How To: Deep Fry Your Thanksgiving Bird

Looking for something a little more exhilarating this Thanksgiving? Something with a bit more kick? Forget traditional roasted turkey. If you've got the stomach for it, try turducken, a wonderful triplex of turkey, duck and chicken with sausage stuffing and Cajun seasoning. Or go for good ol' American fried food, the deep fried Thanksgiving bird.

Recipe #1: The Classic Deep Fried Turkey

Before you get your hands dirty—and possibly splatter scolding hot oil all over yourself or start a grease fire—check out this recipe from J. Kenji López-Alt over at Serious Eats. He's experimented with hot oil and turkeys multiple times, transforming from a deep fried turkey hater to an advocate.

Recipe #2: The Buffalo Deep Fried Turkey

If you prefer your deep fried turkey "hot wings style", then Kenji also has a recipe for buffalo fried turkey. If you don't mind getting your hands a little slimy, this one looks pretty delicious—perfect for snacking as you enjoy a day of lounging, watching football.

Recipe #3: The Charcoaled Bird

If you'd rather have your deep fried turkey plain, but with a nice charcoaled skin, Popular Mechanics has their own guide to frying the perfect Thanksgiving turkey—without starting a neighborhood fire.

Oh, and if you think turkey frying isn't dangerous, just take a look at this video to see what can go wrong if you aren't cautious...