How to Tuck in the Wings of a Turkey

Tucking in the wings of your turkey before roasting is an important step that helps ensure even cooking and prevents the wingtips from burning It only takes a minute or two and makes a big difference in the final presentation of your beautiful bird, Follow these simple steps for perfectly tucked wings

Why Tuck the Wings?

Tucking the wings serves two purposes

It allows for more even roasting. With the wings tucked under the body, the white and dark meat of the turkey cook at the same rate.
It prevents the thin wing tips from burning. Exposed wingtips often burn long before the rest of the turkey is done. Tucking them under the body protects them.

When to Tuck the Wings

Tuck the wings right before putting the turkey in the oven. After seasoning the cavity and exterior, and trussing the legs, do a final tuck of the wings.

How to Tuck In the Wings:

Tucking in the wings is easy:

Hold one wing in your hand and gently lift that side of the turkey up a couple inches.
Use your other hand to tuck the wing under the bird’s back, pressing it into the cavity.
Lower the turkey back down and repeat the process on the other side.
Once both wings are tucked, rotate the turkey to ensure they remain in place. If needed, tuck them again to get a snug fit.
With the wings tucked, tie the turkey legs together with butcher’s twine to further hold the shape.
Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in the pan. The rack lifts the bird off the bottom, allowing air circulation for even cooking.

Cooking the Turkey

With the wings neatly tucked, cook the turkey as desired – roasted, smoked, grilled, etc. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, checking the innermost part of the thigh and breast. Once it reaches 165°F, the turkey is done and ready to carve for a perfect holiday meal.

Tucking in the wings may seem like a small step, but it makes a noticeable difference in the final presentation. Crispy, golden brown wings that match the rest of the turkey just make it look more appetizing. Give it a try for your next turkey dinner and you’ll be glad you did!

how do you tuck in the wings of a turkey

Tucking Turkey Wings (Turkey Jiu-Jitsu )

FAQ

Do you tuck the turkey legs?

Some cooks say that trussing a turkey so the legs are drawn up tightly against the breast helps prevent the breast meat from overcooking. And some cooks say that leaving the legs untied helps air circulate around the legs and thighs, resulting in more areas of beautifully crispy skin.

Do you clip both wings on a turkey?

By clipping only the primary flight feathers on both sides, birds can still achieve flight for short distances which could help them if they were in danger and needed to fly a short distance. Our goal is different, we want to prevent flight for our turkeys.

How do you get wings off a turkey?

Remove Turkey Wings Pull one of the turkey wings away from the body and wiggle it to locate the joint. With a sharp knife, cut through the joint where the wing meets the body. Repeat with the other wing.

How do you Tuck Turkey wings?

In a forward motion, pinch the wing tips and tuck them under the front breast meat. The weight of the turkey should hold down the wings and stop them from popping back out. Once you have tucked the wings we need to secure them with twine. – Estimate the length of twine you will need to wrap around the entire bird with the wings tucked.

How do you lift a turkey wing?

Place your turkey on a pan or cutting board, breast side up, this will keep your counter clean as you prep your turkey. Grab one of the turkey’s wings in one hand, and with your other hand, lift the bird. As you lift the bird, pull the tip of the wing beneath the turkey. Lower the turkey, the wing should stay in its new position.

How do you keep Turkey wings tucked?

To keep the wings securely tucked, you can use kitchen twine or butcher’s string. Tying the wings will ensure they stay in place during roasting. Where should I place the turkey on the roasting rack? When the wings are tucked and tied, place the turkey on the roasting rack. Optimal placement will ensure even cooking and a beautifully roasted bird.

Should you Tuck Turkey wings behind the neck?

Tucking the wings behind the neck is a more effective method for ensuring even cooking and crispy skin all over the bird. Another important aspect of tucking turkey wings is ensuring that the bird is properly prepared before roasting. Be sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.

How do you Tuck a turkey wing in a crock pot?

Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board, roasting pan, or rack. Season the outside all over with salt, pepper, herbs, oil, and any other rub ingredients. Lifting up slightly on one side of the turkey, use your other hand to gently tuck the wing underneath the bird so it lays flat against the back.

Should Turkey wings be tucked?

Properly tucked wings will result in a more compact and evenly roasted turkey. Some recipes suggest tucking the wings under the turkey’s back, but this can lead to uneven cooking. Tucking the wings behind the neck is a more effective method for ensuring even cooking and crispy skin all over the bird.