Oh man, I’m getting hungry just thinking about Auntie Fee’s turkey wings! If you’ve never had them before, you’re missing out. Those juicy, crispy, flavorful turkey wings are absolute perfection
See, I grew up eating Auntie Fee’s cooking. She’s my great aunt on my mom’s side and that woman can COOK. Her fried chicken? To die for. Her mac and cheese? Out of this world. But it’s her turkey wings that really stand out. They’re kind of her signature dish.
The first time I had Auntie Fee’s turkey wings I must’ve been 7 or 8 years old She made them for Thanksgiving dinner and I tell ya, after one bite I was hooked for life The skin was perfectly crispy and seasoned, the meat just fell right off the bone, and the flavor was unbelievable. Every Thanksgiving after that she’d make them and I’d go straight for the turkey wings before anything else on the table.
So what’s the secret behind Auntie Fee’s insanely good turkey wings? I did some investigating and asked Auntie Fee if she’d share her recipe with me so I could make them myself. Here’s how she does it
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs turkey wings and drummettes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (she likes Texas Pete)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola or peanut oil)
The Prep:
- Rinse the turkey wings and drummettes under cold water and pat them dry.
- Place the wings and drummettes into a large bowl. Pour over the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This lets the buttermilk marinade seep into the meat which keeps it juicy and flavorful.
The Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour and corn starch.
- Remove the wings from the fridge and drain off the excess buttermilk marinade.
- Dredge the wings in the flour mixture, coating them completely on both sides.
- Place the coated wings on a baking sheet until ready to fry.
The Frying:
- Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a large pot or dutch oven and heat to 350°F.
- Working in batches, fry the wings for about 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fried wings on a paper towel lined plate.
The Seasoning:
- Immediately after frying, toss the hot wings with more salt and pepper to taste.
And that’s it! Fairly simple, right? But it’s the details that make Auntie Fee’s wings so good. Letting the wings marinate develops flavor. Dredging them in the seasoned flour gives an ultra crispy coating. And frying at the perfect temperature ensures the skin gets crispy while the meat stays juicy.
The key is taking the time to let the flavors develop. Rushing the process just won’t result in the same level of finger-lickin’ goodness. Patience is rewarded with the best turkey wings you’ve ever tasted!
Of course there are little tweaks Auntie Fee has made over the years too. Sometimes she adds garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the flour for a kick of heat. Other times she infuses the buttermilk marinade with fresh herbs. But the basic method remains the same.
I feel so lucky to have learned how to make these wings directly from Auntie Fee. Now I can enjoy them anytime a craving strikes! I’ll fry up a batch for dinner or make them as an appetizer when friends come over to watch the game. No matter how you serve them up, Auntie Fee’s turkey wings are always a hit.
If you give this recipe a try, I recommend splurging on quality wings – it makes a difference. I also suggest serving them with some of Auntie Fee’s favorite sides:
- Baked Mac & Cheese – creamier than the stovetop version!
- Collard Greens – simmered with smoked turkey legs. Yum!
- Yams – with a sprinkle of brown sugar on top.
- Cornbread – moist and fluffy just like Auntie Fee makes it.
Let me tell you, that meal right there is comfort food at its finest. The ultimate soul food feast! Add a cold glass of sweet tea on the side and you’re all set.
One more pro-tip: Enjoy Auntie Fee’s turkey wings fresh out the fryer if possible. The skin stays spectacularly crispy! But if you do have leftovers, just pop them in a 400 degree oven for about 5-10 minutes to re-crisp. They’ll taste almost as good as the first time. Almost. 😉
So if you’re looking for a new way to wow guests or impress your family, give Auntie Fee’s recipe a try. These turkey wings will have them licking their fingers and begging for more. Guaranteed! The flavor, the juiciness, the crispy skin – Auntie Fee has perfected turkey wings. This recipe is sure to become your new favorite too.
