Deep-Fried Turkey Breast

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A fried turkey breast is a great place to start if you've never fried an entire bird before. A delicious spice rub adds flavor to the turkey breast as it dry-brines for 24 hours. Once deep-fried, the meat is tender and juicy and the skin is golden, crispy, and flavorful. Double the spice rub ingredients if using a larger turkey breast.

Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
1 day 20 mins
Total Time:
1 day 50 mins
Servings:
12

A perfectly fried turkey breast is a beautiful thing. It's more approachable than frying a whole bird (and comes together more quickly and easily). Whether you're cooking for a small holiday crowd or a fun family dinner, everyone at your table will love this deep-fried turkey breast.

Fried Turkey Breast Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this flavorful deep-fried turkey breast recipe:

· Spices: A homemade spice rub — made with sea salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, and chili powder — gives this fried turkey breast irresistible flavor.
· Turkey: This recipe was developed to work with a 7-pound turkey breast. If your breast is larger or smaller, you'll have to adjust the recipe.
· Oil: A neutral oil with a relatively high smoke point, such as canola oil, is perfect for frying turkey breast.

How to Make Fried Turkey Breast

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this deep-fried turkey breast:

1. Make the rub: Combine the sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, and chili powder in a jar. Seal the lid and shake it to mix well.
2. Season the turkey: Rub the blend all over the turkey breast. Wrap the meat tightly in foil, then refrigerate for 24 hours. Remove the breast from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Fry the turkey: Heat the oil to 325 degrees F in a large lidded pot. Lower the breast into the pot, cover, and fry until the turkey is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

How Long Does It Take to Deep Fry a Turkey Breast?

A 7-pound turkey breast should be fully cooked after about 25 minutes in oil heated to 325 degrees F. It might take more or less time if your turkey breast is larger or smaller. Make sure your turkey is done by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. It should read at least 165 degrees F when the meat is fully cooked.

How to Store Fried Turkey Breast

Store your leftover cooked turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

Spice Blend:

  • 2 tablespoons sea salt

  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

Turkey:

  • 1 (7 pound) turkey breast

  • 2 gallons canola oil for frying

Directions

  1. Combine sea salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, and chili powder in a small jar. Seal the jar and shake until seasonings are well mixed.

  2. Rub entire spice blend mixture over turkey breast to coat it completely. Wrap the breast securely in aluminum foil and refrigerate for 24 hours.

  3. Remove breast from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, pour oil into a lidded pot large enough to hold it and the turkey breast. Heat oil to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

  5. Gently lower breast in the oil, cover the pot with a lid, and fry until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Editor's Notes

Always deep-fry in a safe environment. If the oil is too hot or the pot is too full, the hot oil can boil over, creating a serious hazard.

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1040 Calories
80g Fat
2g Carbs
77g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 1040
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 80g 102%
Saturated Fat 14g 68%
Cholesterol 191mg 64%
Sodium 1041mg 45%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 77g 153%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 65mg 5%
Iron 14mg 80%
Potassium 816mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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