Creating a Thanksgiving meal is traditionally centered on a roasted turkey, but more people are discovering the delicious and unique taste of deep fried turkey. After enjoying the juicy meat, crisp exterior and tasty flavor, many people swear that frying a turkey is the only way to do it right. However, there area a few safety tips that you should follow when frying a turkey as it is a little trickier than putting a turkey in the oven.
Fried turkey is made in a turkey fryer, a metal container filled with heated oil and used to fry the turkey. Safety starts with setting up the turkey fryer. Make sure the fryer is set up outside-never use a turkey fryer indoors. It should be placed away from any structures and low branches. Keep the fryer on dirt or cement; a wooden deck is not a safe place to use a turkey fryer.
Ensure that the turkey fryer is situated on a flat level surface. Since the fryer will be full of hot oil, it's important that the unit is sitting level so the oil and turkey will not cause the fryer to tip over. Keep a fire extinguisher handy whenever you are using a turkey fryer. That way, in case the unexpected happens, you'll be ready.
When it comes time to cook the turkey, make sure the bird is completely thawed. Use oven mitts and an apron when handling the turkey as well as the fryer. Make sure the fryer is filled with the right amount of oil, according to the manufacturer instructions. If you have too much oil, it may spill out when you put the turkey in the fryer.
When the turkey is frying away in the turkey fryer, it's important to attend the fryer at all times. There should never be a moment when the fryer is left unattended. Make sure that children, pets and other adults stand back whenever you are putting in or taking out the turkey as hot oil could splatter and injure someone.
Even when the turkey is finished, make sure that the turkey fryer is safely away from everyone, including pets. The oil takes several hours to cool down and can remain at dangerous temperatures for quite a while.
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