The reason frozen turkeys explode, at its core, has to do with differences in density. There is a difference in density between oil and water and differences in the density of water between its solid, liquid and gas states. When these density differences interact in just the right way, you get an explosion.
Why You Should not deep fry a turkey?
The Cosumnes Fire Department warns that cooking with deep fat turkey fryers can be very dangerous as they have a high risk of tipping over, overheating, spilling hot oil, and could lead to fires, burns, or other injuries. If a turkey fryer fire occurs, call 911 immediately.
What causes turkey to catch on fire?
Often people fill the fryer too high and the scorching oil can splash and/or overflow when the turkey is dipped into it. As seen in this video, the over-flow of oil causes the fryer to immediately ignite! In addition to the danger of splashes and over-flows, these scientist also show how easily these devices tip over.
What causes deep fryer fires?
Many units easily tip over, spilling the five gallons of hot oil within the cooking pot. If the cooking pot is overfilled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames causing a fire to engulf the entire unit.
Why did my frying oil explode?
If you add too much to the pot at once, the volume of bubbles could cause the oil to rise up and over the sides of the pot—THIS IS NOT GOOD. So never fill the pot more than two-thirds full with oil to account for displacement and bubble action.
Can a deep fried turkey explode?
If you are considering deep-frying this year, do not forget to thaw and dry your turkey before placing it in the pot. Failure to do so may lead to an explosive disaster.
Is 3 gallons of oil enough to fry a turkey?
The turkey fryer pot included in most turkey fryer kits will have a max fill line, so you can use the line to determine how much oil to add. You’ll need enough oil to cover your entire turkey, but not so much that it spills over. A general guideline is to use 3 gallons of oil for a 30 qt.
How do you keep a turkey from deep-frying in the fire?
If you go the deep-fried route, follow these tips, courtesy of FEMA.
- Head Outside.
- Don’t Get Distracted.
- Don’t Overfill the Pot with Oil.
- Thaw the Turkey Completely Before Frying.
- Keep an Eye on the Temperature.
- Protect Yourself.
- Keep Combustibles Away.
- Be Prepared.
How many fires are caused by deep-frying turkeys?
Each year, fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires related to deep fryers. Those fires cause serious burn injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.
How do you prevent turkey fires?
Putting Out a Turkey Fryer Fire (And How to Prevent One From Happening)
- Thaw turkey BEFORE putting into the fryer.
- Use turkey fryer outdoors, a safe distance from buildings.
- Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.
- Make sure fryer is on a flat surface to avoid spilling hot oil.
- Never leave fryer unattended.
What if it rains while frying a turkey?
Because fryers are designed for the outdoors (don’t even think about deep-frying a turkey inside), it’s exposed to the elements—rain or snow falling into the oil can create splatter and excruciatingly hot steam.
What temp does oil have to be for turkey?
When cooking turkey parts, oil temperature should be 325° F; may take 4 to 5 minutes per pound to reach the recommended temperatures (dark meat to an internal temperature of 175° F to 180° F, and white meat to an internal temperature of 165° F to 170° F). You’ll need 2.5-3 gallons of oil.
What do you do when a fryer is on fire?
Fire blanket or lid
If you discover the fire quickly, you can cover it with a lid or fire blanket to smother the flames. You should also be aware that hot oil can re-ignite, even if you think you have extinguished the fire.
How do you keep oil from foaming when frying?
Blanch high-moisture and long-cooking items such as french fries at a lower temperature first and crisp in a hotter fryer to finish. Avoid heating the oil to excess (ideally below 375 degrees Fahrenheit). Skim out any particles left behind between baskets. Filter often.
What happens when cooking oil gets too hot?
When heated repeatedly, changes in physical appearance of the oil will occur such as increased viscosity and darkening in colour [1], which may alter the fatty acid composition of the oil. Heating causes the oil to undergo a series of chemical reactions like oxidation, hydrolysis and polymerization [2].
How long does it take to deep fry 14 pound turkey?
Fry Until the Turkey Reaches 165°F
A deep-fried turkey typically requires 3 1/2 minutes per pound, so a 12- to 14-pound bird will take 40 to 50 minutes to reach 165°F. When checking the bird’s internal temperature, use the hook that attaches to the poultry rack to slowly lift the turkey from the oil.
What happens when you put a frozen turkey in oil?
So when the ice in a frozen turkey comes in contact with the hot oil, the surface ice quickly turns to steam. This quick transition is not a problem when it happens at the very surface of the oil. The steam escapes harmlessly into the air.
How long does it take to deep fry a turkey?
