Air-Fryer Turkey Wings: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Turkey wings in the air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They are a great alternative to chicken wings and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and sauces. Turkey wings can be cooked from fresh or frozen, and the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165 degrees F to ensure food safety. Air fryer turkey wings are a convenient and tasty option for any weeknight dinner or holiday gathering.

How long to cook turkey wings in an air fryer

Turkey wings in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the wings and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 25-30 minutes to cook turkey wings in an air fryer.

Steps to Cook Turkey Wings in an Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F or 375 degrees F, depending on the recipe you are following. While the air fryer is heating up, wash the turkey wings and pat them dry with paper towels. It is important to ensure that the wings are completely dry so that the spices stick to them properly.

Next, prepare the seasoning for the wings by combining spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add olive oil or melted butter to the spice mixture to help it adhere to the wings.

Once the seasoning is ready, coat the turkey wings generously with the mixture. Make sure to get the spices into all the nooks and crannies of the wings for maximum flavor.

Now, place the seasoned turkey wings into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between each wing for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Cook the turkey wings for 15 minutes, and then carefully flip them over using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing reaches 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and ensure the wings are fully cooked.

Finally, remove the wings from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Wings in an Air Fryer:

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the wings in batches if needed to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wings and ensure they are fully cooked.
• Allow the wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the juices settle and enhance the flavor.

How to season turkey wings for an air fryer

Turkey wings can be seasoned in an air fryer in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is important to pat the wings dry and rub both sides with olive oil. Then, you can add your desired spices to the wings.

One option for seasoning is a spice rub of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can also use other spice rubs such as chipotle seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or your own favourite combination. Another option is to use a dry rub or marinade to enhance the flavours.

For a tangy and zesty flavour, sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on the wings after roasting. If you're looking for a sweet and spicy option, drizzle the wings with a mixture of Cajun seasoning and honey. You can also toss the wings in a classic BBQ sauce, or coat them in a buffalo sauce made with hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. For a cheesy option, season the wings with grated Parmesan cheese, dried ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.

There are many ways to season turkey wings in an air fryer, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Can you use frozen turkey wings in an air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey wings in an air fryer. However, it is highly recommended that you defrost the turkey wings before cooking them. This is because cooking frozen turkey wings can make it difficult for them to cook evenly and consistently.

To cook frozen turkey wings in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, lightly spray the frozen wings and the inner air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Once hot, place the frozen turkey wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the wings for 20 minutes, then flip them and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the wings to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

If you have time, it is best to let the frozen turkey wings thaw completely before air frying. This will ensure that they cook more evenly and consistently. You can then follow the same cooking instructions as for fresh turkey wings.

To cook fresh turkey wings in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, lightly spray the turkey wings with cooking oil until they are evenly coated. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to air fry evenly. Cook the wings for 15 minutes, then carefully flip them using tongs. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the wing reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, allow the wings to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

How to store and reheat leftover turkey wings

Turkey wings can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend their shelf life, they can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to reheat your leftover turkey wings, the oven is the best option to keep them juicy and tender. While the microwave may be quicker, it tends to dry out the meat and leave the skin chewy.

To reheat your leftover turkey wings in the oven, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place your wings in a baking pan or casserole dish, ensuring they are not touching. Pour in a small amount of broth or gravy, cover the pan with foil, and place in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

If you're short on time, you can also reheat your wings in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the leftover wings inside. Cook for 15 minutes or until heated through.

What to serve with air-fried turkey wings

Air-fried turkey wings are a quick and easy meal that can be served as an appetiser, snack, or main course. They are best served with a side dish to complement the flavours of the wings. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried turkey wings:

• Cranberry orange sauce
• Sweet potato casserole
• Glazed carrots
• Mashed potatoes with garlic
• Green bean casserole
• Mac and cheese
• Creamy coleslaw
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Roasted ranch potatoes
• Onion rings
• Cornbread casserole
• Lamb chops

These sides will add flavour and variety to your meal, and many of them can be prepared in the air fryer as well!

Frequently asked questions