How to Clean a Turkey Fryer
Fried turkey is a Southern staple that has recently become a national favorite. Turkey fryers are being sold by the thousands as cooks learn more about the advantages they offer, such as quick cook times and tender, moist turkey. Employing the correct cleaning methods extends the life of your turkey fryer, allowing you to enjoy delicious turkey for many years to come.
There are many different types of turkey fryers, with most consisting of these common components: a stock pot with lid, burner, poultry basket, thermometer and turkey lifter. Because most turkey fryers use propane energy for cooking, utilizing the proper cleaning protocol is particularly important for safety reasons. Use these steps to keep your fryer sparklingly clean:
Items needed:
- Steel or aluminum canister
- Dishwashing liquid
- Soft cloth
Instructions:
- Allow the fryer to cool. Your turkey fryer becomes incredibly hot during the cooking process and it can take as many as eight hours for it to completely cool. After you have fried the turkey, use the fryer lid to completely cover the grease and let the entire device cool for 6-8 hours before touching.
- Drain the grease once the fryer is cool. Unfasten the stockpot from the burner and drain the grease by running hot water down the sink as you pour the grease into the drainer. This prevents clots from forming in your septic system. If you prefer to keep your grease for multiple uses, pour the grease into a steel or aluminum canister that is kept away from high heat.
- Pour 2-4 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid into the stockpot and fill completely with hot water. Allow this mixture to stand for 30 minutes so that any residue, grease or turkey that may be stuck to the interior walls of the pot loosens. Drain this water and use a soft cloth to scrub the entire pot. Be careful not to use steel wool or other abrasive pads on your fryer because doing so can ruin the finish.
- Rinse all pieces by setting the poultry basket and lifter in warm water for an hour. Never completely submerge the burner in water. Rinse the stockpot in cool water and you're ready for the next meal.