How can I deep-fry my turkey and stay safe?

Deep-frying a turkey is an increasingly popular method of cooking the holiday bird, but it comes with many hazards to its preparers.

To make sure your Thanksgiving is accident-free, it is important to follow several safety tips. Joseph Turkowski, MD, Director of the Regional Burn Center at Westchester Medical Center, stresses that “the turkey must be completely defrosted before being fried in the boiling oil. Placing a frozen turkey into the oil can lead to dangerous oil splatters that can cause serious burns to people standing near the fryer.” The deep fryer itself can prove to be a sizable risk as it is filled with boiling oil and can reach temperatures of 300 degrees. To reduce injury, always practice caution and keep children and pets away; use fryers outdoors in a well-ventilated area and away from buildings and flammable material; manage the temperature and never leave the fryer unattended. And, before you fry, be certain that you understand how to operate the fryer.

For more about Westchester Medical Center’s state-of-the-art Burn Center, go to: https://www.westchestermedicalcenter.com/trauma-and-burn