How to Bypass the Timer on a Turkey Fryer Safely

Deep frying a turkey is a delicious way to cook up a juicy bird for the holidays or anytime you’re feeding a crowd. However, turkey fryers come with built-in timers for safety – they automatically shut off the heat after a set time to prevent oil from overheating and catching fire. If you want more control over your cook time, you may be wondering if there’s a way to bypass the auto shutoff timer.

While it is possible to disable your turkey fryer’s automatic timer, this should only be attempted with great caution. Removing this important safety feature can lead to dangerously overheated oil and serious accidents if you aren’t extremely careful Follow this guide to learn how to bypass your turkey fryer’s timer, as well as critical safety steps you must take.

Should You Bypass the Timer?

Before even attempting to bypass your turkey fryer’s built-in timer, think carefully about whether this is really necessary. Here are some key considerations

• The automatic shutoff is there for your safety Disabling it removes a layer of protection against overheated oil and fire Only bypass at your own significant risk.

• Many turkeys do cook fully within the timer’s 30 minute window. Carefully follow recommended cook times and oil temps.

• If your bird is larger and needs more time, oil temperature may be too high. Lower heat extends cook time safely.

• Test oil temp frequently if overriding the timer. Shut off heat manually if oil gets dangerously hot.

• Never leave the fryer unattended if disabling the auto shutoff. Stay vigilant.

If you understand the serious risks and will take necessary precautions, you may choose to bypass the timer very carefully. But first consider if there are safer ways to get the results you want.

How Turkey Fryer Timers Work

Turkey fryer timers are remarkably simple devices. Here’s a quick overview of how they function:

• The timer unit contains a spring-loaded pin that extends when powered on.

• This pin fits into a small depression in a rotating dial.

• As the dial turns, it eventually dislodges the pin, breaking the circuit and cutting power.

• The total revolution time until the pin releases is usually around 30 minutes.

So that’s all there is to it! The timer isn’t electronic or sophisticated. Physically blocking the pin from retracting is the secret to disabling the auto shutoff.

Bypassing the Timer – Step-By-Step

WARNING: Again, bypassing your turkey fryer’s timer removes a key safety mechanism. Only attempt at your own significant risk of overheated oil, fire, injury, or damage. We recommend pursuing alternative methods to cook your turkey fully without overriding the auto timer. Proceed below at your own discretion and risk.

That said, here are the basic steps to bypass a turkey fryer timer:

1. Unplug the Fryer

First and most importantly, make sure the fryer is unplugged before working on the timer! This ensures there is no live power flowing to the unit while you manipulate the components.

2. Remove the Timer Knob

Look for a set screw or small nut holding the rotating timer knob in place. Loosen this and slide the knob off the shaft. This gives you access to the timer interior.

3. Locate the Retractable Pin

Inside the timer housing, you’ll see the spring-loaded pin that engages with the rotating dial. When the knob turns, it pushes this pin in, breaking contact.

4. Jam the Pin in the Extended Position

Use a thin object like a needle or wire to manually hold and wedge the pin in its extended position. This prevents the rotating dial from pushing it in when triggered.

5. Reinstall Timer Knob

With the pin blocked from the depressing, you can now slide the knob back onto the timer shaft and tighten its set screw.

6. Test Operation

Plug the fryer back in WITHOUT oil to verify the timer no longer trips and shuts off power. The pin should stay extended and maintain the circuit indefinitely.

Once you’ve successfully jammed the pin, the automatic shutoff will be disabled. Remember, this now places all fire safety responsibility fully on you. Exercise extreme caution going forward.

Critical Safety Tips for Frying Without the Timer

Now let’s discuss crucial safety steps to prevent tragedy if bypassing your turkey fryer’s timer:

• Never ever leave the fryer unattended for even a minute while in use. Stay right next to it at all times.

• Carefully monitor oil temp constantly. Use a thermometer – don’t guess based on bubbles.

• Turn heat down periodically if oil exceeds 375°F. Let it cool off to 350°F or below before reheating.

• Set a backup timer on your phone, microwave, etc. as a reminder to check oil temp every 5 minutes.

• Have baking soda on hand to quickly extinguish a grease fire if needed. Never use water on a grease fire!

• Exercise extreme caution when lowering or removing the turkey. Oil may spill and spread fire.

• Allow used oil to fully cool overnight before disposing to prevent accidental ignition.

Alternatives to Bypassing the Fryer Timer

Given the severe risks involved, you may be far better off not disabling your turkey fryer timer at all. Here are some safer alternatives to get perfect results:

Cook Smaller Birds – Choose 12-14 lb. turkeys that will finish within the 30 minute window.

Lower Oil Temperature – Heat oil to only 300-325°F to extend cook time at lower temp.

Use Trial Runs – Perfect your timing with test runs using water in the pot before the big event.

Finish in the Oven – Partially fry, then transfer to oven to complete cooking if needed.

Any of these methods are vastly preferable to operating your turkey fryer without its auto shutoff timer. While it is possible to bypass the timer, the risks simply aren’t worth it.

Deep frying turkey can yield delicious, juicy meat, but requires extreme care and safety steps when using dangerous hot oil. While some wish to bypass the built-in timer to extend cook times, this removes a critical automatic safety mechanism.

If attempting to disable the auto shutoff, take every precaution and remain hyper-vigilant about oil temperature and fire prevention at all times. Alternatively, take advantage of safer methods to cook your turkey fully without overriding the timer.

At the end of the day, sumptuous turkey and happy guests are not worth losing your home or worse to a tragic frying accident. Exercise sound judgment if choosing to bypass the timer, and above all – stay safe!