Turkey Frying Safety

Thanksgiving is meant to gather family and friends, conversation and of course good food.  Sometime in the 1980’s, fried turkey for Thanksgiving became a sensation, but without social media, the only pictures to document fried turkeys were well edited and appeared to render a perfectly fried turkey…on the first try.   Normally, the thought of a large vat of hot oil on a wooden deck, frying a 10-pound turkey would be a safety concern but for some odd reason, when Thanksgiving day arrives, this practice has become a good idea.  The following list of turkey frying safety has been adapted from State Farm’s®, 15 Turkey Fryer Safety Tips, (https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/15-turkey-fryer-safety-tips).

1. Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
2. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
3. Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
4. Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it’s in use.
5. Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
7. Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that’s 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
8. Never leave fryers unattended.
9. Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
10. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
11. Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an “ABC” or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
12. Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades.
13. Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
14. Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing of.
15. Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

Thanksgiving is a day of family, food, and fun.  If this is the year that you are boycotting the oven roasted turkey for a fried turkey, remember that turkey frying safety is a real concern and should be the number one priority.  Happy Thanksgiving from the Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis.

Disclaimer:  The information provided above was adapted from statefarm.com and is not associated with Reginald Keith Davis, Attorney at Law.  The information is not intended to replace manufacturer product manuals or usage instructions.