For people looking to cook a turkey, there are two options: deep fry and roast. Both options have their upsides and downsides, which makes it boil down to personal preference.
However, purchasing the best oil-less turkey fryer allows you to cook your turkey as healthy as possible. They are an innovative kitchen appliance that works well with your traditional oven and turkey fryer to offer flavorful, tastier, and healthier foods.
Similarly, they come in a compact design and are easy to use. Sadly, there are dozens of this kitchen appliance on the market, which makes choosing the right unit a bit tricky.
Fortunately, we’ve reviewed the best oil-less turkey fryers on the market. Also, we included a buying guide section to help you make a sound decision.
Best Oil-Less Turkey Fryer – Top 5 Picks of the Year
1. Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer, XL Stainless Steel
With the Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer, you can bake, steam and fry your favorite food without using a lot of oil. It’s built to require less than 30% of what most traditional fryers use. This kitchen appliance features a high-performance design, which makes it also ideal for commercial use.
Unlike most models on the market, Masterbuilt MB23010618 Fryer has a cooking basket offering an extra ample cooking space to accommodate turkey weighing up to 20lbs. The most incredible thing about this model is its hassle-free cleaning setup since it comes with an inbuilt drain valve and dishwasher safe components.
Pros:
Powerful 1,650W heating element
Heavy-duty construction
Dishwasher safe components
The extra-large cooking basket
Feature built-in drain valve
Magnetic breakaway cord for safety
Cons:
Poor quality control
2. Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer
Next up is Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer, which another multitasking marvel. It is capable of frying a whole turkey without using as much oil as other traditional fryers in an hour. Even better, it’ll fry up big portions of breakfast treats, side dishes, entrees, appetizers, and a lot more.
On top of that, you can steam your favorites, desserts, vegetables, and a wide range of options without using oil. This model features adjustable temperature control for cooking versatility and a 120-minute timer for extra safety.
That’s not all; it comes with a large cooking basket made of stainless. It also features a cool-touch handle to ensure safe and easy handling. About the rotisserie function, Cuisinart CDF-500 Extra-Large Rotisserie Deep Fryer will accommodate a whole 14lb turkey.
Pros:
Large stainless mesh basket
Adjustable temperature control
120-Minute Timer
Steam cooking option
Accommodate 14lb turkey
Cons:
Find it hard to heat above 340 degrees F
3. Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer
According to the manufacturer, Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-less Liquid Propane Turkey Fryer is a stress-free cooker. However, the model is a top choice when it comes to oil-less turkey fryer.
Don’t be fooled by its appearance; this kitchen appliance is a beast. This power cooker is designed to fry your turkey as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that this model is meant for outdoor use alone.
Therefore, if you are looking to enjoy a whole outdoor cooking experience with less deep-frying dangers, what’s more? Using this model is a breeze, which makes it an excellent alternative to deep fryers you might be considering.
Above all, it’s powered by Char-Broil TRU-infrared cooking technology to make the outside crispy and insider juicy every time.
Pros:
Double-wall construction
Adjustable Temperature
Rotary Ignition
Includes handy accessories
16-lb Cooking Capacity
Cons:
Assembling can be a bit tricky
4. King Kooker 1265BF3 Portable Propane Outdoor Deep Frying/Boiling Package with 2 Aluminum Pots
While this model from King Kooker is not exactly an oil-less fryer, it’s still worth considering. King Kooker 1265BF3 comes with an affordable price and fantastic inclusions, which makes a good buy, especially for starters.
It comes with everything to get you started in no time. Another thing worth noting is its powerful burner.
Considering its design, you will be able to use King Kooker 1265BF3 as a multicooker. This means you will be able to boil and steam your favorite food. In short, if you are in the market for a cooker that will still come in handy after cooking your Thanksgiving feast, then this unit is a smart buy.
