If you are bored of oven roasted turkey at Thanksgiving, this deep fried turkey breast is sure to liven things up! Dry brined and then deep fried, this is one tasty way to cook your turkey this year!
Easy Deep Fried Turkey Breast
Turkey breast is always a great option if you are having a smaller Thanksgiving or Christmas, and I’m always looking for new ways to jazz it up!
Let me tell you, deep frying is a REALLY good way to go! Just like fried chicken, it’s a method that locks in fat and flavor, and the breast comes out wonderfully juicy.
Deep frying can be a little intimidating, but be sure to grab all my top tips and tricks to make this easy recipe, and you’ll be sure to have a hassle-free feast on your hands in no time!
Be sure to try my Crockpot Turkey Breast and Air Fryer Turkey Breast too!
Why You’ll Love this Deep Fried Turkey Recipe:
- QUICK: Deep frying is a super quick cooking method and this recipe is also quick to prep.
- PERFECT FOR A SMALLER DINNER: A 3 pound turkey breast will easily feed six people so it’s a great option if you are having a smaller Thanksgiving meal and don’t want to cook a whole turkey.
- SIMPLE: Cooking Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean you have to spend hours on in the kitchen. Made with a few simple ingredients, this requires very little effort on your part!
This deep fried turkey breast comes out so well! Juicy and tender and full of flavor, this MAY just be my favorite method!
How to Make Deep Fried Turkey Breast
You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!
- Pat the turkey breast dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Let air dry for at least an our, or, for up to 1 day.
- Add the oil to a large pot and heat.
- Lower the turkey into the oil.
- Fry til golden brown.
- Remove, rest and slice!
All the Tips and Tricks
How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey!
Everything you need to know for Thanksgiving entertaining.
Deep frying a turkey breast is a really quick method, a good rule of thumb is 3-4 minutes per pound, plus 5 minutes. A 2 1/2 to 3 pound turkey breast will take 15 to 20 minutes.
Make sure that you pre heat the oil before adding the turkey breast. It should reach 350°F, which you can check with a deep frying thermometer. Be sure to check the temperature of the oil during cooking and adjust the heat as necessary.
Once the turkey registers at 165F, remove it from the oil and let it rest before slicing. Once rested, slice it and it should be an even white color throughout with no pink.
I’m all for adding flavor, but honestly, the simplicity of this simply seasoned turkey breast is so perfect! If you like, you can easily add a spice rub to the breast.
The Best meat thermometer!
I love using this meat thermometer for making sure the meat is at 165 degrees! Easy for beginners & totally worth the $10 cost!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this deep fried turkey breast alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides like:
If you are looking to wow friends and family this year, I promise that you can not go wrong with this yummy turkey recipe!
Tips!
- Make sure that you use the largest pot you have. The pot should be large enough that the water/oil comes no more than halfway up the sides of the pot.
- Once you measure the water level, be sure to dry the pot thoroughly. If there is any water left in the pot it can cause the oil to spit when it heats up.
- Lower the turkey breast in VERY gently. You can use kitchen / heat proof gloves to protect yourself.
Once you know how, it’s easy to deep fry a turkey breast, and you’ll be SO glad you learnt!
More Easy Turkey Recipes to Love:
- Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Garlic Roast Turkey Breast
- Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Garlic Rosemary Turkey Breast
- Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Bacon Wrapped Turkey
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey Roulade
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
This deep fried turkey breast is so delicious, I just know you are going to love it! It’s such a simple way to fancy up Thanksgiving, and it’s so quick too!
More Thanksgiving Recipes we Love
- Pumpkin Pie
- Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
- Turkey Stuffing
- Cranberry Sauce
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Make Ahead Gravy
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Deep Fried Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 2 ½ – 3 pound fresh turkey breast
- Table salt
- Kosher Salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1½ – 2 gallons oil canola or peanut
Equipment
Instructions
- To determine the amount of oil needed to deep fry the turkey breast, place the breast in a large, deep stock pot and cover with water by 3 inches. Mark the water level and remove the breast – this is the amount of oil needed to fry your turkey breast. Note: The pot should be large enough that the water/oil comes no more than halfway up the sides of the pot.1 2 ½ – 3 pound fresh turkey breast
- Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and liberally season with table salt, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Leave at room temperature for 1 hour (or refrigerate, uncovered, 1 to 24 hours).Table salt, Kosher Salt, Ground black pepper
- While the breast air dries, dry the pot and add the measured amount of oil. Heat the oil until it registers 350°F on a deep-frying thermometer.1½ – 2 gallons oil
- Very slowly and carefully (protecting yourself from splatters) lower the turkey breast into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning it over once. The breast is done when the internal temperature (at the thickest part) registers 165°F on an instant read thermometer. Be sure to check the oil temperature often to maintain the oil at 350°F.
- The cook time will depend how large the breast is, but a rough rule of thumb is about 3-4 minutes per pound plus 5 minutes. (About 15-20 minutes total for a 2½ – 3 pound breast.)
- Remove the breast and allow it the rest 5 minutes before cutting into ½-inch slices.
- Enjoy!
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Make sure that you use the largest pot you have. The pot should be large enough that the water/oil comes no more than halfway up the sides of the pot.
- Once you measure the water level, be sure to dry the pot thoroughly. If there is any water left in the pot it can cause the oil to spit when it heats up.
- Lower the turkey breast in VERY gently. You can use kitchen / heat proof gloves to protect yourself.
Nutrition Information
