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By: Becky Hardin
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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!
Table of Contents
What’s in this Deep Fried Turkey Breast Recipe?
This deep fried turkey comes out so well! Juicy and tender and full of flavor, this may just be my favorite method!
- Oil: You’ll need 1½-2 gallons of neutral oil, like canola or peanut.
- Turkey Breast: Use a 3-pound boneless, skinless breast.
- Salt + Pepper: Seasons the turkey to enhance its natural flavor.
Pro Tip: 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.
Variations on Fried Turkey Breast
I love this turkey breast simply seasoned, but you can add more seasonings if you’d like. Try my favorite turkey rub!
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How long does it take to deep fry a turkey breast?
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 3 pound turkey breast will take 15 to 20 minutes. Check this turkey cooking time chart for more info.
Should you brine a turkey breast before deep frying?
There’s no need! Turkey breast takes seasoning much more quickly than a whole turkey.
How many gallons of oil does it take to fry a turkey breast?
It depends on the size of the breast, but you’ll need 1½-2 gallons to do the trick.
What temperature should the oil be for deep frying turkey?
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.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover deep fried turkey breast in an airtight contianer in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze fried turkey breast in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this deep fried turkey breast alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides, like Hawaiian Rolls, Loaded Green Bean Casserole, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. If you are looking to wow friends and family this year, I promise that you can not go wrong with this yummy turkey recipe!
Recipe
Deep Fried Turkey Breast Recipe
4.74 from 30 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Cook: 30 minutes minutes
Total: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes
Serves6
Print Rate
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Once you know how, it's easy to deep fry a turkey breast, and you'll be so glad you learned!
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Ingredients
- 1½-2 gallons canola oil or peanut oil
- 3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 2¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Recommended 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.
1½-2 gallons canola oil
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and liberally season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Leave at room temperature for 1 hour (or refrigerate, uncovered, 1 to 24 hours).
2¼ teaspoons kosher salt, Freshly ground black pepper, 3 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast
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 canola 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.
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.
Storage:Store deep fried turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 381kcal (19%) Carbohydrates: 0.4g Protein: 68g (136%) Fat: 12g (18%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 6g Trans Fat: 0.04g Cholesterol: 189mg (63%) Sodium: 994mg (43%) Potassium: 9mg Fiber: 0.2g (1%) Sugar: 0.01g Vitamin A: 4IU Calcium: 57mg (6%) Iron: 4mg (22%)
Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!
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More Turkey Breast Recipes We Love
- Thanksgiving Turkey Breast
- Smoked Turkey Breast
- Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Grilled Huli Huli Turkey Breast
- Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Roast Turkey Breast
- Sheet Pan Turkey Breast
- Honey Baked Turkey
Meet Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.
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michael
Posted on 11/7/2023
hi nice this year i plan to deep fry the breast this info is great to have
i would like to keep breast rolled up for like a roast (see attached pic)
can i use #20 net made of cotton?
Reply
Samantha Marceau
Posted on 11/8/2023
Reply to michael
It should be fine as long as the net isn’t treated with any chemicals!
Reply
