Ferrellgas and Blue Rhino Suggest Safe Turkey Frying Tips for the Holidays

Frying a turkey for the holidays can result in a delicious, juicy, flavorful main dish. But there are some things to consider before you dive in and cook that bird.

First, always fully read the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your turkey fryer. Familiarize yourself with things like how to properly set it up, how to control the heat, and how to shut it off. Inspect all the parts for any signs of damage before hooking up your propane tank.

Be sure to choose a safe location to set up your turkey fryer. You’ll want to pick an outdoor spot that is 10 feet away from any structure, including your home or sheds on your property. In addition, you’ll need to set up the fryer on a flat, level surface away from any combustible materials like dry leaves, trees, or fences. Remember, choosing the proper location minimizes risk.

You’ll want to be sure you have everything you need before you begin the cooking process. That includes heat-resistant gloves, peanut oil, a turkey, your preferred seasonings, a fire extinguisher, a Blue Rhino propane tank, a probe thermometer, a grill or candle lighter, and leak detector spray.

Once you have hooked your propane tank up to the turkey fryer per the manufacturer’s instructions, turn the valve on the tank to the “open” position, then spray leak detector spray on any fittings and hoses that run from the tank to the turkey fryer. If you see any bubbles, it’s a sign there’s a leak. In that case, shut off the gas immediately and make plans to cook your turkey in a different way, such as in the oven or on the grill. It is never safe to use a cooking apparatus that has a propane leak. If you don’t have leak detector spray, you can also use a soap and water mixture. Click here to see how it works.

If you don’t see any bubbles during your leak test, turn off the gas. It’s time to measure how much oil you’ll need! Remove the big silver cooking pot from the turkey fryer and set it on a flat, level surface. Double-check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how to properly measure the amount of oil you’ll need. You don’t want to overfill the cooking pot. Always be sure you have 3-4 inches of clearance from the top of the liquid to the top edge of the pot when the turkey is submerged. This will minimize your risk of the oil boiling over.  

Once you’ve determined how much oil you’ll need, set your turkey aside on a pan or in a heat-safe bin. Fill your cooking pot with the proper amount of oil and place it securely on the fryer’s base. Be careful not to spill any and wipe off any drips of oil that may have gotten on the outside of the cooking pot. Turn the propane back on and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to light your turkey fryer. Using your probe thermometer, allow the oil to come up to temperature, 325 degrees. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on how cold it is outside. Do not cover the pot with the turkey fryer lid.

While the oil is heating up, pat your turkey dry of any excess moisture. Now is a great time to add any dry rub or seasoning to the outside of the turkey. Do not add stuffing, dressing, vegetables, or herbs to the bird’s cavity. You want to fry your turkey by itself with nothing else in the pot.

Once the oil is up to temperature, put your heat-resistant gloves back on and use the hook apparatus to carry your turkey over to the fryer. Slowly lower the turkey into the oil. As soon as the raw turkey hits the oil, it will begin to bubble, hiss, and pop. As this happens, take the turkey back out, then slowly lower it back in again an inch or two deeper than before. Repeat this process until the bird is fully submerged and sitting in the oil. Why is this gradual introduction to the oil important? If you submerge the entire turkey all at once, the oil in the pot may bubble over, hit the turkey fryer’s flames, and cause a fire. By slowly introducing the bird into the oil, you can control how much the oil bubbles up, reducing the risk of it boiling over. Be sure to leave the turkey fryer uncovered. Do not put the lid on the turkey fryer while your turkey is cooking.

Now it’s time to wait for your turkey to cook and monitor your turkey fryer! Never leave your turkey fryer unattended. You’ll want to cook your turkey for 3-4 minutes per pound, or until its internal temperature reaches 165-170 degrees. Once the turkey is fully cooked, follow your manufacturer’s instructions to turn off the turkey fryer. Then, turn off the propane and wait for the cooking flame to disappear. Once it is out, use the hook apparatus to slowly remove your turkey from the fryer. Transfer it to a pan or another heat-safe container to rest until it’s time to serve it.

When it comes to cleaning up, allow the oil to cool, then set the cooking pot aside. Double check that all the valves are off, including the one on your propane tank. Disconnect all the turkey fryer parts and clean them, if necessary, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Propane tanks should be fully turned off and stored outside on a level surface at least 10 feet away from any structure or flammable materials.

How you dispose of your cooking oil may depend on where you live. Some cities have ordinances with instructions on the proper way to get rid of it. However, many municipalities simply advise that used cooking oil should be disposed of in the trash. Simply use a funnel to pour it into an empty plastic milk jug or an empty plastic laundry detergent bottle, secure the cap, and throw it out. Some recycling centers also accept used cooking oil. You can also check with local restaurants to see how they dispose of their cooking oil or grease. Some will be willing to properly dispose of it for you. You should never dump used cooking oil or grease down the drain or into the sewer, as doing so may clog your pipes or harm the environment.  

Following these simple steps will help you fry your holiday turkey safely and minimize your fire risk. However, if you do accidentally start a fire, the first thing you should do is turn off the propane tank if it’s safe to do so. That should extinguish it. If the fire continues to burn, grab your fire extinguisher and aim it at the base of the flames. Always call the fire department or 9-1-1 if the fire continues to burn, starts to spread, or if you need help in any way. Remember, your safety is the most important thing.

Want to check out some more safety tips for turkey frying? Click here to visit Blue Rhino’s website. And for more Thanksgiving safety information, click here to visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website.

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