Outdoor Fryer Safety
Don’t Be a Turkey, Fry Smarter
Outdoor frying can increase the risk of fire and serious burns because it uses large amounts of hot oil and open flames. Follow these fryer-specific safety steps to reduce risk and help protect your home and guests.
Preparation Makes the Difference
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and free of ice or frost before frying.
A frozen or partially frozen turkey, meat or water can cause hot oil to splatter and overflow. - Use turkey fryers outdoors only.
- Keep the fryer at least 10 feet away from your home.
Place cooking equipment well away from your home, deck railings, and out from under eaves or overhanging branches. - Place the fryer on a sturdy, level surface.
Turkey fryers can tip over easily, spilling hot oil over a large area. - Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and free of ice or frost before frying.
A frozen or partially frozen turkey can cause hot oil to splatter and overflow. - Do not overfill the cooking pot. Hot oil can spill when the turkey is lowered into the pot.
- Measure oil levels using water first.
Place the turkey in the empty pot and fill it with water to find the proper level. Remove the turkey, empty the water, and dry the pot completely before adding oil. - Consider using an electric or air fryer as an alternative option.
Cooking With Care
- Do not move the fryer while it is in use.
- Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
- Oil can overheat quickly and ignite if not properly monitored.
- If your fryer does not have a thermostat, use a thermometer clipped to the side of the pot to check the oil temperature.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
- Wear protective oven mitts when handling the fryer.
The pot, lid, and handles become extremely hot.
Quick Emergency Steps That Matter
Quick action can help reduce the severity of injury or damage. Review these steps before cooking with hot oil.
If There Is an Oil Fire
- Do not use water. Pouring water on a grease or oil fire can cause the flames to spread quickly.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat source.
- Use a Class B or multipurpose (ABC) fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the flames.
- If the fire is small and in a pot, you may slide a metal lid over it to smother the flames.
Do not move the pot. - If the fire grows or you feel unsafe, move away and call 911.
If Someone Is Burned
- Cool the burn right away. Run cool (not cold) water over the area for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Remove tight items like rings or watches before swelling begins.
- Do not apply butter, grease, or ointments to a serious burn.
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage.
- Call 911 for severe burns, large burns, or burns to the face, hands, feet, or joints.