“NanaTee, is the turkey ready yet?!”
That’s what the grandkids ask every Thanksgiving at 10am.
I’m Tina, Certified Aromatherapist since 2013. In Pearl River, I’m NanaTee.
And in Louisiana, we don’t bake our turkey.
We FRY it.
Crispy skin. Juicy meat. Ready in 1 hour instead of 5.
Pawpaw said “Baked turkey is for other states.” I said “This is Louisiana.”
This is my foolproof Cajun Fried Turkey. And I’m giving you every trick + tool I use so yours comes out perfect.
WHY FRY INSTEAD OF BAKE
1. **1 Hour** - 3.5 minutes per pound. Done.
2. **Juicy** - Oil seals it in. No dry breast meat.
3. **Crispy** - That skin crackles like chicharrones
4. **Frees the oven** - More room for dressing + pies
Mr. Pat from down the street tried it once. Now he calls me every November.
NANATEE’S CAJUN THANKSGIVING ESSENTIALS
You CAN fry a turkey without these. But you’ll fight it the whole time.
These 5 tools make it safe, easy, and restaurant-good.
I put everything I use in one place. Click once. Get it all before it sells out.
Shop NanaTee’s Cajun Thanksgiving Kit → [Linked HERE]
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. GASONE 30QT TURKEY FRYER SET + SEAFOOD BOIL
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This is the whole setup. Propane burner, pot, basket, thermometer. 30QT fits up to 20lb turkey.
NanaTee’s Rule: Always fry outside on concrete. Never on wood deck. Never in garage.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
2. MTNZXZ MARINADE INJECTOR SYRINGE KIT
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This is the secret to juicy meat. Inject the Cajun Butter deep into the breast + thighs.
NanaTee’s Rule: Inject 12 hours before. Let it marinate overnight.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
3. LOUISIANA FISH FRY CAJUN BUTTER MARINADE + INJECTOR
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Garlic + butter + Cajun seasoning in a jar. This is Pearl River flavor.
NanaTee’s Rule: Inject it. Then rub more on the outside. Double flavor.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
4. SPICY WORLD CAYENNE PEPPER POWDER 16OZ
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Add this to your rub if you like heat. “Great on everything” means turkey too.
NanaTee’s Rule: Start with 1 tsp. You can always add more.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
5. WEILINGBO STAINLESS STEEL TURKEY FRYER HOOK + STAND
Why it’s NanaTee approved: This hook is how you safely lower and lift the turkey. No burns. No dropped turkeys.
NanaTee’s Rule: Hook it, then use the rack to drain before carving.
Shop the kit: [Linked HERE]
Get all 5 in one cart → [Linked HERE]
CAJUN FRIED TURKEY RECIPE
Makes: 10-12 servings | Prep: 15 min + 12hr marinate | Cook: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey, thawed completely, patted DRY
- 1 jar Louisiana Cajun Butter Marinade
- 1/2 cup Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Spicy World Cayenne Pepper
- 3-4 gallons peanut oil
Instructions:
1. **INJECT** - Use injector kit. Inject Cajun Butter all over breast, thighs, legs. About 1oz per spot.
2. **SEASON** - Mix Tony’s + cayenne. Rub all over outside + under skin.
3. **MARINATE** - Refrigerate 12-24 hours.
4. **HEAT OIL** - Outside on concrete. Fill fryer pot so turkey is covered by 2 inches. Heat to 350°F.
5. **LOWER SLOWLY** - Use fryer hook. Lower turkey SLOW into oil. It will bubble.
6. **FRY** - 3.5 minutes per pound. 14lb turkey = 49 minutes.
7. **CHECK TEMP** - 165°F in breast. Lift with hook. Let drain on rack.
8. **REST 20 MIN** - Then carve.
NANATEE’S “DON’T BLOW UP YOUR YARD” SAFETY RULES
I’ve seen it happen. Don’t be that person.
**Turkey was wet** | Oil fire/explosion
**Pat turkey DRY** with paper towels
**Too much oil** | Overflow + fire
**Do water test first** to measure oil
**Frying on deck** | Burned house down
**Concrete only, 10ft from house**
Safety first, sha. Then flavor.
FREEBIE: NANATEE’S FRYING TIMELINE
Want my Thanksgiving day schedule? What time to inject, what time to fry, what time to eat?
Comment “FRY TURKEY” below and I’ll DM you my printable timeline.
YOUR TURN
Team Fried Turkey or Team Baked Turkey?
Team Spicy or Team Mild?
Drop it below. I’m taking a poll for Thanksgiving.
With love, a hot fryer, and crispy skin,
NanaTee
P.S. Order your fryer NOW. They sell out by October.
P.P.S. This makes the BEST leftovers. Turkey po-boys for days.
Important Note:
Always follow manufacturer safety instructions. Fry outside only. Never leave fryer unattended.
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