The Right Way to Save Oil After Frying a Turkey (2024)

FAQs

The Right Way to Save Oil After Frying a Turkey? ›

Once you're done frying, let the oil cool completely in the frying vessel. Once it's cooled, strain it — ideally using a cheesecloth set in a fine mesh strainer, but just using a strainer by itself will work — into a clean vessel, like a glass jar or the original container it came in.

The oil may be stored in the refrigerator for several months or until signs of deterioration begin. Cover the oil and refrigerate it to prevent it from becoming rancid. According to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, peanut oil may be used three or four times to fry turkeys before signs of deterioration begin.

After it is cooled completely, use a funnel and pour the oil into a metal can or plastic container (empty milk carton, original oil bottle, etc.). Secure the lid and put the container in the trash.

You'll need to add fresh oil each time you deep fry a turkey to maintain the required oil level. Reusing the same peanut oil can impart a deeper, richer flavor to your turkeys, so the umami goodness will increase as you fry multiple turkeys for a Thanksgiving event.

If you don't have recycling options near you, you could try calling your local fire department to see if used oil is accepted. If you're out of luck, don't throw used oil down the drain or toilet as it will cause all kinds of issues. Instead, seal your cooking oil container and dispose of it in the garbage.

You can use leftover oil for your next batch of fries, but be on the lookout for signs of spoilage. Spent frying oil has an acrid aroma; if you smell even a hint of rancidity or anything off, err on the side of caution and spring for fresh oil. If your recycled oil looks cloudy or foamy, it's time to toss it.

Frying oil can be reused anywhere from two times to up to eight times — it all depends on the type of oil, what you're frying in it, how well you've strained it, and more. There's no hard and fast rule for when oil is no longer suitable for frying; instead, pay attention to your oil and detect any changes.

Transfer cooking oil to a disposable container with a lid. This can be a cooking oil bottle, plastic milk jug or carton, coffee can, or a purchased grease disposal container. Seal the container and place in your household garbage.

Never dispose of cooking oil/grease in the woods or backyard. When waste cooking oil is dumped in backyards, it can find its way into the natural waterways, harming fish and other aquatic life.

The key, though, is to pull it when the internal temp hits 145°F (63°C); any higher and you'll have an overcooked bird. If it's pulled out of the oil when the coldest part of the breast has reached 145°F, the final internal temperature will reach 155°F (68°C), which will give you moist and juicy results.

What is the best oil to fry a turkey in? ›

Tip: Peanut oil is the most popular type of oil used for deep frying a turkey, but any oil with a smoking point of 450 degrees Fahrenheit will work. Try safflower oil or corn oil if you don't like peanut oil or are accommodating a peanut allergy.

How Long to Deep Fry a Turkey. Fry your turkey for about 3.5 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound turkey, you'll fry for about 35 minutes. A meat thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the thigh should read 180 degrees F.

Two components that accelerate oil degradation are light and exposure to air. Keeping a fry pot covered will help reduce this exposure. To avoid the risk of contamination of the cooking oil overnight, remembering to replace the cover is crucial.

Although re-using cooking oil or grease is a somewhat common practice, it can pose some serious health hazards. The most common risk when reusing cooking oil is that it becomes rancid or spoiled.

You need to remove oil from the deep fryer after each use, strain it and store it correctly until the next time. A good tip: keep the filtered oil (food residue left in the oil will give it a bad taste) in a cool, dark place until the next use.

Besides proper disposal, here are some other ways to use the leftover turkey grease. You can save the fat and reuse it for future cooking. Strain and store the grease in a container and store in the fridge. You can reuse the grease for adding flavor to other dishes.

Filter your oil after use

After the oil cools overnight in a covered pot, strain the cooled oil through a fine strainer, then filter the oil through a fine cheesecloth or coffee filter. Filtration is especially important if you have used seasonings or breading on the turkey you fried.