If you want to cook all the pieces of turkey neck so you don’t waste any, or if you want to give it to your dog for protein, here’s how to do it right in a Ninja Foodi or Cosori.
There are several ways to cook this item, other than just throwing it away. Many people boil it and use the meat in their gravy, another option. You can use this as a treat for your dog or just to see what all the fuss is about for a bite. We will show you how to do air fryer recipes here. (affiliate links present).
Turkey necks are an underrated and often overlooked cut of meat, but when cooked right, they can be unbelievably delicious! The key is knowing how to make these tough cuts tender and flavorful. That’s where the air fryer comes in.
Air frying is a game changer for cooking turkey necks. The circulating hot air cooks the meat evenly, while also crisping up the skin. No more chewing on rubbery necks! With just a few simple steps, you can have fall-off-the-bone turkey necks with crispy skin ready in less than an hour.
So if you’re ready to take your turkey neck cooking skills to the next level keep reading. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to transform these underappreciated bits into a tasty mouthwatering dish with your air fryer. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Necks
Before cooking, you want to make sure your turkey necks are prepped and ready to go. Here’s what to do:
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Rinse the necks under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels Any excess moisture will prevent the skin from crisping up
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Trim off any excess fat or skin. The crispy skin is the best part, but too much fat can make the air fryer smokey.
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Season the necks liberally with salt and pepper or any additional spices you desire. Some good options are garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or cayenne pepper. Get creative with the flavors!
Pro Tip: For extra flavor and tenderness, you can also marinate the necks for a few hours or up to overnight in the fridge. The acidic marinade helps break down the tough connective tissues.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
While you’re prepping the necks, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat helps develop a nice crust on the outside of the meat while cooking it through.
If your air fryer has a basket insert, lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray before adding the necks. This prevents sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Necks
Once your air fryer is hot and ready, arrange the seasoned necks in a single layer in the cooking basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them. Crowding prevents proper air circulation and can lead to uneven cooking.
Cook the necks at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30-35 minutes. If you want extra crispy skin, you can crank the heat up to 425°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on them though to avoid burning.
The necks are fully cooked when they are fork tender and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to double check doneness if you’re unsure.
Step 4: Finish with a Sauce or Glaze
This last optional step is a great way to add even more flavor to your air fried necks. During the last 2-3 minutes of cook time, brush or toss the necks with your favorite sauce or glaze.
Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and teriyaki sauce all pair well. Or you can quickly throw together a homemade glaze with ingredients like brown sugar, honey, hot sauce, or preserves.
The coating will caramelize and char slightly under the high heat, forming a delicious crust on the outside of the necks. Finger licking good!
Step 5: Let the Necks Rest
This last step is crucial! As soon as the necks come out of the air fryer, transfer them to a plate or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes.
Resting gives time for the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you skip this step and bite into the necks immediately, you’ll end up with dry meat as the juices spill out. No one wants that!
After the short rest, your perfectly cooked, tender and juicy turkey necks are ready to enjoy. Dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’re a pro at making air fryer turkey necks, let’s talk about the fun ways you can serve them up:
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For appetizers or party snacks, chop the necks into bite-sized pieces and serve on picks or skewers for easy finger food.
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Pair the necks with traditional southern sides like collard greens, potato salad, cornbread, or black-eyed peas.
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Chop or shred the meat and add it to soups, gumbos, chili, or grain bowls for extra flavor and protein.
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For a hearty sandwich or po’boy, pile turkey neck meat onto a toasted hoagie roll and top with pickles, hot sauce, and slaw.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Air frying makes these budget-friendly necks tender and delicious. I’m sure they’ll quickly become a new staple in your home.
FAQs: Your Turkey Neck Air Frying Questions Answered
If you’re new to working with turkey necks, I’m sure you have a few questions about the air frying process. Here are some of the most common concerns answered:
Can you cook frozen turkey necks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen necks in your air fryer! Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time to account for thawing. And of course, make sure your necks are totally thawed before eating for food safety.
What temperature should I cook turkey necks in the air fryer?
I recommend 400°F to properly crisp the skin and cook the necks through without drying them out. You can bump it up to 425°F at the end if you want extra crispy skin.
How long do you cook turkey necks in an air fryer?
Cook them for 30-35 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. Again, adjust the timing as needed based on the size and amount of your necks.
Should I flip the necks during cooking?
Yes, flipping halfway through is important to ensure the necks cook evenly on all sides. The circulating air will crisp up both sides.
Can I add seasoning or glazes during cooking?
Absolutely! Brush glazes or sprinkle seasonings over the necks anytime during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they have time to caramelize without burning.
Cooking turkey necks in the air fryer is easy once you know the basics. In no time, you’ll be making these underrated cuts of meat into delicious, must-make meals for the whole family. The crispy skin and tender, juicy meat will leave everyone begging for more.
Happy frying!
Crispy Turkey Neck Recipe
- Preheat air fryer to 375 (or 380 if yours only has even #s) for 5 minutes.
- Wet a paper towel and rub olive oil all over your neck. If you’re giving your dog meat, don’t season it yourself. Instead, sprinkle it with your favorite seasonings, like onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper, until it’s fully covered.
- You can air fry it for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the outside to be.
- To make turkey neck gravy, you only need to cook it long enough to pull the meat off the bone. Boiling is better for this, though.
It does not need to be in there for very long, and the cooking time will depend on how big yours is. Longer will get it crispier but the meat will become a bit more dry. You can enjoy as is, in turkey soup or stews too.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
Yes!! Not only is the meat great for them but they will love you for it. Each one offers many nutritional benefits including: tons of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin as well as some calcium. Remember that you should only give them the meat and not salt the outside.
Sodium can make animals sick and the neck bones inside can fragment and get lodged in their throats. That being said, all you have to do is coat the meat with a little olive oil before cooking it. When it’s done, just pull it off for them. DO NOT just give them the whole thing.
Break it up into little pieces and add it to their regular food or food you make yourself. I promise they will love it.
