Deep Trouble for Deep-Fried Turkey Fans: How to Avoid Your Thanksgiving Going Up in Flames

Thanksgiving is the one day a year when Americans show their gratitude and collectively indulge themselves in some buttery decadence, complete with the holiday’s symbol, mascot, and main course: the turkey.

Traditionally, that meant a bird in the oven, but over time, viral trends of alternative preparations have taken Thanksgiving by storm. For many, there’s no better way to prepare a turkey than to deep-fry it—a cooking method that promises crispy skin, juicy meat, and, unfortunately, a long list of potential disasters.

While deep-fried turkeys have become a beloved holiday tradition for many, these fried fowl also become a frequent headline-maker each November for all the wrong reasons. Fires, burns, explosions, and property damage are all too common outcomes when things go wrong. 

So before you lower that 20-pound bird into a vat of boiling oil, let’s talk about the dangers of deep-frying turkeys and how to stay safe this Thanksgiving.

The Great Turkey Fire Epidemic

Every year, fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of “turkey fryer fires” (try and say that three times fast). In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that Thanksgiving Day sees more than three times the average number of cooking-related fires. And turkey fryers are a top culprit.

The reason? When a partially frozen or wet turkey meets scalding-hot oil, the moisture turns instantly to steam, rapidly expanding and causing oil to bubble over. Once that oil hits the flame—poof—your backyard suddenly looks like a scene from a disaster movie.

Even worse, these fires can spread fast. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) notes that turkey fryer fires cause millions of dollars in property damage every year, along with serious injuries and even fatalities.

In short, deep-frying a turkey can deliver the perfect crispy skin, but it can also torch your garage.

The Burn Factor

It’s not just fires that make turkey fryers dangerous. The oil itself, typically heated to around 350°F, can cause severe burns within seconds. A simple slip, splash, or misjudged lowering technique can lead to life-changing injuries.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, hundreds of Americans are treated in emergency rooms each Thanksgiving for burns related to deep-frying turkeys. Many of these injuries involve second- and third-degree burns to the hands, arms, and face.

Even when the fryer is turned off, the oil can remain dangerously hot for hours. One distracted guest, one playful dog, or one curious kid could easily lead to a serious accident.

So if you’re deep-frying, remember: this is not a group activity. Keep spectators (and pets) far away from the fryer area. You want applause when you reveal the turkey, not panic when the fire extinguisher comes out.

The Science of “Don’t Do That”

Many deep-frying disasters boil down (literally) to simple physics. Here’s a quick refresher:

• Oil expands when heated. Overfilling the pot is a surefire way to cause overflow and fire.
• Water and oil don’t mix. Any moisture on or inside the turkey instantly turns to steam, forcing oil out of the pot.
• Frozen turkeys are especially dangerous. Ice rapidly vaporizes when submerged in oil, sending hot grease everywhere.

If that sounds like a lab experiment gone wrong, it kind of is. And unlike in science class, there’s no safety shower in the backyard.

Staying Safe (and Sane) This Thanksgiving

If you’re committed to deep-frying your turkey, first of all, really? But if you must, there are a few safety tips to keep your day filled with gratitude rather than chaos:

1. Fry outside, on level ground, away from buildings and flammable materials. Your driveway, not your deck.
2. Completely thaw and dry the turkey before lowering it into the oil.
3. Turn off the burner before adding the bird, then relight once the turkey is safely submerged.
4. Wear heat-resistant gloves and keep a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires nearby.
5. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. It will only make it worse.
6. Don’t leave the fryer unattended. Ever. Even for pie.
    

And if all of that sounds like a bit too much stress for one meal, there’s no shame in outsourcing. Ovens, air fryers, and professional catering services have yet to cause a backyard inferno.

When Accidents Happen, We’re Here to Help

At Morgan & Morgan, we know that even when you take every precaution, accidents can still happen. Deep fryer explosions, burns, or property damage can have devastating consequences for you and your family.

If you or a loved one is injured due to a defective fryer, a neighbor’s negligence, or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Our attorneys have handled countless personal injury and product liability cases, and we’re proud to stand up for people when things go wrong, especially when those “things” involve 10 gallons of boiling oil. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

So this Thanksgiving, keep safety at the top of your menu. Whether your bird comes out of the oven or the fryer, your health and happiness are worth far more than a crispier crust.

From all of us at Morgan & Morgan, have a safe and satisfying season!