How dangerous is it to deep fry a turkey for thanksgiving?

Question

Is it dangerous to deep fry a turkey for thanksgiving or any other time? Would I have to deep fry it outside or inside? Any other details would be highly appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

OUTSIDE! Use a deep fryer and make sure to leave enough room for the turkey after you heat the oil. Most problems arise after the oil is hot, the fryer is full of oil and there is no room for the turkey. People then drop the turkey in the fryer, the oil overflows into the burners, catching fire and all hell breaks loose. It's a great way to cook a bird, just follow the directions on the deep fryer and don't overfill with oil.

Answer 2

The oil used to fry the turkey must be heated to 350 degrees. This is very hot and can catch your house on fire. You MUST fry your turkey outside. Cook it 3 1/2 to 4 minutes per pound.

Be careful when lowering the turkey into the hot oil. Go slowly so you do not splash the oil onto the ground or anything that may catch fire. Take equal caution when removing the turkey as to not tip the turkey frying pot over.

For more information about turkey frying, check out this video:
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Answer 3

There are lots of dangers...

You'll want to fry outside, far from anything flammable...
You'll want to not wear loose clothing, especially on your sleeves.
You'll want to keep kids far away from the vat of hot oil.

You'll want to be sure ahead of time that you have the correct kitchen tools to move the turkey when you need to...have a decent table set up to put the turkey temporarily after taking the bird out of the grease.

Just go over it in your head, and think ahead about what you will need. Once you have a bird that is well-cooked, and need to move it, it is hard to do if you don't have everything set up well in advance.

Contrary to what other people say, Fried turkey is great.

Answer 4

Deep fried turkeys are delicious. But yes outdoors!!!

The Fire Department wants you and your family to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Just follow these simple cooking and safety rules:

Deep Fried Turkey Cooking Tips:


Follow your fryer’s instructions.
Only deep fry smaller turkeys-up to 12 pounds.
Use oils with high smoke points such as peanut, canola and safflower. Peanut oil adds flavor, but it can be a concern if guests have peanut allergies.
To determine how much oil you’ll need, put the turkey in the basket and place in the pot. Add water until it reaches one to two inches above the turkey. Lift the turkey out, and use a ruler to measure the distance from the water to the top of the fryer. Pour out the water and dry the fryer completely.
Remember that it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to heat the oil, depending on the outside temp. wind and weather.
Before frying, pat the turkey dry with paper towels to keep the hot oil from spattering and popping.
Slowly lower the turkey into the oil, and maintain an oil temp of 350ºF. Fry turkey for three to four minutes per pound or about 35 to 42 minutes for a 10- to 12-pound turkey.

Safety Tips:

Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn.
Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot, hours after 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.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to 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.
Keep an all-purpose 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 9-1-1 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.

Answer 5

It is not dangerous if you use some precaution. First set up your fryer away from the house to avoid catching it on fire! Then carefully read and follow the directions that came with your fryer. You should be fine. People deep-fry turkey all the time.

Answer 6

It's really very easy to do. Outside only, though. Just buy one of the kits and follow directions. Turkey should only be 10-12 lbs. Heat peanut oil to 375 and fry approx. 3 minutes per pound. This is my favorite way to eat turkey! We do the whole Mexican food thing with them, and have turkey tacos!

Answer 7

definately outside some distance away. check cautions and warnings in the instructions. most fires caused by deep-frying turkeys happened because they did it inside the house or too close to the house.

Answer 8

You definitely want to deep fry outside. Make sure you are out in the open and not on a deck. Cement ground, not wood or grass because spatter could occur and it could catch on fire The grass may leave a big black spot. Take a look at these links below. They should help.

Answer 9

Fill the fryer with WATER and then put the turkey in. That way you can tell how much oil to use. Other than that all the other suggestions, away from the house/loose clothing/etc., are very good.

Answer 10

I would get a turkey deepfryer....my motherinlaw does this every year, she does it outside away from the crowd. It taste so good.....just have to be careful like you would deep frying anything