Don’t miss these delicious and fall-off-the-bone tender turkey wings seasoned to perfection! These oven-baked turkey wings will change how you feel about turkey.
Hey folks! Today, I am showing you how to make the BEST EVER baked turkey wings! When I originally posted this recipe, it was during the Thanksgiving holiday season as part of a series. I made a Sweet Potato Cheesecake and a Down-Home Cornbread Dressing along with these turkey wings for a complete and delicious holiday meal. Now it’s time for y’all to realize that turkey doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions like holidays! With a recipe this good, you should be making baked turkey wings all. the. time!
Turkey wings are perfect for anyone who doesn’t like a whole turkey or for a family that just likes the wings. Maybe you don’t have a lot of people to feed and don’t want to waste food—this recipe is perfect for that too! Plus, turkey wings take A LOT less time to make and cost less (OMG, have you seen the price for whole turkeys these days?! Ain’t nobody got time for that!).
This baked turkey wings recipe is super easy to make; it’s basically foolproof! The secret is all in the seasonings (as it so often is!). So let’s dive on into it.
Turkey wings are an underrated treasure that deserves a place on more dinner tables These flavorful parts of the bird offer succulent dark meat and crispy skin when cooked right But to achieve turkey wing perfection, it’s crucial to know exactly how long they need to cook.
Undercook them, and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery meat and flabby skin. Cook them too long, and the wings will be dry and stringy. So what’s the ideal roasting time to nail that ideal balance of moist tender meat and crispy, browned skin?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about achieving perfectly cooked turkey wings, including ideal cook times, foolproof methods, and tips for maximizing flavor Let’s dive in!
Average Turkey Wing Cook Times
The optimal roasting time for turkey wings ranges between 1.5 to 2 hours at a temperature of 350°F (175°C). This allows the collagen in the wings to slowly break down into luscious gelatin, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Here’s a quick overview of approximate turkey wing cook times:
- 1 hour 30 minutes – Minimum cook time for thawed wings
- 1 hour 45 minutes – Average roasting time for ideal doneness
- 2 hours – Maximum cook time for very large or frozen wings
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If they aren’t quite done, continue roasting and check periodically until fully cooked.
Key Tips for Roasting Turkey Wings
Follow these top tips for roasting foolproof, flavorful turkey wings every time:
- Season generously with salt, pepper, herbs and spices for enhanced flavor
- Use a roasting rack to maximize air circulation and achieve crispy skin
- Start wings skin-side up then flip halfway through roasting
- Baste occasionally with pan juices to prevent drying out
- Tent with foil if browning too quickly
- Broil at the end for extra crispiness (watch closely to avoid burning)
Effective Cooking Methods for Turkey Wings
While roasting is most common, turkey wings can be prepared using various cooking techniques:
- Oven roasting – The classic method, ideal for crispy skin
- Slow cooker – Cooks wings until tender and falling off the bone
- Pressure cooker – Quickly cooks wings in 30-40 minutes with pressure
- Grilling – Gives wings a delicious char; indirect heat prevents burning
No matter which cooking method you choose, always monitor wings closely and use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Handy Tips for Maximizing Flavor
Don’t just settle for plain old turkey wings. Employ these useful tips to take the flavor to the next level:
- Marinate overnight in a flavorful wet rub or buttermilk
- Inject with broth for extra juiciness and seasoning
- Coat with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin or Tajín
- Stuff wings with a flavorful mixture like cornbread, rice, or sausage
- Glaze or sauce during last 10-15 minutes of roasting
With smart techniques like these, your turkey wings will be bursting with finger-licking flavor.
What to Serve with Turkey Wings
Turkey wings pair deliciously with a variety of soulful side dishes. Consider rounding out your meal with:
- Classic mashed potatoes or potato salad
- Collard greens, braised cabbage or roasted veggies
- Warm cornbread, biscuits or corn muffins
- Mac and cheese or cheesy grits
- Coleslaw, pasta salad or fresh greens
With the ideal combo of sides, your turkey wings will steal the show as the star of the meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Wings
Properly stored leftover turkey wings will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warmed through. The cooked wings can also be frozen for 2-3 months. Always thaw frozen wings fully before reheating.
