Air-Fried Turkey Wings: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Turkey wings are a great alternative to chicken wings and can be cooked in an air fryer in a similar way. They are a perfect option for a quick, easy, and healthy meal, full of flavour and with a crispy texture. Turkey wings can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces, such as olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. They can also be paired with a range of side dishes, including salads, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

How long to cook turkey wings in an air fryer

Turkey wings can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The air fryer's circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender inside.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F. This is the ideal temperature to ensure the turkey wings cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Wings

Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the wings develop a crispy skin during cooking. You can also rub the wings with olive oil or cooking spray to promote even browning and add flavour.

Step 3: Season the Turkey Wings

Coat the turkey wings with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and salt. Mix and match to find your favourite combination. You can also use a store-bought spice rub or marinade to enhance the flavour.

Step 4: Cook the Turkey Wings

Place the seasoned turkey wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook the wings for 15 minutes, and then carefully flip them over using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Check the Temperature

To ensure the turkey wings are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, away from the bone. The FDA recommends poultry be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey wings have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Serve the wings with your favourite dipping sauces and enjoy!

How to season turkey wings

Turkey wings can be seasoned in a variety of ways before being cooked in an air fryer. Firstly, it is important to pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel. Then, rub both sides of the wings with olive oil and spices.

One recipe suggests a spice rub of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Another recipe recommends a Creole seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, a standard turkey seasoning can be made with poultry seasoning, ground thyme, ground oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Other seasoning suggestions include a homemade BBQ seasoning and rub, homemade blackened seasoning, homemade ranch seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning.

How to store and reheat leftover turkey wings

How to Store Leftover Turkey Wings:

Leftover turkey wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they are completely cooled down before storing.

How to Reheat Leftover Turkey Wings:

There are a few ways to reheat leftover turkey wings. Here are some options:

• In an oven: Place the wings on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). The time may vary depending on the number of wings and their temperature.
• In an air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook the wings for about 15 minutes.
• On a stovetop: Reheat the wings over low heat until warmed through.

It is important to ensure that the wings are heated thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the wing.

Additionally, you can broil the wings for a few minutes after reheating to make them crispy again.

What to serve with air fryer turkey wings

Air fryer turkey wings are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be served as an appetiser, snack, or main course. But what to serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and impress your guests:

Side Dishes

Sides are a great way to round out your meal and offer a variety of flavours and textures. Here are some side dish suggestions:

• 4 cheese mac and cheese and creamy coleslaw: These sides will complement the spiciness of the wings and add a creamy texture to the dish.
• Salads: A side salad can be a refreshing counterpart to the hearty wings. Try a kale salad with raisins and sunflower seeds for a nutritious and tasty option.
• Great Northern Beans and Green Beans: For a hearty and wholesome meal, pair your wings with these delicious sides.
• Instant Pot Glazed Carrots: Why not add some sweetness to your meal with this tasty side dish?
• Starch sides: Options like roasted ranch potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or air fryer French fries can be a great starchy addition to your meal.

Sauces and Dips

Sauces and dips can enhance the flavour of your wings and offer a customisable experience for your guests. Here are some ideas:

• Cranberry Orange Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce can be a perfect complement to the savoury wings.
• Gravy: Use those turkey drippings to make some delicious gravy! It's a classic for a reason.
• BBQ sauce: A classic BBQ sauce can add a sweet and smoky flavour to your wings.
• Buffalo sauce: For a spicy kick, toss your wings in a buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Other Wing Flavours

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different wing flavours to offer a variety of options to your guests:

• Cajun-honey wings: Drizzle your wings with a mixture of Cajun seasoning and honey for a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Lemon-pepper wings: Sprinkle your wings with lemon pepper seasoning for a tangy and zesty flavour.
• Parmesan-ranch wings: Season your wings with grated Parmesan cheese, dried ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper for a savoury and creamy flavour profile.

The benefits of cooking turkey wings in an air fryer

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Wings in an Air Fryer

Quick and Easy

Air-frying turkey wings is a quick and easy way to cook them. It can be faster than traditional methods such as roasting or baking, and it's also less messy than deep-frying. You can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up.

Healthy

Turkey is a lean, healthy meat, and air frying uses very little oil, so you can enjoy your favourite wings without the excess calories and fat of deep-frying. The air fryer also allows you to control the amount of oil and the ingredients used, making it a healthier option for crispy, juicy wings.

Customisable

The air fryer lets you experiment with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces to create your own customised flavours. You can easily coat the wings with your favourite spice rub or marinade, or even use a store-bought option. The circulating hot air will cook the wings evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat.

Convenient

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook turkey wings, as they require minimal preparation and no brining or stuffing. You can also cook frozen wings in the air fryer, making it a hassle-free option for busy weeknights or a quick meal.

Versatile

Turkey wings cooked in an air fryer can be served as an appetiser, snack, or main course. They are perfect for a small gathering or a holiday meal, and you can pair them with various side dishes or sauces. They can also be used in recipes such as soups or salads, making them a versatile option for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions