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Meat Thermometers for Deep-Frying Turkey

Deep-frying needs two distinct checks: oil temperature during cooking and the turkey's internal temperature after it is lifted safely from the fryer.

A meat thermometer for deep-frying turkey should not be confused with the long probe used to monitor the oil. Choose an oil thermometer or digital cooking thermometer for deep frying whose probe, cable, clip and temperature range are explicitly approved for the fryer conditions. Use a separate instant-read food thermometer to check the bird after it has been removed from the oil and handling is safe.

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Common questions

Questions before you buy

Can I leave a meat thermometer in a turkey while deep-frying it?

Only if the thermometer manufacturer explicitly approves every exposed part for that use. Many cooks instead monitor oil with a clipped high-temperature probe and check the turkey after safe removal.

What thermometer is used for turkey-fryer oil?

Use a deep-fry thermometer or compatible high-temperature probe with a range and clip suited to hot oil. Keep the display and any non-heat-rated parts away from the pot.

Where do I check a deep-fried turkey's temperature?

USDA guidance calls for checks in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost thigh and the innermost wing, avoiding bone.

Can I deep-fry a frozen turkey?

No. Fire-safety guidance warns that frozen or partly frozen turkey can cause hot oil to splatter or overflow violently.