The skin on these baked turkey wings is perfectly seasoned and crispy, and the meat inside is the juiciest and moistest it has ever been. Minimal prep is needed, it’s SO delicious.
When most people think of turkey, they picture the whole bird roasted or just the breast. But have you ever tried cooking other parts of the bird, like the wings?
My oven-roasted turkey wings are a fun change from chicken wings that give you more meat for your buck. I mean, one turkey wing is satisfying enough as a meal on its own. I thought that these wings would only be easy to find around the holidays, but my butcher told me that they are available all year!
Boiling turkey wings releases tremendous flavor and yields deliciously tender meat. But exactly how long should you boil turkey wings to achieve the perfect texture? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share tips on boil times step-by-step instructions and how to tell when turkey wings are done.
Overview of Boiling Turkey Wings
Boiling is one of the simplest cooking methods for preparing turkey wings. By submerging the wings in simmering liquid over low heat, the meat gradually becomes fork-tender without drying out. Here’s a quick look at the process:
- Place wings in a pot and cover with water, broth, or seasoning mixture
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer
- Cook for 1-2 hours until meat is very tender
- Finish wings with extra seasoning or broil for crispy skin
- Use meat for sandwiches, salads, soups and more
The extended boil time allows the collagen in the wings to break down into luscious gelatin, leaving you with succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat Follow my tips below for perfect results every time.
Choosing Turkey Wings for Boiling
When selecting turkey wings for boiling opt for fresh, meaty wings if possible. The more collagen-rich skin, cartilage, and bone the more flavor and body they will impart to the cooking liquid. Avoid pre-cut, skinny wings for boiling.
How Long to Boil Turkey Wings to Cook Through
For fully cooked, tender turkey wings, the boiling time can vary based on size. Here are general guidelines:
- Small wings (4-8 oz): 45 mins to 1 hour
- Medium wings (8-12 oz): 1 to 1 1/2 hours
- Large wings (12-16 oz): 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Be sure there is enough liquid to cover the wings fully. After boiling, check doneness by piercing the thickest part of the meat near the bone. It should be hot throughout with no traces of pink.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Boiling Turkey Wings
Follow these simple steps for fail-proof boiled turkey wings:
- Rinse wings and pat dry.Trim off excess skin/fat if desired.
- Place wings in a large pot and cover with water or chicken broth.
- Bring liquid to a boil over high heat. Boil for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer until wings are tender.
- Remove wings from pot carefully with tongs or slotted spoon.
- Season further if desired. Enjoy wings warm or use for other recipes.
The simmering liquid can be strained and enjoyed as a tasty turkey broth too!
Tips for Extra Flavorful Turkey Wings
To take your boiled turkey wings to the next level, try these flavor boosting tips:
- Sear or brown the wings before boiling for richer flavor
- Add aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs, or spices to the cooking liquid
- Use chicken or turkey broth instead of plain water
- Finish with seasoning blends, hot sauce, or thick glazes
- Broil boiled wings briefly to crisp the skin
How to Tell When Turkey Wings Are Fully Cooked
The best way to test doneness for boiled turkey wings is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Turkey should reach 165°F at the thickest part near the bone.
Additional signs your turkey wings are done boiling:
- Meat has turned opaque and white
- A fork slides in and out of meat with no resistance
- Joints wiggle easily
- Meat easily pulls away from the bones
Let wings rest 5 minutes before digging in for perfectly juicy meat in every bite!
With this complete guide to boil times, step-by-step instructions, and pro tips, you can master cooking tender, flavorful turkey wings at home. Adjust the boiling time as needed and use a thermometer for safe results. From soups and salads to appetizers and sandwiches, boiled turkey wings are endlessly versatile. Get boiling today!
Why I love this recipe
- Perfectly seasoned yet simple. Some simple herbs and spices are all you need to make wings that taste great.
- Hands-off cooking. I love how baking the wings in the oven lets me do almost nothing.
- Crispy and flavorful. Turkey wings that are cooked with the lid on first are juicy and tender, while turkey wings that are cooked with the lid off at the end get crispy skin.
- It’s easier than a whole turkey. My family LOVES a roasted turkey, but I save that for special events most of the time. The wings, though, I can make every week. They are also way cheaper.
- These are great for the holidays! I’ve started making them for Thanksgiving dinner, and my family and friends like them better than the real bird.
- Whole turkey wings. Separated and bone-in. Usually, turkey wings are split into three parts: the drumettes, the wingettes, and the wingtips. My butcher (and it seems like most butchers) can separate them for you, but it’s really easy to do yourself if your whole wing is still together.
