HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Deep-frying a turkey can add a delicious twist to your Thanksgiving meal, but it also comes with serious fire risks.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association, deep-frying poses a significant hazard, especially when safety precautions are not followed.
Here’s how to fry a turkey safely and protect your loved ones:
- Location matters: Always use turkey fryers outdoors, on a flat, sturdy surface. Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home and never use it in a garage, under roof eaves, or on wooden decks.
- Avoid tipping and overfilling: Test the amount of oil needed by first filling your fryer with water and placing the turkey inside. Mark the water level, then empty, clean, and dry the fryer before adding oil to the same line.
- Prevent oil splatter: A partially frozen turkey can cause dangerous splattering. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry before lowering it slowly into the oil.
- Monitor the oil temperature: Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can easily overheat oil to the point of ignition. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep the oil at the correct temperature. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat immediately.
- Stay prepared: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire—it will only make the flames worse.
- Protect yourself and others: Wear oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles when handling the fryer. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fryer, even after use, as the oil stays dangerously hot for hours.
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends using an electric fryer or air fryer as a safer alternative to avoid these risks.
The National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories recommend avoiding open-flame fryers due to their fire and burn hazards.