Deep-fried turkey cooks very quickly: About 35 to 45 minutes (or three to four minutes per pound). Set a timer accordingly, and carefully lift the turkey out of the oil when it goes off. Take the temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer. The deepest part of the thigh should register 170°F to 175°F.
Can you reuse oil after frying turkey?
A.: You can reuse oil from deep-frying a turkey, provided it was properly stored. According to the National Turkey Federation, after frying, the oil needs to be strained, filtered and cooled. Then put it in a covered container and refrigerate or freeze it so that it won’t go rancid.
Can I reuse peanut oil after frying a turkey?
Don’t let that deter you because you can reuse oil for frying. Under normal conditions, oil can be heated for up to six hours. A deep-fried turkey can cook in under an hour (three minutes per pound) so you can fry six items on six different occasions with a single batch of oil.
What do you do with the oil after frying a turkey?
Trash It
- Allow the oil to cool down post-meal.
- Then, pour it into an unbreakable, sealable container.
- Seal the lid tightly and throw it away with the rest of your trash.
- A post-cooking oil disposal dance is optional.
Is there a safe way to deep fry a turkey?
Stay Away from The House – Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended. Find Flat Ground – The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
How many people have died from frying a turkey?
U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires involving deep fryers each year, resulting in an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes and more than $15 million in property damage, according to the NFPA.
How many people get injured from deep frying a turkey?
Thanksgiving and turkeys go hand-in-hand for many people throughout the U.S., but with that comes many dangers. Every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for 5 deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Can you deep fry outside in winter?
Most people fry in the kitchen, but you can also choose to use the deep fryer outside. There are a number of things that you have to take into account, both inside and outside.
Can you deep fry a turkey in light rain?
Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow. Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it’s in use.
How do you get water out of frying oil?
Oil and water do not mix and oil floats on water, so any water will pool on the bottom at the lowest part of the fryer. You can use a turkey baster to remove and water from the bottom, just squeeze the baster out, stick it down to the bottom, then suck whatever is there up and squeeze it out into a different container.
How do you check if a deep fried turkey is done?
The turkey must be checked for proper doneness using a meat thermometer. The breast should reach 170°F and the thigh should reach 180°F. If the turkey is not done, return it to the hot oil and cook it for an additional 5 minutes.
When should you inject a turkey before frying?
Traditionally, a fried turkey is injected with a marinade before it’s cooked; how long before cooking is a subject of debate. You can inject the turkey anywhere from 24 hours to 5 minutes before frying. We had good results injecting two hours before frying.
Do you fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
Heat oil in pot (allow enough room in pot for turkey to be placed, too much oil will cause overflow), bring oil to at least 375 degrees F. Placement of turkey will bring temperature down and you will want to keep temperature at 325 degrees F. while cooking.
What is the fire triangle?
Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the “fire triangle.” Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire “tetrahedron.” The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.
Why should you not pour water on a fire in a chip pan or deep fat fryer?
If you do have a chip pan fire:
Have a clear escape route. Never move the pan. Turn off the heat (if its safe to do so) Never use water on chip pan fires, as this will cause a fireball.
What is a flue on a fryer?
What is the flue? The flue is an integral part of your kitchen that removes the hot exhaust gases that are created when you cook.
Does salt prevent grease from popping?
Sprinkle a bit of flour or salt in the hot oil when it starts to bubble. These two ingredients will absorb moisture from food, preventing splashing. Do not pour too much, just a little will do and you will see… oil splattering will end!
Does salt keep oil from splattering?
After pouring oil into your pan, sprinkle a few pinches of salt on top. The salt helps prevent the oil from spraying around as you cook. Salt soaks up some of the moisture in your food, which helps prevent oil splatter. You can also use flour for this!
Which oil is best for deep-frying?
Canola Oil: The Best Oil for Deep-Frying
And because it is neutral in flavor, it won’t impart any additional flavors to your food. Which means that by any measure, whether it’s smoke point, health or cost, canola oil is the best oil for deep-frying.
What kind of cooking oil does Mcdonald’s use?
Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them.
What kind of oil is best for frying?
So what is the best oil for frying? The answer is simple: If you’re frying at home, you’ll probably want to use vegetable oil. While vegetable oil is a term that can be applied to any plant-based oil, what we’re talking about are the bottles that spell out “vegetable oil” on the label.
How many times can you reuse cooking oil for deep frying?
Our recommendation: With breaded and battered foods, reuse oil three or four times. With cleaner-frying items such as potato chips, it’s fine to reuse oil at least eight times—and likely far longer, especially if you’re replenishing it with some fresh oil.
