Safely Deep Fry Your Turkey
Thanksgiving is one of the happiest days of the year for families throughout the United States, but it's also one of the peak days for home fires caused by cooking.*
Follow these steps to stay safe if you're deep frying your turkey this year:
Location - Set the fryer up at least 10 feet away from any building or structure. Don't let pets or children come close and never leave it unattended. Make sure the spot you choose is flat and that the fryer is placed on a sturdy surface.
Cook a thawed turkey - Make sure your turkey is fully thawed and dry before inserting into the fryer. Any moisture will cause excessive bubbling of the hot oil and frozen portions will not cook all the way through.
Amount of Oil - Be sure to use the right amount of oil for the size of your turkey. You will be pulling the turkey up and out once it's cooked. If there is too much oil, the chance of burning is much higher.
Monitor Temperature Settings - The oil should be 350 degrees so that the turkey cooks around 3 minutes for every pound.
Be prepared - Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case and be prepared to use it.
Don't get distracted - The most important thing about deep frying a turkey is to make sure you stay vigilant throughout the whole process. The last thing you want to do on Thanksgiving is spend it in the Emergency Room.