- Chicken stock. Homemade or store-bought. Turkey stock will work too.
- Olive oil. To coat the wings with the spices before baking them
- Spices. For this recipe, all I use is paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. It may not look like much, but trust me, the flavors are strong.
- Herbs. Dried thyme, Rosemary, and parsley pair well with turkey. It might be tempting to use fresh herbs, but they burn instead of soak into the meat when you roast or bake them. Because of this, I recommend only the dried kind.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
How to make baked turkey wings
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post to print out the full recipe instructions and amounts of the ingredients.
Step 1—Prep. In a mixing bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, dried herbs, and spices.
Step 2- Season. Coat the wings in the spice mix, then put a lid on them and let them sit for 5 to 30 minutes.
Step 3- bake. Transfer the wings to a baking dish and pour the chicken stock around them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4- Broil. The wings should be golden and crispy around the edges after this point. Take off the foil and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Baked turkey wings cooking time
This depends on how big the wings are and how well your oven cooks food. Turkey wings can be done in 30 minutes or an hour. With my oven (I have a Miele 2. 0), it typically takes around 45 minutes.
The BEST way to tell if your wings are done is to use a meat thermometer to probe the middle of them. The FDA recommends cooking the turkey until it reaches 165F in the thickest part of the wing.
- Pat dry the wings. This helps the wings get crispy faster when you broil them.
- Don’t skip the chicken stock. By pouring the stock around the wings and baking them with their covers on, you make a tasty steam that cooks the turkey to perfection and gives it a lot of flavor and moisture. Don’t fret though- the exterior will be super crispy.
- Save the drippings. I love making simple gravy with the turkey pan drippings. Add about 1/2 cup more chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and some extra salt and pepper. Mix everything together with a whisk.
- Use turkey legs. This recipe works perfectly well for turkey legs, too.
- Change up the seasonings. Before I bake the wings, I sometimes like to use poultry seasoning or cover them in a tasty sauce. Like chicken wings, they are so easy to adapt.
To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze. Baked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat. Putting these in the oven with foil on top is the best way to warm them up, whether they are frozen or just out of the fridge. Once heated through, broil the wings for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Overcooking and undercooking turkey wings are the main reasons they turn out tough. I know I sound like a broken record, but please use a meat thermometer to double-check. Once the meat reaches 165F, it’s ready to eat!.
This particular baked turkey wings recipe is healthy. Turkey wings are high in protein and a range of other essential nutrients. With this said, turkey wings are considered dark meat. This means they are higher in calories and fat than turkey breast. So, consume them in moderation and paired with healthy side dishes.
Yes, you can bake turkey wings smothered in gravy. However, this cooking method will not yield crispy results.
I prefer fresh turkey wings because, through recipe testing, I find they retain the most juice and flavor. Frozen wings will work, too, but you’ll need to let them thaw all the way and pat them dry to get rid of any extra water.
!!New!!Boiled Turkey wings
FAQ
How long does it take to boil turkey wings?
How long does it take to boil turkey?
How long should I boil my wings?
How long to boil turkey wings for dogs?
How long does it take to boil Turkey wings?
We have turkey wings in, beautiful and colorful ingredients making those wings delicious and now all we have to do is boil the water up! Close the lid and leave it to boil for 35 minutes without any interference in the meantime. That’s exactly why it is more than important to mix everything well before boiling and closing the lid.
How long do you cook Turkey wings per pound?
The following are general guidelines for cooking turkey wings: * Cook turkey wings at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes per pound. * For thawed wings, cook for 30-40 minutes per pound. * For frozen wings, cook for 40-50 minutes per pound. Tips for Cooking Turkey Wings Here are a few tips for cooking turkey wings:
How long do you boil chicken wings?
You’re going to cut the chicken wings into either 4-5 pieces or 6-7 pieces. The next step is going to be the most difficult. You’re going to have to boil the chicken wings for about 3-4 hours. The first reason I recommend boiling the chicken wings is because they will get crispy, and they’re much easier to eat.
How to cook Turkey wings?
To ensure that the turkey wings are cooked through, it is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. There are four main cooking methods for turkey wings: roasting, baking, grilling, and deep frying.
How long do you cook Turkey wings on a grill?
To grill turkey wings, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the wings with oil and season with your favorite seasonings. Grill the wings for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook Turkey wings in a frying pan?
Grill the wings for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep frying: Deep frying is a good option for cooking turkey wings if you want them to be crispy and golden brown. To deep fry turkey wings, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.