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8 Safety Tips for Deep Fried Turkey

Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away and we all know what that means… TURKEY (Booze and Football are also correct answers, but for the purposes of this safety discussion we’re going to use Turkey). 

And like a lot things in US culture today many American families are breaking tradition and exchanging roasted turkey for Deep Fried Turkey.

Strangely enough six Coors Lights, a tank of propane gas, and vat of hot oil can lead to a lot of bad situations.

So if you want this (sorry couldn’t resist):

deep friend turkey

To become this:

deep fried turkey

And not this:

deep fried turkey

Then I highly recommend you read and follow the safety tips below.

8 Safety Tips for Deep Fried Turkey

Please if you choose to deep fry your Thanksgiving Turkey this year take all necessary precautions.

I can personally attest to deliciousness of deep fried turkey (the last one I had was tailgating at a Buffalo Bills game),  but the procedure for producing such a taste explosion is dangerous, and if proper precautions are not taken can cause to an actual explosion.

So please be careful!

The following list comes from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  1. Keep fryer in full view while burner is on
  2. Place fryer in a open area away from all walls, fences, or other structures
  3. Never use in, on, or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any structure that can catch fire
  4. Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns
  5. Cover bare skin when adding or removing food
  6. Check the oil temperature frequently
  7. If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply off
  8. If a fire occurs, immediately call 911.  DO NOT attempt to extinguish fire with water.

BONUS Tips for Turkey Fryer Use

  1. Make sure there is a least 2 feet of space between the liquid propane tank and fryer burner
  2. Place the liquid propane gas tank and fryer so that any wind blows the heat of the fryer away from the gas tank
  3. Center the pot over the burner on the cooker
  4. Completely thaw (USDA says 24 hours for every 4 – 5 pounds) and dry turkey before cooking.  Partially frozen and/or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil.

The Rub

The Thanksgiving, indulge in family, food and good laughs!

Travel safe, be safe and have very happy Thanksgiving!

I’ll leave you with this quote from one of America’s greatest citizens.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”  ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thank you,

Ryan Hanley

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