have you ever had a deep fried turkey before? If so what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

Source: Chowhound