Air Fryer Turkey Wings: How Long Until They're Done?

Turkey wings in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep-fried wings. They are also a convenient substitute for cooking a whole turkey, which can be daunting for some. The cooking time for turkey wings in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the wings and the specific model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 25-30 minutes at 360-380°F (182-193°C).

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, it is recommended to cook turkey wings at a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). This high temperature allows the hot air to circulate, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. It is also important to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Before cooking, it is essential to pat the wings dry and remove any excess moisture, as this can impact the crispiness of the final product. Additionally, seasoning or marinating the wings before cooking can add flavour and enhance the taste.

Turkey wings in an air fryer: cooking time and temperature

Turkey wings are a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey and can be ready in under an hour. They are a healthier option than deep-frying and are a quick, easy meal that can be made any night of the week.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature for turkey wings in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the wings and the air fryer model. On average, the wings should be cooked at around 350-380°F (182-193°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

It is important to ensure that the wings are cooked thoroughly. According to the USDA, poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. The skin should be golden-brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear. If the juices are pink, the turkey may need more cooking time.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Wings in an Air Fryer

• Pat the wings dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture and achieve crispier wings.
• Season the wings generously with your choice of spices and herbs to infuse them with flavor.
• Preheat your air fryer, just like you would with a conventional oven, to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate properly. Cook the wings in batches if necessary.
• Add a light coat of oil to the wings to enhance crispiness and achieve a golden-brown color.
• Experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find your preferred flavor and texture.
• Flip the wings halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
• Allow the wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness and let the flavors settle.

Sauces and Sides

Turkey wings can be served with a variety of sauces, such as barbecue, buffalo, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.

They can be paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or roasted ranch potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your turkey wings, follow these steps:

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential, just like with a conventional oven. It ensures that the cooking process begins immediately, helping to achieve the best results. Set your air fryer to 350°F–380°F (180°C–200°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding the wings.

Pat the Turkey Wings Dry

Use paper towels to pat the turkey wings dry before seasoning and air frying. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving crispy wings.

Season Generously

Don't hold back on the seasonings. Coat the wings generously with spices and herbs to infuse them with flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, lemon pepper, salt, and pepper.

Add a Light Coat of Oil

While air fryers can cook with minimal oil, adding a light coat of oil to the wings can enhance crispiness. Use a cooking spray or brush a small amount of oil onto the wings to ensure an even coat.

Avoid Overcrowding

Arrange the wings in the air fryer basket with some space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the wings from crisping up properly. Cook in batches if necessary.

Flip Halfway Through

To ensure even cooking and browning, flip the wings halfway through the cooking process. Use tongs to gently turn the wings, being careful not to tear the delicate skin.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden-brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when you cut into the meat.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juiciness and lets the flavours settle.

Experiment with Flavours

Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Try different spice blends, marinades, or sauces to find your favourite flavour combinations.

How to prepare the wings before cooking

Preparing turkey wings before cooking is a simple process, but there are several steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare turkey wings for air frying:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a basic recipe, you will need turkey wings, olive oil or cooking spray, and your choice of spices and seasonings. You can use a pre-made spice rub or make your own by combining spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. You will also need to ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use.

Once you have your ingredients, it is important to prepare the turkey wings properly. Start by washing the wings and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures the spices will adhere to the wings and helps to create a crispy skin.

Next, you will need to season the wings. If you are using a dry rub, simply sprinkle the spice mix over the wings and rub it in, ensuring all sides are coated. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as herb butter or a marinade, for added flavour. It is recommended to let the wings sit for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator after seasoning to allow the flavours to intensify.

After the wings have been seasoned, it is important to preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare a baking sheet or rack by spraying it with cooking spray or brushing it with oil to prevent sticking.

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can carefully place the wings inside, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the wings in batches.

Now, you are ready to start cooking! Follow your chosen recipe for cooking times and temperatures, typically around 25 minutes in total, flipping the wings halfway through.

Remember to let the wings rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavours to settle. Then, your turkey wings will be ready to serve!

Tips for achieving the best results

• Remove moisture: Before seasoning and air frying, pat the turkey wings with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This is an important step in achieving crispy baked turkey wings.
• Be generous with seasoning: Season the wings liberally with spices and herbs to infuse them with flavour. You can use a variety of seasonings like onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, rosemary, or even a homemade poultry seasoning blend.
• Use oil sparingly: While a light coating of oil can enhance browning and crispiness, be mindful not to use too much. A cooking spray or a small amount of oil brushed onto the wings should suffice.
• Preheat your air fryer: Preheating your air fryer is crucial, just like with a conventional oven. It ensures the cooking process begins immediately, helping to achieve the best results.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave enough space between the wings to allow hot air to circulate properly. If necessary, cook the wings in batches.
• Flip the wings halfway through: Flipping the wings ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Use tongs to gently flip them, being careful not to tear the delicate skin.
• Rest before serving: Allow the wings to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juiciness and lets the flavours settle.
• Sauce after baking: If you want to add sauce to your wings, do it after they're finished cooking.
• Experiment with flavours: Don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and try out different combinations.
• Use a meat thermometer: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the recommended minimum temperature for poultry according to the USDA.

How to store and reheat leftover wings

Storing leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the fridge will keep them fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag, but be sure to let them thaw for a few hours or overnight before reheating.

To reheat your wings, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the wings inside the air fryer basket and spritz them with oil if you like. Reheat for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size and whether they are sauced or not. If your wings are overlapping or touching, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.

If you're reheating sauced wings, it's a good idea to use a small air fryer pan, tin foil, or parchment paper to avoid a mess and help keep the wings moist. You can also add a bit of water to the bottom of the air fryer basket to avoid excess smoke.

For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F.

Frequently asked questions