Turkey Fryer Safety

Have you started brining your turkey yet (if you brine)?

Everyone has their perfect turkey recipe. Some brine, some don’t. Some roast and some barbecue on their grill.

And then there are the brave souls who fry their turkeys. If you’ve ever eaten fried turkey, you understand why. The turkey cooks evenly, and the breast meat is done at the same time as the legs and thighs.

For a fun four minutes, watch this segment from the tv show Good Eats about turkey fryer safety on YouTube.

And State Farm provides these 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 a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by.
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.
15. Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey

And the Underwriters Lab has a 2 minute video on turkey fryer safety tips as well as a list of potential hazards you should be aware of and tips on how to stay safer.

The two most important tips are to never leave the fryer unattended while it’s on, and never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.

How will you be preparing your turkey this year?