As soon as the weather turns chilly, I start craving comfort foods that warm me from the inside out. Smoky, juicy turkey wings are at the top of my list! I love how the rich, savory flavor of smoked turkey envelops your senses with each tender, fall-off-the-bone bite. However, smoking turkey wings using traditional methods takes hours. That’s why I use my instant pot to make these irresistible wings in a fraction of the time while still infusing them with that quintessential smoky essence.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook smoked turkey wings to perfection in your instant pot You’ll learn tips for choosing the best wings, how to prep and season them, step-by-step instant pot cooking instructions, serving suggestions, and handy tips for smoked wing success Armed with this foolproof method, you’ll be sinking your teeth into the most delicious smoked turkey wings in no time!
Why Make Smoked Turkey Wings in an Instant Pot?
Here are some of the key benefits of using an instant pot to cook smoked turkey wings:
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Speed: You can have fully cooked, tender wings in just 20-30 minutes! Traditional smoking takes 4+ hours of constant monitoring and smoke replenishing.
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Convenience Simply prep the wings, toss them in the pot, and let it work hands-free. No tedious oversight needed.
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Flavor: The sealed instant pot environment forces smoke into the meat while also locking in juices.
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Consistency: The pressurized heat ensures the wings cook evenly throughout. No burnt edges or dry spots.
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Nutrition: Pressure cooking retains more vitamins and minerals versus other cooking methods.
Picking the Best Wings for Instant Pot Success
When shopping for turkey wings, keep these tips in mind:
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Opt for fresh, raw wings – Frozen wings won’t cook as evenly. Thawing can also cause moisture loss.
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Choose larger, meatier wings – More meat means more juicy, smoky goodness! Skinnier wings may overcook.
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Get whole wings – The drumette & flat together provide more texture versus lone drumettes.
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Avoid pre-smoked wings – Since they’re already cooked, they’ll dry out and overcook. Go for raw.
Prepping Wings for Maximum Flavor
Proper prep is key for infusing your wings with lots of flavor. Here are some tips:
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Pat the wings dry – This helps the seasoning adhere evenly.
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Apply a dry rub – For ideal stickage, rub on spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
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Consider brining – A salt and brown sugar brine boosts moisture.
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Marinate – For extra flavor, marinate in something bold like barbecue sauce.
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Remove wing tips – This allows for better fit and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Wings
Now, let’s get smoking! Follow these simple steps:
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Add 1 cup liquid to pot – Chicken broth works well to create steam.
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Place trivet in pot, lay wings on top in a single layer.
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Lock lid, seal valve, and manual cook on high for 25 minutes.
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Natural release 10 minutes, quick release remaining pressure.
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Remove wings, brush with sauce, and broil 2-3 minutes if you want crispy skin.
It’s that easy! In around 30 minutes, you’ll have the most mouthwatering smoked wings ready for serving.
Handy Tips for Smoked Wing Mastery
Elevate your instant pot smoked wings with these helpful hints:
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Use a steaming rack for easy removal and even cooking.
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Add wood chips wrapped in foil for authentic smoky flavor.
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Use natural release for fall-off-the-bone meat.
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Cut whole wings into drumettes and flats to reduce cook time.
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Extend cook time for meatier wings, reduce time for smaller.
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Remove wing tips pre-cooking for better fit.
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Use a quick release after 10 minute natural release.
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Coat pot with oil spray for easy cleanup.
Irresistible Ways to Serve Instant Pot Smoked Wings
Smoked turkey wings shine as the main event but pair nicely with these mouthwatering sides:
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Sweet & Tangy: Toss wings in thick, rich barbecue sauce.
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Southern Comfort: Offer collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread.
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All-American: Serve with classic potato salad, coleslaw or macaroni salad.
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Spicy: Cool things down with blue cheese dip and celery sticks.
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Fresh & Light: Add a cold, crisp salad or fresh veggie crudités.
No matter how you serve them up, instant pot smoked turkey wings are sure to be the star of any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are some commonly asked questions:
How long should I cook turkey wings in an instant pot?
For tender, juicy wings, cook for 25-30 minutes on high pressure. Adjust time based on size.
What’s the best way to crispy up the skin?
Broil the cooked wings for 2-3 minutes. The high direct heat will crisp the skin nicely.
What liquid should I cook the wings in?
Chicken or vegetable broth works well. Use 1-1.5 cups of liquid. Water can also be used.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but do not stack wings or overlap. Cook in a single layer only. You may need to extend cook time slightly.
Should I do a natural or quick pressure release?
Allow a 10 minute natural release to maintain moisture, then quick release remaining pressure.
Satisfy Your Smoky Wing Cravings in Record Time
Thanks to the instant pot, you can now enjoy insanely delicious smoked turkey wings without the hassle and time commitment of traditional smoking methods. This straightforward recipe lets you achieve the same juicy, smoky flavor and tender texture you love from smoked wings in a fraction of the time. Get ready to become the new smoked wing master!
instant pot: 23
smoked: 21
turkey: 17
wings: 16
cook: 11
smoke: 8
juicy: 6
tender: 5
flavor: 5
broth: 4
season: 4
chicken: 4
pressure: 4
meat: 3
taste: 3
serve: 3
skin: 3
crispy: 3
traditional: 2
method: 2
release: 2
natural: 2
quick: 2
time: 2
fresh: 2
frozen: 1
thaw: 1
monitor: 1
replenish: 1
brine: 1
marinate: 1
tips: 1
tricks: 1
master: 1
pro: 1
success: 1
hints: 1
help: 1
assist: 1
guide: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Always read the manual provided by the manufacturer to understand the specific settings and safety mechanisms of your pressure cooker.
Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker
One of the most significant benefits is time efficiency. With a busy lifestyle, the pressure cooker can be a life-saving appliance for preparing delicious meals quickly. Understanding how a pressure cooker speeds up cooking can provide you with insights into maximizing its utility.
If youre curious about how long the preheat time for a pressure cooker is, be sure to click here.
The sealed environment of a pressure cooker helps to retain and enhance the natural flavors of smoked turkey wings. The meat turns out juicy and tender, which is essential for a delightful eating experience.