If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
Turkey wings are a tasty and versatile ingredient that can add delicious flavor to soups, stews appetizers and main dishes. But like any raw poultry, proper storage is key to keeping turkey wings fresh and safe to eat. So how long do turkey wings last in the refrigerator?
Through research and personal experience, I’ve put together this complete guide on fridge life for raw and cooked turkey wings. I’ll cover proper storage methods, signs of spoilage, frequently asked questions, and more tips to maximize turkey wing shelf life.
Overview of Refrigerating Turkey Wings
The shelf life of turkey wings depends on whether they are raw or cooked:
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Raw turkey wings will keep 1-2 days past the sell-by date up to 3-4 days maximum in the fridge.
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Cooked turkey wings can be refrigerated for 3-4 days after cooking.
Proper temperature, storage methods, and handling all affect the fridge life. Below I’ll go over these factors in detail.
How to Store Raw Turkey Wings in the Fridge
To maximize raw turkey wing shelf life:
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Place wings in a container or bag without air pockets. Air exposure causes spoilage.
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Don’t rinse before refrigeration as this spreads bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Refrigerate wings right away, within 1 hour of purchasing.
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Put wings on a shelf towards the back, the coldest spot.
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Maintain a fridge temp of 40°F or below. Monitor with a thermometer.
Under ideal conditions, raw turkey wings will last for 1-2 days past the printed sell-by date, 3-4 days total at maximum.
Storing Cooked Turkey Wings in the Fridge
To safely refrigerate cooked turkey wings:
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Let wings cool fully, about 2 hours, before putting in the fridge.
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Store in an airtight container. You can also wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
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Refrigerate wings immediately after cooking, don’t leave out.
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Use wings within 3-4 days for best quality. Reheating them reduces risk of foodborne illness.
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Freezing is recommended for longer storage. Portion wings and seal in bags.
Proper storage keeps cooked wings moist and flavorful. Discard if they smell or appear slimy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get into more specifics on turkey wing fridge life:
How can you tell if raw turkey wings are bad?
Signs that raw turkey wings have gone bad are a foul, ammonia-like odor, sticky or tacky feel, and grey coloring. Discard immediately if any of these signs are present.
Should you rinse raw turkey wings before refrigerating?
Never rinse raw poultry before fridge storage, as this spreads salmonella and bacteria. Thoroughly pat dry wings with paper towels instead.
Can you freeze and refreeze turkey wings?
Refreezing turkey wings is not recommended, as the texture suffers. Thaw frozen wings in the fridge then cook immediately. Don’t refreeze wings after thawing.
How long do marinated turkey wings last in the fridge?
Marinated turkey wings have a reduced fridge life of just 1-2 days. Acidic marinades can “cook” the meat when left too long. Cook marinated wings ASAP.
Should you remove turkey wing skin before refrigerating?
It’s best to keep the skin on for storage. Removing it prematurely leads to moisture loss. Take off just before cooking if desired.
Can you store cooked and raw turkey wings together?
Never store raw and cooked poultry together, as bacteria from raw can spread to cooked. Always keep them refrigerated separately.
What temperature should the fridge be to store turkey wings?
Store turkey wings at 40°F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer and adjust as needed. The colder the better for proper food safety.
Can thawed turkey wings be refrigerated again?
Yes, turkey wings thawed in the fridge can be kept for 1-2 days before cooking. Do not refreeze thawed raw turkey wings.
Key Tips for Maximizing Turkey Wing Fridge Life
Follow these guidelines to safely maximize refrigerator storage time:
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Refrigerate wings within 1 hour of purchase or cooking.
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Monitor fridge temp and adjust to 40°F or below.
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Avoid cross-contamination by keeping wings sealed.
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Cook wings fully to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Look for signs of spoilage like smell, texture, color changes.
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When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk eating turkey wings past recommended fridge times.
Raw turkey wings: 14
Cooked turkey wings: 10
Refrigerate/Refrigeration: 15
Frozen/Freezer: 4
Food Safety: 6
The Takeaway – Enjoy Turkey Wings Safely
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.