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Air Fryer Whole Turkey

Updated October 20, 2022

Whole Turkey in the Air Fryer is delicious! Crispy skin, juicy, and so easy to cook without the mess and no brining required!

Air Fryer Whole Turkey

Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but if you want to cut down on the fat and calories from oven-baked, try cooking a whole turkey in an air fryer. It’s takes about half the time to cook from fridge to deep fryer without the oil!

How to Cook a Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer

Why You’ll Love Air Fried Turkey

  • No oil required!
  • Cooks in less time!
  • Juicy and delicious!
  • Healthier! 
  • Safe and easy to do!

Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a turkey. And with the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to get started on your holiday menu planning. But if you’re like most people and don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen roasting an entire turkey, then this post is for you! I’m going to walk you through how easy it is to make a whole turkey in an oil-less turkey fryer. You’ll be able to complete all of your other holiday preparations while cooking this delicious meal that will feed your family and friends!

Here are some safety guidelines to consider when using a turkey fryer:

1. Always use a propane turkey fryer outside with adult supervision and away from children and pets.

3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to operate the appliance.

4. If you are going to cook the turkey in a deep fryer, make sure it is safe and clean, following all safety precautions.

5. Cook in a safe place outdoors and away from your house and other buildings.

6. Let the air fryer completely cool down before moving it.

Can you Cook a Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook a whole turkey in an air fryer. To do so you will need a Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer and follow the instructions below.

Whole Turkey in a Turkey Fryer

How Long do you Cook a Whole turkey in the Air Fryer?

Cook times will vary depending on the size of the turkey you get, what the temperature is outside where you live and if it’s windy. According to Char-Boil Big Easy they say to cook it about 8 to 10 minutes per pound but you should really go by when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ours took about 2 1/2 – 3 hours as it was a cold, windy day and we had about a 16 lb turkey.

Tools Needed

Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Turkey Fryer
Propane Tank
Fry Basket (comes with turkey fryer)
Meat Thermometer (comes with turkey fryer)

Ingredients

Whole Turkey up to 16 lbs, thawed with neck and giblets removed
Dry Rub (see ingredients below)
Vegetable oil

Dry Rub Ingredients

1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
Black pepper to taste

How to Cook a Whole Turkey in an Air Fryer

Thaw your turkey completely according to package instructions.

Pat dry with paper towels inside and outside of turkey.

Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a bowl. Brush the skin with oil and rub the dry ingredients all over top of the whole turkey. 

Rub the basket wires with vegetable oil to prevent the turkey from sticking to the basket.

Tuck in the wings and drumsticks and place in the basket breast side up. Place mesh cover over top, turn on the propane and turn on turkey fryer and cook.

Cook times will vary depending on the size of the turkey you get, what the temperature is outside where you live and if it’s windy. According to Char-Boil Big Easy they say to cook it about 8 to 10 minutes per pound but you should really go by when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ours took about 2 1/2 – 3 hours as it was a cold, windy day and we had about a 16 lb turkey.

When a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, your turkey is done.

Once cooked at internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the turkey, lift the basket up and bring the whole turkey inside. (caution: it will be very heavy)

If you want to use the drippings to make gravy, remove the tray with collected drippings from the fryer.

Carefully remove from basket and place on a platter. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes, carve and serve warm with Thanksgiving side dishes.

Deep Fried Whole Turkey

Air Fryer Whole Turkey

Air Fryer Whole Turkey

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Whole Turkey in the Air Fryer is delicious! Crispy skin, juicy, and so easy to cook without the mess and no brining required!

Ingredients

  • Whole Turkey up to 16 lbs, thawed with neck and giblets removed
  • Dry Rub (see ingredients below)
  • Vegetable oil

Dry Rub Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

    1. Thaw your turkey completely according to package instructions.
    2. Pat dry with paper towels inside and outside of turkey.
    3. Mix the dry rub ingredients together in a bowl. Brush the skin with oil and rub the dry ingredients all over top of the whole turkey. 
    4. Rub the basket wires with oil to prevent the turkey from sticking to the basket.
    5. Tuck in the wings and drumsticks and place in the basket breast side up. Place mesh cover over top, turn on the propane and turn on turkey fryer and cook.
    6. Cook times will vary depending on the size of the turkey you get, what the temperature is outside where you live and if it's windy. According to Char-Boil Big Easy they say to cook it about 8 to 10 minutes per pound but you should really go by when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Ours took about 2 1/2 - 3 hours as it was a cold, windy day and we had about a 16 lb turkey.
    7. When a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, your turkey is done.
    8. Once cooked at internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the turkey, lift the basket up and bring the whole turkey inside. (caution: it will be very heavy)
    9. If you want to use the drippings to make gravy, remove the tray with collected drippings from the fryer.
    10. Carefully remove from basket and place on a platter. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes, carve and serve warm with Thanksgiving side dishes.

Notes

Here are some safety guidelines to consider when using a turkey fryer:

1. Always use a propane turkey fryer outside with adult supervision and away from children and pets.

3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to operate the appliance.

4. If you are going to cook the turkey in a deep fryer, make sure it is safe and clean, following all safety precautions.

5. Cook in a safe place outdoors and away from your house and other buildings.

6. Let the air fryer completely cool down before moving it.

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