How to Deep-Fry a Turkey

Speed is on your side: It only takes about 45 minutes to deep-fry a 12-pound turkey. So in the time it takes to roast or smoke a single bird, you can deep-fry a few turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner.

To make deep-fried turkey for Thanksgiving, you'll need a deep fryer, hook or sturdy wooden spoon handle, protective mitts, instant-read meat thermometer and a fire extinguisher

1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey; place the turkey inside the fryer basket. Add enough water to cover the turkey by 1 inch.

2. Remove the turkey, letting the excess water drip into the fryer, then measure the distance between the water level and the top of the fryer.

3. Discard the water. Dry the turkey, basket and fryer.

4. Fill the fryer with oil up to the measured level of the water.

Season your bird with these combos for a flavorful takeoff.

Carolina Injection & Rub

Injection: Whisk together 1/4 cup each cider vinegar and ketchup, 3 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce and 2 tablespoons brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Evenly inject into the turkey all over. Rub: Mix together 2 teaspoons sweet smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, onion powder and garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon each celery salt and dry mustard and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Season the turkey with salt, then pat on the rub.

Hawaiian Injection & Rub

Injection: Whisk together 3/4 cup thawed frozen pineapple concentrate, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Evenly inject into the turkey all over. Rub: Mix together 2 teaspoons each garlic powder and onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Season the turkey with salt, then pat on the rub.