The Top 7 Tips You Must Know Before Frying a Turkey This Thanksgiving

Fried turkey has become a Thanksgiving favorite for families who crave that crispy, golden skin and juicy flavor. But if you’re planning to fry your bird this year, preparation and safety are everything. Before you fire up the burner, check out the Top 7 Tips You must know to keep your feast safe, delicious, and stress-free.

And don’t forget—Manning’s Feed and Seed in Milton and Pace is your go-to stop for propane refills and our popular Propane Filler Program to keep you fueled all season long!

1. Choose a Safe Outdoor Setup

Turkey fryers belong outdoors on a flat, sturdy surface like concrete or gravel. Keep the fryer at least 10 feet from your home, vehicles, and anything overhead. Never fry inside a garage, on a porch, or near anything flammable.

2. Thaw Your Turkey Completely

A frozen or partially frozen turkey can cause dangerous oil splatter and even fires. Thaw your turkey entirely—often several days in the fridge—and pat it dry inside and out before placing it in the fryer.

3. Measure Your Oil Ahead of Time

To avoid overflow, test your oil level before adding heat. Place your turkey in the pot, fill it with water until fully covered, remove the turkey, then mark the waterline. That mark tells you exactly how much oil to use. Dry the pot completely before filling it with oil.

4. Gear Up with Proper Safety Equipment

Thick, heat-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and a grease-rated fire extinguisher (Class K) are must-haves. Never try to put out a grease fire with water—always use the proper extinguisher or shut off the heat source.

5. Keep Oil Temperature Steady

Aim for 350°F and monitor regularly with a thermometer. Overheated oil can ignite, and unattended fryers are one of the biggest causes of accidents. Stay close and keep watch throughout the entire cooking process.

6. Lower the Turkey Slowly and Carefully

When it’s time to fry, turn off your burner and gently lower the turkey into the oil to reduce splashing. Once submerged, reignite the burner. Slow and steady is the safest way to avoid dangerous flare-ups.

7. Cook to the Right Internal Temperature

Fry for about 3–4 minutes per pound but always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Look for 165°F in the breast and thigh. After frying, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to lock in juices.

Keep the Oil Hot—Not Your Temper: We’ve Got the Propane!

Running out of propane in the middle of frying is a Thanksgiving nightmare. Manning’s Feed and Seed offers quick and easy propane tank refills so you’re fully prepared before the feast begins.

Join Our Propane Filler Program & Earn Free Refills

We love rewarding our loyal customers! With the Manning’s Feed and Seed Propane Filler Program, every time you refill your propane tank with us, it counts toward a reward. After eight refills, your ninth one is FREE.

Perfect for turkey frying, backyard grilling, and all your seasonal heating needs.

Happy Thanksgiving from Manning’s Feed and Seed!

With the right preparation, frying a turkey can be one of the most memorable—and delicious—parts of your holiday celebration. Follow these seven essential tips for a safe and successful fry, and stop by Manning’s Feed and Seed for all your propane needs.

Wishing you a safe, warm, and flavor-packed Thanksgiving!