Tips to safely deep fry a turkey

Thanksgiving is typically a time for family and holiday traditions which may include enjoying classic Thanksgiving recipes, and that often means turkey as the main dish. Nowadays, those holiday recipes and traditions might include deep-frying a turkey because of the flavor and juiciness.

Holiday cooks should carefully use a turkey fryer because turkey fryer accidents have the potential to cause a fire and serious injury. Each year these deep fryers on average cause 60 injuries, 5 deaths and over $15 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Keep outdoor fryers a safe distance from structures, off wooden decks and away from trees.
• Never use fryers in garages.
• Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once in use.
• Be cautious of the weather. Avoid operating a fryer in the rain or snow.
  
• There should be 2 feet between the burner and tank.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling with cooking oil.
• Choose the proper size turkey. Typically, a bird that's 8 to 10 pounds works well.
• Never attempt to deep fry a frozen turkey. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups. Follow directions on the label to assure the turkey has been properly defrosted and is completely dry, prior to placing in the fryer.
• Also, skip stuffing the turkey before frying.
• Consider using a fryer with temperature controls. Continuously check the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, TURN OFF THE FRYER.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner back on.
• Wear protective cooking gear. Put on goggles to shield your eyes and use oven mitts to help protect your hands and arms.
• Keep protective equipment within reach, such as an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher. NEVER use a water or garden hose on a fire related to turkey fryers. Remember: a turkey fryer fire is a grease fire and water can cause grease/oil to spread. 
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot. Place the pot on a level surface and cover it to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less or air fryer. These use infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day of the year for local fire departments, who in 2021 responded to approximately 1,160 home cooking fires, according to the NFPA. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, keep these turkey fryer safety tips in mind so you can safely use the fryer and help protect yourself, your guests and your home from fire.

Also, before your turkey and side dishes are prepared, consider these Thanksgiving food safety tips to help ensure that your family has a safe and enjoyable holiday.