Turkey fryer safety tips
Deep-frying a turkey takes extra care because hot oil and an open flame can create fire and burn hazards. Before you cook, fully thaw and dry the turkey, set up the fryer outdoors on a stable surface away from your home and keep appropriate fire safety equipment nearby.
How to prepare a turkey fryer safely
Consider these safety steps before you heat the oil:
- Use the fryer outdoors: Place it on a sturdy, level, noncombustible surface away from your home, garage, deck, trees and anything else that could catch fire.
- Keep children and pets away: Create a clear safety zone around the fryer so they can’t get close to the hot equipment or oil.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions: Follow the recommended turkey size, oil level and operating directions for your fryer.
- Don’t overfill the fryer: Too much oil can spill over when the turkey is lowered into the pot and may ignite if it reaches the burner.
- Fully thaw and dry the turkey: Ice or water coming into contact with hot cooking oil can cause dangerous splattering and flare-ups.
- Don’t stuff the turkey: Cook stuffing separately rather than placing a stuffed bird in the fryer.
- Check the weather: Avoid using an outdoor turkey fryer in rain or snow.
How to deep fry a turkey safely
Once the oil is hot, stay with the fryer throughout the cooking process and keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t leave the fryer unattended: Keep it where you can see it while the oil is heating and the turkey is cooking.
- Monitor the oil temperature: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and operating instructions. If the oil begins to smoke, turn off the heat.
- Lower the turkey carefully: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding the turkey to the hot oil. If directed, turn off the burner before slowly lowering the turkey, then restart it once the turkey is securely positioned.
- Use protective gear: Oven mitts or other protective cooking gear can help protect your hands and arms from hot surfaces and splattering oil.
- Don’t move the fryer while it’s in use: Hot oil can spill if the equipment tips or shifts.
What should you do if a turkey fryer catches fire?
Don’t pour water on a turkey fryer or grease fire. Water can cause hot oil and flames to spread.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it before cooking. If a fire can’t be safely controlled, move away from the area, keep others at a safe distance and call 911.
Let turkey fryer oil cool before handling it
When cooking is complete, turn off the fryer and follow the manufacturer’s directions for safely removing the turkey.
Leave the fryer in a secure location where children and pets can’t reach it while the equipment and oil cool. Wait until the oil has cooled completely before moving, storing or disposing of it.
Consider an alternative to an oil turkey fryer
If you’d rather skip a large pot of hot cooking oil, consider an electric, infrared or air-fryer-style turkey cooker designed for that purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions for whichever appliance you use.
A little preparation can help make holiday cooking safer. For more ways to get ready for holiday gatherings, explore our holiday safety and home fire prevention tips.
This content was developed with the help of AI and reviewed by State Farm editors.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
