Curious about oil-less turkey fryers? It may sound odd that a device using no hot oil can deliver a crispy, delicious turkey. I tested one, along with several recipes, to see how it performs.
This post was sponsored by Char-Broil. My opinions about the product are my own, based on hands-on use over time.
Do you remember the episode of Alton Brown’s show Good Eats where he demonstrated a turkey fryer? He built an elaborate pulley system to lower the bird slowly into hot oil while everyone kept a safe distance. It was theatrical, intentionally over-the-top, and meant to highlight the safety risks of frying a turkey in a giant pot of oil—especially when holiday festivities are involved.
Traditional deep-frying does carry real risks. According to data compiled in the past, thousands of cooking-related fires occur over the holidays, and a substantial portion of those involve deep fryers. Beyond fire risk, handling a turkey in a vat of boiling oil can cause severe burns if anything goes wrong.
That said, I do own a traditional deep fryer. But since I started using the Char-Broil Big Easy® Oil-less Turkey Fryer, I haven’t needed to pull the old fryer out. Although this is a sponsored post, the switch has been genuine: the oil-less cooker feels safer, simpler, and it produces a very good turkey.
I use the Big Easy partly because it reduces the chances of a dangerous mishap and partly because the results are excellent. The cooking process is straightforward: lower the turkey into the cage, set the cage in the cooker, and let it run. The skin crisps nicely, the meat stays moist, and cleanup is much easier than dealing with large volumes of used oil. Keep in mind it’s still a hot appliance and should be monitored and handled with care.
The Big Easy also offers accessories, like a grill grate for TRU-Infrared™ heat, which expands what you can cook. That versatility makes it more than a single-purpose gadget—useful for turkey and many other dishes.
If you’re considering the Big Easy Oil-less Turkey Fryer, here are ten recipe ideas that show it’s not just a one-trick appliance. These dishes illustrate how the cooker handles poultry, pork, lamb, and even desserts with reliable results and minimal fuss.
Maple Bourbon Brined Turkey Legs — A flavorful brine pairs with the Big Easy’s high, even heat to create tender, well-seasoned legs with nicely caramelized skin.
Fried Honey Dijon Leg of Lamb — The cooker works great for larger cuts like a leg of lamb, producing a crisp exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
Caribbean Pork Roast — Bold, spiced pork roasts develop a savory crust and remain moist inside when cooked in the Big Easy.
Easy Roasted Chicken — A whole chicken comes out with evenly browned skin and tender meat—an everyday favorite that’s simple to execute.
Pumpkin Cookie Butter Pie — The Big Easy isn’t limited to meats: certain desserts and baked items can be prepared with excellent results using the cooker’s consistent heat.
These recipes show how an oil-less fryer can expand your holiday menu while reducing safety concerns and cleanup. If you want a reliable way to cook a great turkey or experiment with other roasts and desserts, an oil-less option like the Big Easy deserves consideration.