Thanksgiving is a time for family, parades, football and, of course, a big feast. If you are frying up that bird this year make sure to follow these basic turkey frying safety tips.
1. Dry Before You Fry
A frozen turkey should never be placed directly into hot oil. We suggest thawing your turkey for 24 to 48 hours prior to placing it in a fryer; always hand-dry the turkey both inside and out to make sure no moisture remains. Water can cause the oil to bubble up and spill over. Getting the proper turkey size for the fryer is also important. Read your instruction manual carefully, and never get a turkey that is larger than the recommended size of the fryer.
2. High-Quality Oil Can Help Prevent Fires
Oil quality matters. When cooking, you’ll want to use a good-quality oil that has a high smoke point, such as peanut or safflower oil. When it comes to fire safety, smoke point is important. When frying at temperatures around 350°F, you want to make sure the oil isn’t easily ignitable, which could potentially start a fire. Make sure when filling the fryer, you leave plenty of room at the top to prevent accidental spills and overfilling. Remember oil inside the fryer can remain hot for several hours after being used, so make certain children and pets do not play close to or go near the fryer.
3. Always Cook Outside
When deep-frying a turkey, it’s important to keep the fryer under constant supervision to prevent fires. Always cook outside, making sure to stay off of any wooden decks or structures (and a safe distance away from them), as hot oil if spilled can result in a fire.
Also, remember to keep the fryer away from low-hanging branches or yard decor to help ensure nothing can accidentally be set aflame. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire, and always keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher on hand.
AmeriGas wants to help make sure you and your family will enjoy the holiday with a delicious meal—safely.
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