Tips for Deep Frying Your Turkey

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Deep frying your turkey can be dangerous!

Many people feast on turkey for Thanksgiving and again for Christmas. A popular method for cooking turkey is to deep fry it. But deep frying a turkey can be risky if you are unprepared. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe turkey frying experience:

1. Choose a Safe Location

To drastically decrease the likelihood of a fire in your property, set your deep fryer on level ground a safe distance away from your house, garage and shed. Avoid using the fryer on wooden decks, near piles of wood or under trees. A safe bet for a location is the center of your driveway with no cars present.

2. Completely Thaw Your Turkey

Water and oil do not mix. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before you bring it anywhere near the fryer. Otherwise, when the ice hits the hot oil, it could cause the oil to rapidly boil over, causing a large and quick-spreading fire.

3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Because of the potential for fire, you will want to have a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach at all times. Fires can start and spread quickly, and you will not have time to run inside to retrieve one.

4. Do Not Overfill the Oil

A good way to know how much oil you will need is to place the turkey in a cold and empty fryer, then fill the fryer with water. Remove the turkey and note the water line. The oil should be filled no higher than that line to ensure that it does not spill over when you add the turkey.

5. Place Turkey in the Oil Slowly

Be careful handling the turkey, which will likely be slippery. If you slip and accidentally drop the turkey in the oil too quickly, the oil could overflow or splash, burning you and creating greater potential for fire. Lower the bird in slowly and gently.

6. Wear Safety Gear

Hot oil has a tendency to splatter, causing burns, blisters and ruined clothing. Make sure you wear goggles, gloves and an apron, and do not stand closer to the fryer than you need to.

7. Use a Thermometer

A thermometer is a great tool to use throughout the entire cooking process. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you begin, but watch that it does not become too hot. Cook the turkey only until it reaches the correct temperature then remove it and turn off the fryer immediately.

8. Never Leave the Fryer Unattended

Under no circumstances should you ever leave the fryer unattended. Bring everything you need outside before you begin cooking and ask someone else to retrieve anything you forgot. Fires can start in an instant and you will need to be there to act quickly.

In Case of a Fire

Immediately call 911. Once the fire is out, reach out to SERVPRO of North Knoxville at 865.947.9992. We are your trusted 24/7 fire restoration and cleanup company. We'll be onsite to make it "Like it never even happened."