Ways To Cook A Turkey: Roasting, Deep-Frying And Everything In Between

Turkey has long been the star of the Thanksgiving table. And some people have been using the same method for thawing, preparing and cooking their turkey forever. It might be time to mix it up. There are more ways to cook a turkey than you might know. If you're looking to keep it classic or try something new, here are 20-plus ways to cook turkey this holiday.

If you are wondering whether you should air-fry, oven-roast or deep-fry your turkey and have cleanup on the mind, consider pulling out your air fryer, especially if you're hosting a smaller Thanksgiving this year. By using an air fryer, you can have a well-seasoned, golden-brown turkey breast on the table in less than an hour. 

For the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe, click here.

It's called "easy roast" because it takes only 20 minutes of active work before putting the turkey in the oven. 

For the Easy Roast Turkey recipe, click here.

Do you like crispy skin on your turkey? Deep-frying may be the way to go. The herbs and quick frying leads to the best-ever skin on your bird.

For the Herb-Rubbed Deep Fried Turkey recipe, click here.

Sometimes the best Thanksgiving recipes are the classic ones, like this herb-rubbed turkey, which uses a tried and true combination of sage and thyme.

For the Classic Herb-Rubbed Turkey recipe, click here.

Why brine your turkey? During brining, the turkey will absorb extra moisture and as a result, your turkey will come out wonderfully juicy. If you're new to this technique, try this recipe. 

For the Brined Turkey Breast recipe, click here.

This recipe will keep your turkey moist by using a bay leaf-infused honey glaze. Along with the pear chutney, there are so many great fall flavors incorporated in this turkey — no basting needed.

For the Bay Leaf and Honey Glazed Turkey with Pear Chutney recipe, click here.

There are a lot of things you didn't know you could make in your slow cooker, including a holiday turkey breast. This recipe will have a tender turkey on your dinner table in no time. 

For the Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe, click here.

This turkey breast recipe keeps it simple with rubbed sage, seasoned salt (for a little kick!) and pepper. 

For the Sage-Rubbed Turkey Breast recipe, click here.

Most people are used to coffee being their morning beverage of choice. But instead, use your favorite coffee to give your turkey rich flavor and deep color on the outer skin.

For the Coffee-Rubbed Roast Turkey with Rum and Pepper Pan Gravy recipe, click here.

Want to have turkey on the table as quickly as possible? This recipe will allow you to do just that. Butcher your turkey the night before Thanksgiving, season it generously, and then bake it. Instead of hours, this cut-up turkey is on the table in about one hour on the holiday itself.

For the Cut-up Turkey recipe, click here.

Americans across the map love celebrating Thanksgiving, but why not add flavors from other parts of the world to make a more delicious meal? This recipe takes its inspiration from Cuba thanks to bitter orange juice, plantains and sweet potatoes. Serve it with more regional Thanksgiving dishes.

For the Cuban-Style Turkey recipe, click here.

Brine is essential for avoiding a dry turkey. This one incorporates ingredients that are typically used in some of the most iconic breakfast foods. The sweetness pairs well with the best potato recipes.

For the Turkey with Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup Brine recipe, click here.

You can make more than lemonade with lemons. These cutlets are breaded, and while they might not feel like a traditional choice for Thanksgiving, they are great for a smaller, casual gathering. 

For the Lemon Turkey Cutlets, click here.

Let za'atar seasoning blend, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin and garlic powder transport your taste buds from your Thanksgiving table all the way to Morocco. Carrots, onion, fennel and leeks are served on the side.

For the Braised Turkey with Moroccan Spices recipe, click here.

With this dish, you can make a great turkey and one of the best stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving. The sage in the stuffing will fill up your kitchen with an irresistible scent. 

For the Turkey with Sage and Sausage Stuffing recipe, click here.

This turkey recipe keeps thing traditional. The secret to cooking a turkey correctly is knowing that the white and dark meat of a turkey cook at different rates, so it takes some strategy to get the perfect meat for everyone to enjoy. 

For the Roast Turkey recipe, click here.

Love sweet and smoky flavors? This turkey is for you. These flavors are achieved with a mix of bourbon and maple syrup.

For the Roast Turkey with Maple and Smoke recipe, click here.

The bright citrus flavors will stand out with this turkey. It includes an entire orange, dried apricots and the zest of one lemon, which pair wonderfully with holiday cranberry dishes.

For the Roast Turkey with Herby Pork and Apricot Stuffing recipe, click here.

Turkey is always going to be the main attraction, and the pomegranate in this dish truly helps steal the show.

For the Roasted Turkey with Pomegranate-Thyme Glaze recipe, click here.

This recipe will make an aromatic holiday dinner for you and your family and will have the kitchen and dinner table smelling like rosemary. 

For the Rosemary-scented Roast Turkey recipe, click here.

This particular turkey is brined with bourbon, and the gravy incorporates an apple bourbon.

For the Bourbon-Brined Turkey with Apple Bourbon Pan Gravy recipe, click here.

This dish includes a lot of aromatics such as apples, pearl onions, garlic cloves, rosemary and sage. Although turkey is often the star of holiday dishes, here are many other of the best holiday recipes.

For the Roasted Turkey Breast with Pearl Onions and Sage recipe, click here.

More from The Daily Meal: 

How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey? And Other Thanksgiving Questions, Answered

The Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

The Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes for Turkey, Potatoes and More

The Best Mac and Cheese Recipes

Pumpkin Recipes That Go Beyond the Traditional Pie