How To Make A Perfect (& Safe!) Deep-Fried Thanksgiving Turkey

For many families, deep frying their Thanksgiving turkey is a favorite holiday tradition – and for good reason! The speed, juiciness, and incredible flavor of a deep-fried turkey make this a hugely popular way to prepare the centerpiece course of an irresistible family feast. 

While we’re all for creating unforgettable family memories, we want to help you make ones you’ll want to remember! Nobody wants to get burned trying out a new recipe, and deep-frying a turkey can be risky even for seasoned pros. So don’t just wing it! Here are our best tips to help make sure your bird comes out perfect without unwanted damage to your home or hands.

Start with a clean, dry, totally defrosted turkey.

We all know oil and water don’t mix, especially when deep-frying! Water or ice in your fryer will cause hot oil to bubble and splatter, potentially causing burns or fire. Skip the stuffing and make sure your turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. If you like to brine your bird, pat it completely dry before it goes in the oil – or consider using a dry rub instead to maximize flavor and keep flare-ups to a minimum.

Choose the perfect spot to fry your turkey.

Because frying carries a risk of fire, it’s best to choose a cooking location at least 10 feet away from your home, deck, or garage and a safe distance from trees or other structures. Your fryer should be on an even surface and steady at all times. Keep children and pets away from your frying location, and keep an eye on the weather. Rain or snow falling in your fryer can cause the fryer to splatter or spill over onto the burner, potentially causing a fire.

Use your fryer safely & be prepared in case of accidents.

Follow your fryer manufacturer’s instructions to avoid overfilling your fryer. Smaller turkeys (8-10 lbs) are ideal, so choose the right size bird for your deep fryer. Turn the fryer off before lowering in your turkey, then turn the fryer back on when you’re sure it’s submerged safely. Never leave the fryer unattended and closely monitor the oil temperature while cooking. If your oil gets too hot and starts smoking, turn the fryer off. Use oven mitts and goggles when frying to protect yourself from splatters or burns. And finally, keep a dry-powder or grease-rated fire extinguisher handy in the event your oil ignites. Never use water or a hose to put out oil fires!

No matter how you prepare your Thanksgiving meal, we hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday! As always, if you have any home, auto, or insurance-related needs, we are always ready to help! Just give us a call and we will be happy to assist.

Happy Thanksgiving from LW Short Insurance!