Learn what to do and what not to do when frying turkey at home on Thanksgiving

Once you’ve fried, you’ll never go back.

We’re talking about turkey, of course, because Thanksgiving is just around the corner. However, if you’re planning on deep-frying a Butterball bird, you may want to switch things up.

Allegations of abuse against the turkey producer have reportedly resurfaced, prompting some eaters to boycott the poultry this season.

However, if you have decided that your gobbler has been treated humanely enough and you are ready to embark on the process, remember that while deep-frying is extremely tasty, it also poses some risks to the household.

Fire is the problem here, along with severe burns – and it’s not just a problem on Thanksgiving.

Dried out Christmas trees, burning candles during Hanukkah, and greasy stoves at any time of year can lead to a possible fire outbreak in the home.

Your best choice? Before heating the giant vat of oil, learn the following rules of conduct. Here’s to safe cooking at home and a happy Thanksgiving!

Fry outside

It’s one thing to sauté mushrooms or shallow-fry chicken thighs in the kitchen. But it’s quite another to try to heat several quarts of oil on the stove and then dip a large, raw bird into it.

Truth: Frying a turkey indoors is not recommended, period.

Carolin Fuller, camping and outdoor expert and director of partnerships at Campspot, is a big fan of cooking in nature. However, she urges homeowners to be prepared before frying anything.

“Always make sure you’re roasting outside on a flat, fireproof surface, away from structures or combustible materials,” she says.

Wayne Robenolt, volunteer firefighter and public safety director for the Barrington Town Council in Barrington, New Jersey, also urges people to only fry on grass, not on decks, porches or near cars.

In other words: safety comes first!

Don’t go away

It’s the golden rule of cooking while camping, Fuller says, but it applies to any situation where flames are present (roasting marshmallows on the fire pit, enjoying a burning fireplace).

Don’t walk away from your deep fryer.

“Never leave your setup unattended,” she says.

There are many reasons for this: the stove could tip over, something could fall into the oil when you’re not looking (leaves, a branch), or the very hot contents could bubble over, posing a major risk of burns for you and those around you.

Have a fire extinguisher ready

Both Robenolt and Fuller say having the right safety equipment is crucial.

You’ll need a fire extinguisher nearby or a “foldable fire blanket or both,” says Fuller. She also recommends a long-handled thermometer to check the oil temperature.

For even and safe cooking, it’s best if the oil you use is at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not deep fry a wet bird

You know from high school chemistry class that oil and water don’t mix – and you should definitely remember this truism when deep frying.

“Always dry your thawed turkey completely before slowly submerging it in hot oil to avoid splattering,” says Fuller.

If water hits the oil while cooking, it can cause burns to people nearby, Robenolt adds.

Accommodate children (and pets)

Don’t let your dog, cat or toddler near an outdoor deep fryer as you would when cooking indoors. Children and pets are unpredictable and may hit, knock over, or want to touch the container, in part because it is something new and different and the meat probably smells very nice to your pup.

Do not store propane indoors

If your portable deep fryer runs on propane, it is very important to store the tanks properly, that is, outdoors, away from direct heat of any kind, and away from the house (at least 10 feet).