How do you know when oil is hot enough to fry?
Finding the Oil Temperature
The easiest and safest method is to stick the end of a wooden spoon into the oil. If you see many bubbles form around the wood and they start to float up, your oil is ready for frying. If it is bubbling hard, the oil is too hot; let it cool a bit and check the temperature again.
Which oil is best for high heat cooking?
What Are the Best Oils for High-Heat Cooking? The best oils for standing up to high heat during frying are avocado, peanut, canola, sunflower, and sesame oil. These oils have a high smoke point (400°F and higher), which means they are better suited for cooking at higher temperatures.
Do you have to use peanut oil to fry a turkey?
When deep frying a turkey, you can use any cooking oil(opens in a new tab) that has a smoke point above 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Corn oil works well because it doesn’t smoke until 440 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use peanut oil for deep frying?
Peanut oil, also known as groundnut oil, has a high smoke point of about 446°F (230°C). It’s popular for deep frying because it has a neutral taste ( 10 ).
Why you shouldn’t fry a frozen turkey?
The reason is relatively simple science: The water from the frozen turkey will sink to the bottom of the fryer (because it’s denser than water) which then in turn will try to escape as steam.
Do you deep fry a turkey frozen or thawed?
Safety Tip: Never fry a frozen turkey, which can cause the hot oil to boil over, potentially leading to injury and fires. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before frying.
What happens when you put ice in deep fryer?
When you add ice to a deep fryer, it reacts with the oil because the temperature levels are so different. The ice quickly changes from frozen to liquid to gas, causing a powerful reaction. Additionally, oil and water do not mix, so the oil rapidly expels the water molecules.
Can you brine and inject a turkey before deep frying?
Yes you can just brine, dry rub, inject AND OR deep fry this recipe. You’ll find any of all options or one way wonderful.
How much oil do I need to deep-fry a 20 pound turkey?
For medium size turkeys around 12-14 pounds, use 4-5 gallons of oil. For larger turkeys up to 22 pounds, use 5-6 gallons of oil.
How long does a 12 pound turkey take to fry?
Most 12-14 pound turkeys will cook in 30-45 minutes. (With turkeys larger than 14 pounds, you run the risk of overcooking the outer parts of the meat while you wait for the inner meat to reach pull temperature.)
What temperature do you DeeP-fry a turkey at?
When cooking turkey parts, oil temperature should be 325° F; may take 4 to 5 minutes per pound to reach the recommended temperatures (dark meat to an internal temperature of 175° F to 180° F, and white meat to an internal temperature of 165° F to 170° F). You’ll need 2.5-3 gallons of oil.
How long is oil good after frying a turkey?
Used oil can be successfully stored in a cool, dark place for up to a month in a clean, airtight container. Refrigeration or freezing increases the oil’s lifespan by several months. However, do not use the oil for longer than 6 months. DO NOT STORe THe OIL IN THe DeeP fRYeR.
How long do you fry a 15 pound turkey?
Once the temperature of the oil has reached 350°F (180°C), slowly and gently lower the turkey into the oil. SLOWLY AND GENTLY. Fry the turkey for 3 minutes per pound (455 grams). For a 15 lb (6.8 kg) turkey, this will take 45 minutes.
How many gallons of oil does it take to fry a turkey?
Place the pot on the burner and clip the deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot. Fill the pot with peanut or canola oil up to the mark you made earlier—you’ll need 4 to 5 gallons to fry a 12- to 14-pound turkey in a 30-quart pot.
How long does it take to get peanut oil to 350?
Depending on the outside air temp and wind, it will take 20-30 minutes to heat the oil. Heat the oil to exactly 350° F. Any hotter will leave you with burnt oil, which will affect the taste of the meat.
How many times can you use peanut oil in a deep fryer?
How Long Does Peanut Oil Stay Good For Deep Frying. When you are using peanut oil to cook food in fryolators, it is best to only use it only three to four times.
Can you reuse Deep Fried Turkey oil?
A.: You can reuse oil from deep-frying a turkey, provided it was properly stored. According to the National Turkey Federation, after frying, the oil needs to be strained, filtered and cooled. Then put it in a covered container and refrigerate or freeze it so that it won’t go rancid.
How many times can you reuse peanut oil to fry a turkey?
Peanut oil can usually be used three or four times to fry turkeys before it shows signs of going bad, according to the Texas Peanut Producers Board via The National Turkey Federation. Watch for foaming, darkening or smoking excessively — these are all signs that your oil has gone rancid and needs to be discarded.