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Once you fry, you’ll never go back.
We’re talking turkey, of course, since Thanksgiving is here. However, if you were planning to deep-fry a Butterball bird, you might want to pivot.
Allegations of abuse have resurfaced against the turkey producer, prompting some eaters to boycott these fowl this season, according to reports.
But if you’ve determined your gobbler was treated humanely enough and are ready to dive into the process, keep in mind that deep-frying, while supremely delicious, does pose a few risks to the home.
Fire is the concern here, along with serious burns—and it’s not just an issue at Thanksgiving.
Dried-out Christmas trees, lit candles during Hanukkah, and greasy ovens at any time of year can all lead to a possible flare-up in the home.
Your best bet? Learn the following do’s and don’ts before you heat up that massive vat of oil. Here’s to safe cooking at home and a joyful Thanksgiving!
Do deep-fry outside
It’s one thing to sauté mushrooms or shallow-fry chicken thighs in the kitchen. But it’s quite another to attempt to heat several gallons of oil on your stovetop and then plunge a big, raw bird into it.
Truth: Deep-frying a turkey inside is not recommended, period.
Carolin Fuller, camping and outdoors expert and director of partnerships at Campspot, is a big fan of cooking in nature. However, she urges homeowners to be prepared before deep-frying anything.
“Always make sure you’re frying outside on a flat, fireproof surface, away from structures or flammable materials,” she says.
Wayne Robenolt, volunteer firefighter and public safety director of the Barrington Town Council in Barrington, NJ, also urges people to deep-fry only on grass, not on decks, front porches, or near cars.
In other words: Safety first!
Don’t walk away
It’s the golden rule of cooking while camping, says Fuller, though it applies to any situation where flames are present (toasting marshmallows by the fire pit, enjoying a lit fireplace).
Don’t walk away from your deep fryer.
“Never leave your setup unattended,” she says.
The reasons are many: The cooker could tip over, something could drop into the oil when you’re not looking (leaves, a branch), or the very hot contents could bubble over, which is a huge burn risk to both people and your home.
Do keep an extinguisher handy
Both Robenolt and Fuller say the right safety gear is critical.
You’ll need a fire extinguisher close by or a “foldable fire blanket or both,” Fuller says. She also recommends a long-handled thermometer to check the oil’s temperature.
It’s best if the oil you’re using keeps to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even and safe cooking.
Don’t deep-fry a wet bird
You know from high school chemistry that oil and water don’t mix — and this truism is also vital to remember when you’re deep-frying anything.
“Always dry your thawed turkey completely before lowering it slowly into hot oil to avoid splatters,” says Fuller.
If any water hits the oil when you’re cooking, it can burn people nearby, adds Robenolt.
Do corral kids (and pets)
As you would when cooking inside, don’t allow your dog, cat, or toddler to wander anywhere near a deep fryer outside. Children and pets are unpredictable and might swat or knock over the container or want to touch it, partly because it’s a new and different thing, and the meat likely smells very good to your puppy.
Don’t store propane inside
If your portable deep fryer is powered by propane, it’s very important to store the tanks properly, which means outdoors, not in direct heat of any kind, and away from the home (at least 10 feet).
