Fried Turkey-anyone Used Something Other than Peanut Oil?

Years and years ago I worked at Academy, we actually had to attend seminars about how to fry a turkey. So I am not really an expert by any means, we have only tried doing it ourselves once. When you fry a turkey you need something with a high smoking point, which is why peanut oil is often recommended. I have heard that Cottonseed oil is also good for frying turkeys. Some people like corn and canola oils too. But I have also heard complaints that canola oil can get a somewhat "fishy" taste.

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I do know people that will save the oil. we have people chip in money towards the oil. I think that the peanut oil can withstand the extream heat? I just found this artical
http://blog.al.com/generous-portions/2008/11/all_fried_up...

i think it has to do with frying the entire bird at once. like fried chicken you can do in chunks not the entire bird at once. mmm chicken fried turkey breaded and all :P

The exact reason I did not do this technique again. You can always save the oil in the frig for the following year.

We did it the first time last year and I believe we just used canola oil and purchased it in bigger jugs at Sams Club. It was perfect! This year we plan to do a few seasoned chickens too so we can have the meat for salads and other things, and freeze some of the meat as well. Thought we would give it a shot!

Peanut oil can withstand the high temperatures needed to fry a turkey. Although you may get by with cheaper oils they will start to smoke or burn. At that point you are introducing carcinogens into the meat. Perhaps it is just me but I don't think a cheaper oil is worth the potential for cancer.

Here's a thought: Get together with a few neighbors and all chip in for oil. Set up one or two fryers in a safe place everyone can access and have a "frying party" early in the afternoon. That way, everyone can get their turkeys fried with less mess and fuss, and less cost!

Best of luck!