Pros:
33,000 BTU Burner
Includes turkey rack
Aluminum lifting hook and turkey rack
Complete set for deep frying and other cooking options
Cons:
The timer could function better
5. Turkey Deep Fryer Oversized 44 Quart Stainless Steel “Big Bird” Kit
The Bayou Classic Big Bird Oversized Turkey Fryer Pot is one of the biggest pots from the manufacturer, which means this model will fry a turkey with ease. It’s a 44-quart stainless steel pot for frying turkeys.
This deep fryer set includes aluminum rack, hook, and other accessories. The best part is the accessories include, and other components are dishwasher safe. In terms of construction, the set features a 20-gauge stainless steel meeting commercial standards.
This unit includes a vented lid, grab hook, stainless seasoning injector, thermometer, aluminum perforated poultry rack, and insulated glove. The Bayou Classic Big Bird Oversized Turkey Fryer Pot is an ideal choice for people looking to cook outdoors.
Pros:
20 Gauge Commercial Stainless Steel
Insulated glove and vented stainless lid
Includes grab hook and poultry rack
Ideal for frying, boiling and steaming
Cons:
The burner is not always reliable
Best Oil Less Turkey Fryer – Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Turkey Fryer
Propane Turkey Fryers
This type of fryer functions like an outdoor grill with heavy-duty construction. This unit comes with a hose to connect your propane tank, ignite the burner to heat the oil in a large pot. After reaching the proper temperature, then you can now fry.
Keep in mind that these equipment are meant for outdoor purposes, which means you can’t use them for roof parties or balconies to prevent accidents to unknowing passersby.
Oil-Less Turkey Fryers
Another type of Fryers using propane tank but without oil. Sadly, this unit takes a tad longer to cook. It functions like air frying, as it uses hot air circulation to ensure that your turkey is crispy and juicy.
For browning the turkey, you should brush the turkey with oil. This means you don’t need to use much oil, which makes it one of the healthiest options on the market.
For people with a strong desire for genuine deep-fried turkeys due to its juicy interior and crispy exterior, you will find this oil-less fryer nearly perfect. Besides, you don’t have to spend all day cleaning the unit up.
Also, they are meant for outdoor purposes just as the propane turkey fryers.
Electric Turkey Fryers
These models are designed for indoor purposes and can be very similar to deep fryers depending on the brand and model. Electric turkey fryers offer the highest safety, thanks to its built-in thermostat, to help control the temperature. Likewise, some model comes with an auto shut-off feature to ensure the oil doesn’t get too hot.
Outdoor vs. Indoor Fryers
Indoor fryers do not use a propane tank, which makes them more convenient to use. All you have to do is plug into a power outlet.
Generally, when it comes to safety, the indoor Turkey fryer is the best option since they do not require a propane tank, which often causes a fire Hazard.
Things to Consider When Purchasing A Turkey Fryers
Safety
Before buying an oil-less turkey fryer, you need to ensure it was built with safety in mind. The model should come with a vented lid to prevent the stream from being trapped inside while cooking. The poultry rack should feature a hook to make pulling the turkey out and in the hot oil safe with causing splattering, which could be seriously dangerous.
Size
Turkeys are not one of those small birds, which means if you want to purchase the right turkey fryer, then you should consider a model with an ample cooking space. For people looking to buy a 20-pounder, then you should lean towards an outdoor cooker. But if you are used to purchasing a 15-pounder, then you can consider purchasing an indoor turkey fryer for the best results.
BTUs
British thermal unit (BTU) is a measure of the required amount of heat to increase the temperature of 1-pound of water by 1 degree F. this means that if you are looking to purchase a powerful fryer, then you should go for higher BTU rating. Such models will help you cook your turkey faster by heating the oil to the desired temperature in no time. Also, models with high BTU offers better temperature control for versatile cooking options.
Convenience
Frying a turkey is not an easy task; therefore, you should ensure that the fryer comes with features like auto-shutoff and a built-in timer, and also other handy accessories. Also, consider turkey fryers with an oil drain, which allows you to empty the oil into a cooling tank, which is safer and less messy.
Conclusion
There you go, the best oil-less turkey fryer on the market. If you still have trouble choosing the right model, check our buying guide for a sound decision.