The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Turkey Wings

Fried turkey wings make for a finger-licking, satisfying meal or snack. Their crispy, juicy texture pairs perfectly with a variety of savory, sweet and spicy side dishes When planning your next turkey wing feast, consider these 23 delicious sides that complement the fried wings beautifully

Classic Side Dishes for Fried Turkey Wings

Some classic side dishes just seem made for fried foods. These will likely be quite familiar but are sure to please.

Coleslaw

Creamy, tangy coleslaw is a timeless pair for southern-style fried fare The crunch of the shredded cabbage and carrots contrasts the crispy exterior of the wings Try variations like apple coleslaw for a fruit-forward twist.

Corn on the Cob

Buttery corn on the cob is a beloved accompaniment for fried chicken and it works just as well with wings. The natural sweetness balances the salty savory wings. Grill or roast the corn for caramelized flavor.

Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest The smooth, cheesy pasta provides a rich counterpoint to fried wings. Make it extra decadent with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky baked beans are practically guaranteed at any cookout. Their sauce-coated texture stands up well to fried turkey wings without competing. Kick it up with spices like dry mustard.

Mashed Potatoes

Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are impossible to resist, especially with a pool of gravy for dunking those wings. For maximum indulgence, use heavy cream and butter in your spuds.

Cornbread

Warm cornbread straight from the oven completes any Southern meal. The slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread absorbs the juices from fried turkey wings perfectly. Jalapeño cornbread packs extra flavor.

Crispy Sides for Crunch

Playing up the crisp factor with fried sides means your whole meal offers fun, contrasting textures.

French Fries

You really can’t go wrong pairing fried turkey wings with french fries. Opt for crispy fries over limp for the satisfaction of dipping crunchy fries in any sauces from the wings.

Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings offer great textural contrast to juicy fried wings. Coating thick-cut rings in a well-seasoned batter before frying keeps them ultra crispy outside and tender inside.

Fried Pickles

For an unexpected crunchy, tangy side, fried pickles are just the thing. They hold up well when fried so you get a satisfying crunch in every bite. Ranch dressing is ideal for dipping.

Potato Wedges

Crisp, golden potato wedges have a greater surface area for getting ultra crispy than fries. Season the wedges boldly before roasting to stand up to the wings.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Unripened green tomatoes slice into firm rounds that fry up perfectly crisp. Cornmeal batter boosts the crunch factor even more. Fried green tomatoes are a fun, summery side.

Spicy Sides to Turn Up the Heat

If you like some heat with your wings, try these spicy sides to really bring on the fire.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For a vegetarian spin, buffalo cauliflower bites deliver crunchy, spicy satisfaction. Roast cauliflower florets then coat in your favorite hot sauce and blue cheese dressing.

Jalapeño Poppers

No game day spread is complete without cheesy jalapeño poppers. The crisp batter contrasts the spicy, creamy filling. You may need to make extra for snacking!

Spicy Corn and Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp cucumbers and corn tamed with a healthy dose of lime juice and spice make a refreshing, kicked-up salad perfect with wings.

Ghost Pepper Cheese Grits

Grits get a wickedly spicy twist with the addition of ground ghost peppers, also known as bhut jolokia. The creamy base balances the intense heat.

Spicy Peanut Noodles

Chile crisp sauce gives humble noodles an addictive kick. Cooling peanut butter and fresh cilantro balance out the burning spice.

Sweet Treats for Contrast

Adding something sugary alongside fried turkey wings keeps things interesting. These sweet sides offer the perfect amount of contrast.

Baked Beans

Baked beans strike a brilliant balance of sweet, tangy and smoky. Molasses and brown sugar give classic baked beans their signature sweetness everyone craves.

Cornbread with Honey Butter

Honey butter melting over warm cornbread is hands-down one of life’s greatest pleasures. The natural sweetness pairs flawlessly with fried fare.

Coleslaw with Raisins

For a unique twist, add some plump, juicy raisins to creamy coleslaw. They lend just the right sweetness to cut through the rich wings.

Sweet Potato Fries

Swap regular fries for sweet potato fries to satisfy that crispy craving with some natural sugar. A sprinkle of cinnamon kicks up the sweetness even more.

Baked Apples

For a lighter, fruity finale, baked apples are just the thing. Fill halved apples with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon and bake until tender.

Simple Vegetables for Balance

Don’t forget your veggies – simple preparations allow the flavors to shine.

Steamed Broccoli

Plain steamed or roasted broccoli florets won’t compete with juicy wings but offer some greens. Lemon and garlic jazz up simply steamed broccoli.

Roasted Carrots

Carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, becoming ultra sweet and tender. Toss carrots in olive oil and spices and roast at high heat.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooking spinach sautes up in just minutes for an easy, veggie addition to any meal. Toss with olive oil and garlic.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dresses up any spread. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and shredded carrots make classic fixings.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

For finger-friendly veggies, air fry halved Brussels sprouts for crispy, caramelized results without deep frying. Toss in olive oil first.

Putting It All Together

When planning your ultimate fried turkey wing experience, try offering a mix of classic and creative sides:

• Choose 1-2 classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes, coleslaw or cornbread
• Add something crispy and crunchy like fries or onion rings
• Include a spicy component if you like heat, such as buffalo cauliflower or ghost pepper grits
• Contrast with something sweet like baked beans, sweet potato fries or baked apples
• Round it out with fresh veggies for balance like roasted carrots or a green salad

With an array of delicious sides on offer, your fried turkey wings will be the star of a truly memorable feast. Just make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand!

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