Video: Watch Thanksgiving Turkey Explode And Tips On How To Avoid ...

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Every year around Thanksgiving, you hear of a turkey exploding in a deep fryer in someone’s backyard. Why does this happen and why are deep fryers still being sold, if it is such a dangerous practice?

The biggest appeal of a deep frying a turkey is time — a turkey cooks faster if it’s deep fried, so the wait time from fryer to table isn’t as long as roasting it. Plus, deep frying seals in moisture, allowing the turkey to be incredibly juicy on the inside, while having the perfect crispiness on the outside. Clean up is a breeze.

Thus, many folks think deep-fried turkey are the juiciest, most delicious turkeys, a vastly superior option, since the white meat is juicier, the dark meat is even more flavorful, and the skin, while not always totally crispy, is never slimy and gross. But if fried carelessly, a deep-fried frozen turkey can explode and cause serious bodily harm and destruction of property.

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Exploding turkeys have 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. See video below.

To decrease your chances of a Thanksgiving disaster, follow these tips, recommended by the fire department, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.):

• Always use a turkey fryer outdoors, away from anything combustible or flammable.
• Never use a turkey fryer in a garage, under a shed or on a wooden deck.
• Always place turkey fryers on a flat surface to reduce the possibility of tipping over.
• Never leave your fryer unattended.
• Never let children or pets near the frying unit.
• Do not overfill the pot. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Be sure your turkey is thoroughly thawed before placing it into the hot oil.
• Use oven mitts to prevent burning your hands.
• Have a portable fire extinguisher handy or ready to use if needed. Dial 911 if there is a fire.
• If the weather is forecasting rain or snow, consider scrapping the entire frying option, as water and hot oil do not mix.
• Finally, the hot oil inside the pot will remain hot for several hours after your turkey has been removed. Continue to follow the tips and recommendations for safe use until the oil has completely cooled.

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