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    Home » Recipes

    Air Fryer Whole Turkey

    Published: Nov 13, 2021 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    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 ½ – 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 ½ – 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

    Recipe

    Air Fryer Whole Turkey

    EverydayShortcuts.com
    Whole Turkey in the Air Fryer is delicious! Crispy skin, juicy, and so easy to cook without the mess and no brining required!
    4.17 from 12 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Additional Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course Air Fryer
    Cuisine American

    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
     

    • 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 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 ½ - 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.

    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.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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