Neelys Deep Fried Turkey

By drmbo1989

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (14-pound) turkey, giblets removed, washed and dried
• 2 3/4 *2 3/4 gallons peanut oil, for frying

Preparation

Step 1

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.


Once the oil is hot and the turkey is at room temperature, very carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Make sure the oil maintains its temperature while frying. Fry the turkey until the skin is dark golden brown and crisp, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 155 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, roughly 45 minutes. Carefully remove the turkey from the oil and let it rest and drain on a wire rack, about 30 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165 degrees F while resting.

Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and serve.