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Turkey Frying Safety

Frying is a fast, fun, and particularly tasty way to prepare a turkey.  However, each year there are a handful of incidents where people suffer injuries or substantial property loss from the improper use of the fryers.  The following are some tips to keep your holiday dinner safe.

 

  • Monitor the temperature of the oil closely.  Most turkey frying kits include a thermometer.  370° F is optimal for putting the turkey into the oil.  The oil will then cool to the cooking temperature of 350° F for cooking.  If any smoke at all is noticed coming from a heating pot of oil, the burner should be turned off immediately because the oil is overheated.
  • Turkey should cook for approx. 3.25 minutes per pound.  Monitor the temperature of the oil to make sure it stays around 350° F.  If it gets too hot, there are safety and taste issues, too cool and the turkey will absorb the oil and turn out greasy.
  • Thoroughly thaw and dry the turkey before cooking in hot oil.  Make sure all ice is removed from the inside as well.  A wet/frozen bird can cause the oil to bubble up and splash. 
  • Keep fryer in FULL VIEW while burner is on.
  • Place fryer in an open area AWAY from all walls, fences, or other structures.
  • Never use IN, ON, or UNDER a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure that can catch fire.
  • Raise and lower food SLOWLY to reduce splatter and avoid burns.
  • COVER bare skin when adding or removing food.
  • If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Have a personal fire extinguisher on hand to do what you can, if you can do so safely and after calling 911.  DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water.
  • Make sure there is at least 2 feet of space between the liquid propane tank and fryer burner.
  • Place the liquid propane gas tank and fryer so that any wind blows the heat of the fryer away from the gas tank.
  • Center the pot over the burner on the cooker.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to add. If those are not available:

    • Place turkey in pot.
    • Fill with water until the turkey is covered by about 1/2 inch of water.
    • Remove and dry turkey.
    • Mark water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level.