Are you in the mood to try something different this year with your Thanksgiving turkey? Why not try deep frying it this year? Some say a fried turkey is the juiciest, most flavorful, crispy-on-the-outside, delicious bit of poultry ever to cross their lips. This project is packed with thermal critical control points that will determine the safety of the cook and the quality of the finished product—and we have all the tips you need.
We’ll be using the ThermoWorks® Smoke X2™ 2-Channel Alarm Thermometer with an additional 12″ Pro-Series® High Temp Probe so we can measure both the turkey meat and the critical oil temperature on the same device.
As deep frying turkey grows in popularity for Thanksgiving, so does the risk of dangerous turkey fryer fires Hot oil and open flames can quickly lead to severe burns, property damage, or even death if safety precautions aren’t strictly followed. This article will explain how to properly extinguish a turkey fryer blaze and prevent fires in the first place
What Causes Turkey Fryer Fires
There are a few key reasons why turkey fryer fires commonly occur:
-
Overfilling the Fryer – Adding too much oil is the #1 cause of spillovers once the turkey is lowered in. Always measure oil amount ahead of time with water.
-
Frozen or Partially Frozen Turkey – Lowering a frozen or partially thawed turkey into 350°F oil will cause immediate splattering and flares. Only fry fully thawed birds.
-
Overheating – Many fryers lack thermostat controls allowing oil to reach combustion temperatures. Monitor with a clip-on thermometer.
-
Tip Overs – Unstable surfaces like grass or decks can lead to the fryer tipping and igniting materials Use level noncombustible spaces
-
Leaving It Unattended – The oil can overheat quickly if left alone. Never leave the fryer unattended during use.
How to Put Out a Turkey Fryer Fire
If a fire does occur, do not panic. Stay calm and follow these crucial steps:
-
Do Not Throw Water – This will violently spread the flames. Oil and water do not mix.
-
Turn Off Gas – For propane fryers, immediately shut off the fuel valve/tank.
-
Use Baking Soda – For small flare ups, having baking soda on hand can help smother flames.
-
Place Lid on Fryer – Covering the pot removes oxygen and should extinguish the blaze. Keep covered until completely cooled.
-
Use Class B Fire Extinguisher – Keep one near the fryer. Discharge in short bursts pointing at the base of flames.
-
Call 911 – If the fire grows out of control, evacuate and call emergency services. Never attempt to move a flaming fryer.
Turkey Fryer Safety Tips
Besides having a fire plan in place, following general safety precautions can help avoid fryer fires:
- Fry outside only, 10 feet from buildings/trees on noncombustible surfaces
- Do not overfill oil – leave 2-3 inches headspace
- Use potholders – sides get extremely hot
- Do not move the fryer once hot oil is added
- Never leave the fryer unattended – stay within arm’s reach
- Keep children/pets at least 3 feet away
- Completely thaw and dry turkey before frying
- Have a Class B extinguisher and baking soda within reach
Deep frying turkey can produce delicious results, but the process comes with inherent fire risks. Set up in a safe area away from structures and vegetation. Never leave the hot oil unattended even for a minute. Have a fire extinguisher and backup suppressants like baking soda on hand. Above all, do not overfill the pot with oil to avoid dangerous boil overs. And never, ever fry a frozen or partially thawed turkey! Follow these tips and take proper precautions to deep fry safely this Thanksgiving.
What Type of Oil?
An oil with mild flavor and a high smoke point is needed for this deep-frying project, and peanut oil fits the bill perfectly. Its flavor is very neutral and has a smoke point of about 450°F (232°C).
If you or any guests have a peanut allergy, corn, safflower, and sunflower oil are options with high smoke points as well.
Start the Oil Temperature Low
Turkey frying becomes dangerous if the oil spills over the side of the pot, and that happens when there is too much oil in the pot, or if it bubbles too violently. If you’ve used water displacement to accurately measure the amount of oil needed, that safety variable is taken out of the equation.
So what causes bubbling? 3 things: 1) a bird that’s too cold (be sure to thaw it completely), 2) water (pat the bird completely dry), and 3) oil temperature that’s too high when lowering the turkey into the pot. Start with oil heated to 250°F (121°C), slowly lower the bird, then increase the oil temperature to 325-350°F (163-177°C)—do not exceed 350°F (177°C).
Orange County firefighters demonstrate the fiery outcome of adding a frozen turkey to a deep fryer
FAQ
How to put out a deep fryer fire?
- Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher
- Some extinguishers are specifically made for grease fires
What to do if a turkey fryer catches fire?
If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately.
What would you do if a deep fryer catches fire?
Turn Off the Heat: If safe to do so, turn off the fryer to stop additional heating. Do Not Use Water: Never pour water on an oil fire, as it can cause the fire to explode and spread. Cover the Flames: Use a metal lid or a baking sheet to cover the fryer and smother the flames if it’s safe.
Can you put oil in a turkey fryer?
Remember: a turkey fryer fire is a grease fire and water can cause grease/oil to spread. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot. Place the pot on a level surface and cover it to let the oil cool overnight before disposing. Opt for an oil-less or air fryer.
What should I do if my turkey fryer fires?
Do not over fill your turkey fryer. Water and hot oil don’t mix, if a fire breaks out on the stove or in the oven smother the fire with a lid or cookie sheet instead of trying to put it out with water. Have a fire extinguisher handy. Keep the kitchen clear of combustibles, people and pets. Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Can a turkey fryer cause a fire?
Holiday cooks should carefully use a turkey fryer because turkey fryer accidents have the potential to cause a fire and serious injury. Each year these deep fryers on average cause 60 injuries, 5 deaths and over $15 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Never leave fryers unattended.
Should you deep fry a Turkey?
Nowadays, those holiday recipes and traditions might include deep-frying a turkey because of the flavor and juiciness. Holiday cooks should carefully use a turkey fryer because turkey fryer accidents have the potential to cause a fire and serious injury.
How do you cook a Turkey in a fryer?
Consider using a fryer with temperature controls. Continuously check the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, TURN OFF THE FRYER. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner back on.
Can you use a hose on a turkey fryer fire?
NEVER use a water or garden hose on a fire related to turkey fryers. Remember: a turkey fryer fire is a grease fire and water can cause grease/oil to spread. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Once finished, turn off the burner and carefully remove the pot.