Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Turkey wings are big, meaty and inexpensive, but they can turn out tough or rubbery when roasted too fast. Air fryer turkey wings cook in about 35 minutes at 380 °F, with crispy skin on the outside and dark, tender meat that pulls away from the bone. Cut the wings into sections first, and everything fits and cooks evenly in a standard basket.
- Temperature
- 380°F190 °C
- Total time
- 50min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 175°F79 °C
- Per serving
- 380kcal
Why the air fryer works for turkey wings
A turkey wing is about three times the size of a chicken wing, with a thick layer of skin, a lot of connective tissue and dark meat. In an oven it can take more than an hour to get the skin crisp, and the meat often dries out before the collagen softens. The air fryer cuts that time, because the hot air strikes all the sides of the wing at once and renders the fat from the skin quickly.
Baking powder is the other helper. It raises the pH of the skin, which helps it brown and blister, so the surface turns crisp and not leathery. Since turkey wings are dark meat, they stay moist even when taken past the minimum safe temperature. For smaller wings, see chicken wings in the air fryer, and for a larger roast, turkey legs in the air fryer.
How to make turkey wings in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut the wings Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut each wing into three parts at the joints, giving the meaty drumette, the flat middle section and the small tip. Save the tips for stock or cook them with the rest.
- Dry and season Pat all the pieces very dry with paper towels. Toss them with the oil, then with the baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 380 °F for .
- Cook Place the pieces skin side down in a single layer; if the basket is small, cook the drumettes first and the flats and tips in a second batch. Cook for , flipping after and again after , until the skin is deep golden.
- Check and rest Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a drumette without touching the bone. The USDA minimum is 165 °F, but dark turkey meat is more tender at 175 °F, so cook a few more minutes if needed. Rest for .
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Turkey Wings | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh wings cut into sectionsFlip twice | 380 °F (190 °C) | 35 min |
| Whole uncut wings | 360 °F (180 °C) | 40–45 min |
| Frozen, not thawedSeason after 15 min | 360 °F (180 °C) | 50–55 min |
| Smoked, precooked | 350 °F (180 °C) | 15–18 min |
| Wing tips only | 380 °F (190 °C) | 15–18 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 175 °F (79 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Cut at the joints. Smaller pieces fit the basket and cook evenly. Kitchen shears make it easy.
- Use baking powder, not baking soda. Baking soda leaves a metallic taste, and baking powder is neutral.
- Rest before serving. The meat is hot and the juices are loose right out of the basket, so wait 5 minutes.
What to serve with turkey wings
Turkey wings suit Southern-style sides, such as collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread and candied yams. For a lighter plate, serve them with green beans in the air fryer and a scoop of rice. They also work as a Thanksgiving side dish for a smaller table; see Thanksgiving in the air fryer for more ideas.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate leftover turkey wings in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F for 6–8 minutes, until they reach 165 °F in the center, which also refreshes the skin. The meat can be picked off the bone for soups, sandwiches and casseroles.
Variations
- Jerk turkey wings: Replace the paprika and thyme with 2 tbsp of jerk seasoning and a squeeze of lime.
- BBQ turkey wings: Brush with barbecue sauce for the last 5 minutes only, since sugar burns quickly.
- Garlic herb butter: Toss the cooked wings in 2 tbsp of melted butter with garlic and chopped parsley.
If it does not turn out right
- The skin is rubbery
- The wings were wet or the basket was crowded. Dry them well, use the baking powder, and cook in a single layer so air reaches every side.
- The meat is tough
- Turkey wings have a lot of connective tissue, so they need to reach 175 °F rather than stopping at 165 °F. Give them extra minutes, and they soften.
- The wings burn on the outside before the inside is done
- Large drumettes need time. Lower the temperature to 360 °F, add 5 minutes and check the thickest drumette first.
Questions and answers
How long do turkey wings take in the air fryer?
Whole turkey wings cut into sections take about 35 minutes at 380 °F. Uncut whole wings need 40–45 minutes at 360 °F if they fit, flipped twice.
What temperature should turkey wings reach?
The USDA safe minimum is 165 °F, but turkey wings are dark meat with connective tissue, so most cooks take them to 175 °F for tender results.
Can I cook frozen turkey wings in the air fryer?
It is better to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. If you must cook them frozen, cook at 360 °F for 15 minutes, season, and then cook for another 35–40 minutes until they reach 175 °F.
Can I air fry smoked turkey wings?
Yes. Smoked wings are already cooked, so heat them at 350 °F for 15–18 minutes until they reach 165 °F, brushing with a little oil to keep the skin from drying out.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
