How Long To Cook Turkey Tails: The Complete Guide

Turkey tails are an underrated and often overlooked part of the bird that can be turned into a delicious, flavorful meal when cooked properly. But how long should you cook turkey tails to get them just right? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know for cooking juicy, tender turkey tails to perfection.

What Are Turkey Tails?

Turkey tails are the tail feathers and surrounding skin and meat from the tail section of a turkey They contain little meat, but are packed with flavor from fat, collagen, and cartilage When slow-cooked, turkey tails become meltingly tender with a rich mouthfeel.

Turkey tails likely get their name from their unique shape that resembles a fan or turkey tail feather. They are an unconventional cut that was historically considered scrap meat reserved for stock. But turkey tails have recently surged in popularity as a budget-friendly meat option praised for its bold flavor.

Benefits of Cooking With Turkey Tails

• Inexpensive – Turkey tails are very affordable, usually costing only a dollar or two per pound A little goes a long way since they are richly flavored

• Nutritious – Turkey tails contain lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Though they are high in fat, it is mostly healthy unsaturated fat when the skin is removed.

• Collagen-rich – Turkey tails are loaded with collagen that breaks down into gelatin when cooked slowly, adding moisture. This makes them perfect for soups, stews, and braises.

• Big flavor – All that fat, collagen, and cartilage equals big taste. Turkey tails make any dish more flavorful and delicious.

• Versatile – Turkey tails work in many cuisines and pair well with various seasonings like barbecue, Mexican, or Cajun flavors.

How Long to Cook Turkey Tails in the Oven

The oven is the easiest way to cook turkey tails to crispy, flavorful perfection. Low and slow oven cooking allows the fat to render and collagen to break down.

Prep – Start by rinsing the turkey tails and patting them dry. Trim off any excess skin or large pieces of fat if desired. Then rub them all over with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper or other spices like paprika, oregano, or cayenne.

Cooking Time – Cook turkey tails for 1 1/2 – 2 hours at 300°F, flipping halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Tips for Crispy Skin – Basting with butter or oil every 30 minutes will help the skin get crispy. Start covered with foil, then uncover for the last 30 minutes. Broiling at the end will also crisp up the skin.

Add Flavor – Brush with barbecue sauce or sprinkle Cajun seasoning the last 10-15 minutes for an extra flavor boost.

How Long to Cook Turkey Tails on the Stovetop

Turkey tails can also be browned on the stovetop then simmered until fall-off-the-bone tender:

Sear – Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey tails and brown for 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelizes the exterior and builds a tasty fond on the bottom of the pan.

Simmer – Add chicken stock or water to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer turkey tails for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, turning occasionally, until very tender. Add vegetables, beans, or rice during the last 30 minutes.

Make a Sauce – Once cooked, remove turkey tails and keep warm. Make a flavorful sauce by boiling down the braising liquid and mixing in barbecue sauce, ketchup, or cream. Serve turkey tails coated in the tasty sauce.

How Long to Cook Turkey Tails in the Slow Cooker

Let the slow cooker do the work for fall-off-the-bone turkey tails infused with spice and flavor:

Prep – Sear turkey tails in a skillet first for enhanced flavor (optional). Then place them in the slow cooker and add seasoning like Cajun or barbecue spice.

Cooking Time – Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The extended cooking time allows connective tissues to dissolve into the surrounding broth for tenderness.

Flavor – Try adding onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Intensify the flavor by mixing in hot sauce or tomato sauce at the end. The possibilities are endless!

Shred – Once ultra-tender, the meat can be shredded off the bones to use for tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, or casseroles.

Safety Tips for Cooking Turkey Tails

When handling and cooking turkey tails properly, they are perfectly safe to eat. Follow these tips:

• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a meat thermometer. This kills any present bacteria.

• Refrigerate turkey tails at 40°F or below until ready to cook. Use within 1-2 days of purchasing.

• Thaw frozen turkey tails in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Defrosting at room temp can allow bacteria growth.

• Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards after handling raw turkey tails to avoid cross contamination.

• Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours and reheated to 165°F before serving again.

Serving Ideas for Delicious Turkey Tails

Once you’ve mastered cooking times, have fun serving up turkey tails in creative ways:

• Smothered Turkey Tails – Simmered in a sauce of onions, garlic, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

• BBQ Turkey Tails – Oven-roasted then brushed with your favorite barbecue sauce.

• Buffalo Turkey Tails – Crispy oven-baked turkey tails tossed in Buffalo sauce.

• Turkey Tail Gumbo – Add turkey tails to a hearty Louisiana-style gumbo.

• Turkey Tail Tacos – Shredded turkey tail meat piled high on tortillas.

• Turkey Tail Sandwiches – Served on bread or rolls with your choice of toppings.

• Turkey Tail Soup – Simmered until tender then added to vegetable or bean soup.

With the proper technique, turkey tails can become your new favorite budget-friendly protein. Just remember to cook them low and slow. Follow this guide for timing and temperatures, and you’ll have juicy, flavorful turkey tails the whole family will love.