deep frying turkey

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Be careful when you fry!

Safety Tips for Deep Frying a Turkey 

Be sure to be safe this Thanksgiving

With a dark, crispy skin on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat on the inside, deep-frying turkey has become a Thanksgiving favorite. With that in mind, deep-frying a turkey can be dangerous and the process can cause a fire quickly. SERVPRO of Columbus Georgia would like to offer these tips and hope you make safety a priority when deep-frying your turkey this Thanksgiving.

Location, Location, Location

Set the deep fryer on level ground a good distance away from any structure. Don’t put it on a wooden deck or under a tree. The center of a level driveway, away from vehicles is a good location.

Completely Thaw the Turkey in Advance

We’ve all heard that oil and water don’t mix. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it goes anywhere near the fryer. If not, when the cold ice hits the hot oil, it could cause the oil to rapidly boil over and cause a large fire.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy

Due to the potential for fire, you will want to have a fire extinguisher close by. A Fire can start and spread quickly, and you probably won’t have time to run inside to retrieve one fast enough.

Easy on the Oil

A easy way to know how much oil you will need is to place the turkey in The empty fryer, then fill the fryer with water. Then take the turkey out and notice the water line. The oil should be filled no higher than that line to make sure that it does not boil over when you add the turkey.

Slowly Place the Turkey in the Oil

Be very careful with the turkey, since it will likely be slippery. If you accidentally drop the turkey in the oil too quickly, the oil could splash or overflow, possibly burning you and creating greater risk for a fire. Lower the turkey in the oil slowly.

Wear Safety Gear

Hot oil is prone to splatter, causing burns, blisters and ruined clothing. Be sure to wear goggles, gloves and an apron, and don’t any stand closer to the deep-fryer than you need to be.

Use a Thermometer

Using a thermometer throughout the entire cooking process is a good idea. Make sure the oil is hot enough before you begin, but do not allow it to become too hot. Cook the turkey until it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the oil and immediately turn off the fryer.