Ready for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Wings?
Now that you know exactly how long turkey wings need to roast and useful tips for maximizing flavor, you’re ready to cook this underrated cut to perfection. Monitor them closely as they roast, use a thermometer to confirm doneness, and employ smart ways to boost the flavor. Before you know it, you’ll have a new go-to dinner starring juicy, tender turkey wings with crispy, crackling skin.
Why Use Turkey Wings? Why Not Legs, Thighs, or Turkey Breasts?
So, why am I pushing for y’all to use turkey WINGS? Well, truth be told, you can use this recipe for any part of the turkey (with adjusted cooking times, of course). Wings are the superior part of a turkey. They’re the most tender dark meat that stays perfectly juicy—none of that dry turkey nonsense here.
If you prefer turkey legs or thighs, or even the breast, you can use the same seasoning blend I provide in this recipe on any of those parts of a turkey. I do have a recipe on how to roast a whole turkey, so if you’re going for the entire bird, I suggest checking out that recipe instead.
This baked turkey wings recipe is seasoned to perfection and really caters to the tender meat of the wings. So you get that classic turkey flavor reminiscent of Thanksgiving without hassle.
Step 2: Season to High Heaven
Next, toss your turkey wings into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with some olive oil (or vegetable oil if you prefer), and then it’s time to season. Toss your turkey seasoning mixture into the bowl and make sure those wings are WELL COATED with all that flavorful goodness. (Note: If you watch my video tutorial below, I do not use flour in this recipe. The white powder is onion and garlic powder. You don’t need flour!)
Smothered Turkey Wings | Soul Food Turkey Recipe
FAQ
How do you know when turkey wings are cooked?
Remove the pan from the oven and, using an instant-read thermometer, check to make sure you’ve reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees in the thickest part of the wing. Let the turkey wings rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow time for the juices to redistribute.
How long are wings supposed to be cooked?
In an oven preheated to 375 degrees F, the 10 wings should be fully crisped and cooked in about 30 to 45 minutes. An instant read thermometer inserted into the meat (but not touching the bone) should read at least 165 degrees F.
How long do turkey wings take to bake at 350 degrees?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place turkey wings and onion in a casserole dish; sprinkle seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, black pepper, and garlic on both sides of each wing. Pour 1/2 cup water into the casserole dish and cover. Bake in the preheated oven until browned, 1 hour.
How long do turkeys take to cook?
| Weight | Cook Time (Unstuffed) | Cook Time (Stuffed) |
|---|---|---|
| 7-10 lbs. | 2½-3 hrs. | 2¾-3½ hrs. |
| 10-18 lbs. | 3-3½ hrs. | 3¾-4½ hrs. |
| 18-22 lbs. | 3½-4 hrs. | 4½-5 hrs. |
| 22-24 lbs. | 4-4½ hrs. | 5-5½ hrs. |
How long to cook Turkey wings in oven?
**The ideal cooking time for turkey wings in the oven is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a temperature of 350°F (175°C).** Cooking turkey wings requires a bit of time and patience to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. Here’s how you can achieve that: 1. Should I use fresh or frozen turkey wings?
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:
What temperature should Turkey wings be cooked at?
The ideal cooking temperature for turkey wings is 375 degrees F. This will help to ensure that the wings are cooked through without drying out. If you are cooking the wings in the oven, you can preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake the wings for the recommended cooking time.
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.
How do you cook a turkey wing before cooking?
To ensure the turkey wing is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). 5. Can I marinate the turkey wing before cooking? Absolutely! Marinating the turkey wing will infuse it with additional flavor and enhance its juiciness.
Are turkey wings easy to cook?
Turkey wings contain juicy, flavorful dark meat that gets beautifully crisp skin when cooked right. They are easy to cook in the oven, on the grill, or in the air fryer with minimal preparation needed. Turkey wings make for finger-licking good eating and are perfect for game day snacking or as part of a soul food feast.