Grilling turkey wings on a charcoal grill can lead to incredibly moist, tender and flavorful results when done right. However, getting the timing just right is crucial. Undercook them and you’ll end up with dangerously undercooked meat. Overcook them and the wings will dry out and become tough. So how long should you grill those turkey wings for finger-licking perfection? Read on for a complete guide.
Why Choose Turkey Wings for Grilling
Turkey wings are an underrated and budget-friendly cut that is packed with flavor. Comprised of both the drumette (the upper wing section) and the flat (the lower wing section), turkey wings offer the satisfying crisp skin and juicy meat similar to that of a whole turkey, but in easy-to-eat individual pieces.
Grilling brings out the best in turkey wings. The hot temperatures and smoky flavor from the charcoal impart the wings with a wonderfully charred exterior and irresistible smoky essence. Grilling over direct high heat also renders out the fat under the skin, resulting in super crispy skin. When combined with a flavorful dry rub or sauce glaze, grilled turkey wings make for finger-licking good barbecue eats.
Key Factors That Determine Grill Time
Several factors impact just how long you need to grill turkey wings to reach the optimum doneness:
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Size of the wings – Larger, meatier wings will take longer than smaller drumettes.
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Thickness of the meat – Thicker sections of the wings will require more grill time than thinner areas.
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Bone-in or bone-out – Bone-in wings cook slower than boneless.
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Direct or indirect heat – Direct heat cooks faster than indirect.
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Coal temperature – Hotter coals will grill faster than lower heat.
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Frequency of flipping – Less flipping means longer cook times
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Use of sauce glaze – Saucing too early will extend the time.
Taking these factors into account will allow you to adjust your grill times accordingly.
Recommended Grill Times
As a general guideline when grilling bone-in whole turkey wings on a charcoal grill using a medium-high direct heat:
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For small drumettes (4-6 ounces), grill approximately 15-18 minutes per side.
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For medium drumettes (6-8 ounces), grill approximately 18-22 minutes per side.
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For large drumettes (8-12 ounces), grill approximately 22-28 minutes per side.
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For small wing flats (4-6 ounces), grill approximately 12-15 minutes per side.
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For medium wing flats (6-8 ounces), grill approximately 15-18 minutes per side.
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For large wing flats (8-12 ounces), grill approximately 18-24 minutes per side.
These times are based on a medium-high heat charcoal grill with the wings placed over direct heat, flipped halfway through, and lightly basted with sauce only during the last 5 minutes.
Always rely on a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than grill times alone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If not fully cooked, continue grilling until it reaches the proper temperature.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Wings Every Time
Follow these tips and tricks to achieve tender, juicy and perfectly cooked grilled turkey wings:
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Pat the wings dry before grilling to promote browning. Wet wings will steam instead.
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Use indirect heat to grill if your wings are extra large or very meaty. This prevents burning.
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Flip frequently, every 8-10 minutes, for even exposure to the heat on both sides.
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Brush on sauce glaze only during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent charring and burning.
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Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest section to check for 165°F doneness.
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Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Complementary Sides for a Complete Meal
A full spread of delicious sides really completes a grilled turkey wing feast. Consider these tasty accompaniments:
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Coleslaw – Cool, creamy crunch
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Potato salad – Classic barbecue staple
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Corn on the cob – Grilled until charred
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Mac and cheese – Ooey-gooey comfort
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Collard greens – Nutritious and flavorful
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Baked beans – Sweet, smoky and tangy
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Fruit salad – Fresh contrast to the rich wings
With the proper technique and timing, grilling turkey wings on a charcoal grill results in finger-licking barbecue bliss. Adjust grill times based on the size and thickness of your wings, rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy, and follow these tips for incredible wings worth devouring. Happy grilling!
FAQ
How long does it take a turkey to cook on a charcoal grill?
Cook your turkey until the temperature in the thickest part of the breast reads 161ºF. Our test bird took about 3 hours. Remove from the barbeque and let rest, tented with aluminum foil, for half an hour. Congratulations—you’ve barbequed your Thanksgiving turkey!
How long does it take to cook wings on a charcoal grill?
- Heat level: Aim for medium-high heat (around 350°F to 450°F).
- Indirect cooking: Place the wings over indirect heat to prevent burning.
- Cooking time: Approximately 20-30 minutes, checking for internal temperature.
- Flipping: Flip the wings once or twice during cooking.
- Crispy skin: To achieve crispy skin, ensure the grill is hot enough and cook until the skin is browned.
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 does it take to grill turkey pieces?
The most important thing is to set the vents so that the grill maintains a temperature of 250 degrees. Periodically toss in about half a dozen briquettes. Cook 11–13 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for the legs and 165°F for the breasts and the juices run clear.