The Big Easy Oil Less Turkey Fryer is a popular kitchen appliance for cooking whole turkeys and other large cuts of meat. It uses infrared heat to cook food evenly without the need for submerging in oil. One common question homeowners have when using the Big Easy is how long they need to cook a turkey or other meat per pound. Knowing the recommended cook times per pound ensures your food will turn out moist, tender and perfectly cooked. In this article, we’ll provide a guide on how many minutes per pound you should cook different types of meat in the Big Easy.
How the Big Easy Cooks Food
The Big Easy utilizes infrared heat to cook meat from the outside in. It heats the air inside the cooking chamber up to 450°F. A convection fan circulates the hot air around the meat to cook it thoroughly on all sides. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the meat, cooking the interior while the hot air crisps up the exterior.
Cooking with the Big Easy is similar to using a convection oven. It produces even, all-around heat to lock in juices and flavor. The infrared technology also shortens cook times compared to roasting in a regular oven.
Recommended Cook Times for Poultry
Poultry needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria. When using your Big Easy, follow these cook times per pound to ensure poultry reaches a safe internal temperature.
Whole Turkey
| Turkey Weight | Cook Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| 12-15 lbs | 11-13 minutes |
| 16-20 lbs | 13-15 minutes |
| 21-25 lbs | 15-18 minutes |
For a whole turkey, calculate the total cook time by multiplying the turkey’s weight by the recommended time per pound. For example, a 12-lb turkey will take about 12 * 12 minutes or 144 minutes total.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach 165°F. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Chicken Pieces
| Chicken Type | Cook Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Bone-in chicken breasts | 18-22 minutes |
| Chicken thighs | 22-28 minutes |
| Drumsticks | 26-32 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 16-20 minutes |
Chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings take less time since they are smaller and thinner. Cook bone-in chicken pieces for the times listed above. Chicken breasts and wings cook faster compared to the fattier, thicker thighs and drumsticks.
Other Poultry
Other poultry like duck, goose, and Cornish hens generally take between 22-35 minutes per pound. They have thicker skin and more fat than chicken so require a longer cook time. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F when done.
Recommended Cook Times for Red Meat
Red meats like beef, pork, and lamb can be safely cooked to lower temperatures than poultry. Use these cook times as a guide when cooking roasts, chops, and other cuts of red meat.
Pork
| Pork Cut | Cook Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Pork roast | 22-28 minutes |
| Pork chops (1-inch thick) | 10-14 minutes |
| Pork tenderloin | 15-20 minutes |
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to test roasts and chops. Let pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Beef
| Beef Cut | Cook Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Beef roast | 25-30 minutes |
| Steaks (1-inch thick) | 10-14 minutes |
| Beef short ribs | 20-25 minutes |
For whole cuts of beef, remove from the Big Easy when the center reaches at least 130°F for medium rare or up to 160°F for well done. Let beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Lamb
| Lamb Cut | Cook Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| Lamb roast | 18-24 minutes |
| Lamb chops (1-inch thick) | 14-18 minutes |
Cook lamb roasts and chops until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F for medium rare. Let lamb rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Tips for Cooking in the Big Easy
Use these tips for getting the most out of your Big Easy when cooking all types of meat:
- Always preheat the Big Easy for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures.
- Let meat rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Place a drip pan underneath to catch fat and drippings.
- Use proprietary cooking bags for the juiciest results.
- Spray cooking bags with oil or line with turkey wings for more browning.
- Inject extra flavor using a marinade injector before cooking.
Conclusion
Cooking meat in the Big Easy infrared turkey fryer is an easy, mess-free way to get delicious results. Use the cook times per pound recommendations in this article to ensure your poultry, pork, beef, and lamb turn out moist and flavorful. Keep an eye on internal temperatures and let meats rest before serving. With the proper cook times for the Big Easy, you’ll enjoy juicy, tender meat the whole family will love.