A good rule of thumb is that a turkey takes about 3–4 minutes per pound to deep fry at a proper oil temperature, but it is done when it reaches safe internal temperature, not just when the timer dings.

Quick Scoop

  • Plan on about 3–4 minutes per pound for a whole turkey in hot oil (around 325–350°F / 160–175°C).
  • For a 10–12 lb turkey , that usually works out to roughly 35–45 minutes in the fryer.
  • For a 12–14 lb turkey , expect about 30–45 minutes , depending on the exact temperature and setup.
  • Always check doneness with a meat thermometer:
    • Thigh: about 170–175°F
    • Breast: at least 165°F.

Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous, so keep the bird fully thawed and very dry, never overfill the pot with oil, and stay with the fryer the entire time to avoid fires or burns.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.