Fried Turkey: Delicious but Dangerous

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Aaron Coleman
  • Grand Forks Air Force Base Fire Department
With Thanksgiving around the corner, ideas of how to make turkeys tender and tasty are on everyone's mind. One way that people found to enhance flavors and keep turkey from being too dry is using a fryer. Unfortunately, a fryer is not the safest choice for cooking a turkey.

According to Grand Forks Air Force Base Instruction 32-2001, Underwriter Laboratories has determined that deep "Turkey Fryers" are too dangerous for their stamp of approval. These devices can be dangerous, but are authorized for use on base provided all the following safety precautions are strictly adhered to:
  • Comply with the manufacturer's instructions.
  • The use of a thermostat to gauge and monitor the temperature of the oil is mandatory; do not allow the temperature to surpass 475 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance of at least 10 feet from buildings, overhangs and combustibles.
  • Do not place turkey fryers on combustible surfaces.
  • Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks, under wooden decks, underneath roof overhangs or inside facilities.
  • Users shall ensure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
  • Fryers shall never be left unattended; they shall be monitored constantly when in use. It takes just minutes for oil to reach flashover and then fire-point temperature (the point at which the oil spontaneously ignites and then becomes self-sustaining).
  • Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use.
  • To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
  • Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
  • Ensure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix; water agitates hot oil and can easily cause it to boil up and spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
  • The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
  • Maintain a serviceable all-purpose ABC-rated or Class K fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 911 for help.
  • Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pots remains dangerously hot, hours after use.
  • Finally, ensure proper disposal of grease.