Safety Tips for Frying a Turkey this Thanksgiving

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – While frying turkeys is a popular way to prepare your main Thanksgiving entrée, the hot oil poses significant safety risks, including the fryer tipping over or the oil contacting the burners. Turkey frying appliances can also experience defects with temperature control, potentially overheating the oil and causing combustion. Deep frying a turkey could put someone’s life at risk.

The Corpus Christi Fire Department would like to remind residents about the dangers of using turkey fryers when preparing holiday meals.

Here are several tips to help reduce the risks associated with cooking with turkey fryers:

• Read and follow all instructions that come with your fryer
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors, placed on a level surface, and located safely away from buildings and other materials that can burn
• Do not use a turkey fryer on a wooden deck, wooden surface, or in a garage
• Never leave the fryer unattended
• Carefully monitor the oil temperature to avoid overheating. If the oil continues to increase in temperature, it could catch fire
• Only deep fry smaller turkeys—up to 12 pounds
• Use oils with high smoke points, such as peanut, canola, and safflower. If using peanut oil, ensure none of your guests have a peanut allergy
• To determine how much oil you need, put the turkey in the basket and place it in the pot. Add water until it reaches one to two inches above the turkey. Lift the turkey out and use a ruler to measure the distance from the water to the top of the fryer. This will be the amount of oil you should use. Pour out the water and dry the fryer completely before filling the pot with oil
• It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to heat the oil, depending on several factors, including the outdoor temperature, wind, and weather
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before placing it in the fryer to keep the hot oil from spattering and popping
• Be sure to lower the turkey VERY SLOWLY into the hot oil
• You should maintain an oil temp of 350ºF. At that temperature, fry the turkey for three to four minutes per pound. The cooking time for a 10–12-pound turkey is approximately 35 to 42 minutes
• Do not allow children or pets near the fryer when in use or hours after use while the oil is hot and dangerous
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles
• Always keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help

For more information, contact the Corpus Christi Fire Department at 826-3900.