When we heard people talking about using a Masterbuilt turkey fryer indoors, we thought they were either crazy or just bigger risk-takers than we ever could be. Now, you may be like us, thinking that it’s impossible to fry a turkey indoors. You may even be a little skeptical or scared. We certainly had all of those thoughts.
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But one of the first things we discovered is that Masterbuilt has several different models of turkey fryers. Some people refer to this unit as a Masterbuilt turkey fryer while others call it a Butterball turkey fryer. Either way, you are referring to the same thing. We will explain the essential things you must know about them.
Can You Actually Use A Turkey Fryer Indoors Safely?
We did some research and surprisingly, the Butterball Masterbuilt turkey fryer has changed our minds. We found that this fryer can be used indoors and is both safe and easy to use.
Since it is made specifically for indoor use, it is not recommended for outdoor use because colder temperatures will affect the ability of the fryer to reach the temperature required for frying turkey.
We are pretty safety conscious of things we do. So while this turkey fryer is made for indoor use, it’s best to use it in the kitchen, where it can be monitored in a secure place, somewhere that is free from kids and pets running around in the area.
Last update on 2024-04-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Much Preparation Is There For The First Use?
It’s actually very easy to use. The turkey fryer is already assembled. So, after taking it out of the box, it’s pretty easy to get it ready to use for the first time.
You start out by making sure the safety valve is in the off position and the drain cap is mounted securely on the drain valve. Once this is secured, you can begin to fill the fryer with oil.
How Much Oil Does The Masterbuilt Turkey Fryer Use?
The Masterbuilt turkey fryer oil capacity is between 2-3 gallons of oil depending on which turkey fryer you have. While peanut oil is recommended, canola oil can also be used. The fryer has a maximum fill line for the oil and it is very important not to overfill.
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What Temperature Do You Fry A Turkey In A Masterbuilt Fryer?
The Masterbuilt 20012420 fryer has an analog controller so it’s easy enough to dial in the right temperature. Most of the Masterbuilt turkey fryers have an analog controller except for the Masterbuilt turkey fryer XXL which has a digital controller with a timer.
You will set the temperature gauge to 375 degrees, which is the maximum temperature, and wait for the oil to reach the desired temperature. For the analog controllers, there is a green light that comes on when the oil is hot enough to fry the turkey. For the digital controller, the controller will alert you when the temperature of the oil is ready.
What Must Be Done To A Turkey Before Frying It In A Masterbuilt Electric Turkey Fryer?
A turkey must be properly thawed according to the instructions before frying it in the Masterbuilt electric turkey fryer.
You can prepare a turkey for the fryer by submerging in warm water either in the sink or in a separate container. It is important to completely thaw the turkey and remove any ice that may remain inside and outside of the turkey.
A turkey must also be completely dry before it is placed in the fryer. Use a paper towel to soak up any remaining water on the outside and inside of the turkey.
Once the turkey is dry, you can use the marinade of your choice to inject the turkey. It is recommended that you use 1 ounce of marinade for each pound of turkey. Injecting the turkey will make it juicy and add some flavor too.
Gourmet Warehouse Rum Butter Marinade
& Bird Rub
Brining can also be used to make your turkey juicy and flavorful but usually involves soaking the turkey overnight before putting in the fryer. If you decide to brine your turkey, you must rinse and dry the turkey thoroughly before putting it in the fryer.
If you want even more flavor, you can sprinkle the seasoning of your choice on the outside and inside of the turkey. It is best to go light on the seasoning so you don’t end up with a really salty bird.
To prevent sticking, it is recommended that you spray your turkey basket with a non-stick cooking spray.
After you have followed the directions for preparing the turkey, you can place the turkey in the basket.
The Masterbuilt turkey fryer XL will handle a turkey up to 20 lbs.
To avoid burns, always use protective gloves to lower the turkey into the fryer. Also, use the handle extension and attach it to the basket handle before lowering the turkey into the fryer.
Be sure to lower the turkey into the fryer slowly to avoid splattering the oil.
Masterbuilt Cooking & Carving Gloves
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How Long Does It Take To Fry A Turkey?
Masterbuilt turkey deep fryer cooking times run about 4 minutes per pound. The following guidelines can be used to determine the amount of time it will take for your particular bird to fry:
- 22 lb. turkey will take approximately 88 minutes or 1 hour and 28 minutes;
- 20 lb. turkey will take approximately 80 minutes or 1 hour and 20 minutes;
- 18 lb. turkey will take approximately 72 minutes or 1 hour and 12 minutes;
- 16 lb. turkey will take approximately 64 minutes or 1 hour and 4 minutes;
- 14 lb. turkey will take approximately 56 minutes; and a
- 12 lb. turkey will take approximately 48 minutes.
While these times can be used as a guide, you must always prepare meat to reach its safe minimum internal temperature. Always be sure that the internal temperature of the turkey or poultry reaches its’ safe minimum temperature of 165 degrees.
Be sure to use an instant-read thermometer or meat thermometer with a probe to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
Once the turkey has reached the safe minimum temperature, you can lift the basket out of the oil and attach it to the side of the fryer using the fryer clips. This will allow the turkey to rest.
The turkey fryer lid should be left open and the fryer should be in the off position while the turkey is resting.
ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Thermometer
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How Long To Let A Turkey Rest After Cooking?
A turkey should rest about 20 – 40 minutes before carving, depending on the size of the turkey. For a small bird, it should rest 20 minutes; a medium-size bird should rest 30 minutes; and a large bird should rest for 40 minutes.
Resting allows a turkey to distribute juices throughout the meat and the internal temperature of the turkey may even rise another 5-10 degrees. Once a turkey is finished resting, it’s time to carve the turkey and serve it to family and friends.
How Do You Clean A Turkey Fryer?
The cleanup of the turkey fryer is relatively easy. The basket, pot, lid and drain valve are all dishwasher safe.
Oil can be emptied from the turkey fryer once it is cooled. Once the oil is cooled, you can attach the metal drain spout onto the drain valve, then open the drain valve and empty the oil into a container to dispose of it or use it again. Some people like to empty the oil back into the original container so that it can be re-used later.
If you decide to re-use the oil, you can use cheesecloth to filter the oil and prevent any food particles or debris from being emptied back into the container. Be sure the container is securely placed when emptying the oil from the turkey fryer back into the container.
What Else Can I Use A Turkey Fryer For?
The Masterbuilt Butterball indoor electric turkey fryer can also fry chicken, fish and just about any other foods you can fry in oil (although it may be too much of a hassle for french fries). It can also boil/steam your favorite seafood, veggies or potatoes.
Check out this video to see how it can steam seafood and veggies:
What Is The Best Indoor Turkey Fryer?
We think the Masterbuilt 20012420 electric fryer is the best indoor electric turkey fryer because it seems to offer the best value. This unit is a 20 lb. turkey fryer that has an analog controller. It does an incredible job frying the family turkey, and unless you can afford to pay more to get the 22 lb. turkey fryer with the digital controller, the price tag allows it to fit comfortably in most family budgets.
Check out this video to see how it can deep fry a turkey:
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Are There Safety Concerns With Operating A Turkey Fryer Indoors?
Just be sure to follow the directions that come with the turkey fryer unit and you will have a safe and enjoyable experience frying a turkey indoors.
However, as a final word of caution, you should always have a fire extinguisher on hand whenever you are frying, cooking or grilling food. It’s never pleasant to think about a fire happening but it is a good idea to always be prepared.
