Air Fryer Turkey Tails: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Turkey tails are considered a delicacy in Hawaii, American Samoa, the Philippines, and West Africa. In Togo, they are known as Adokougbi and are often served with koliko, fried plantain, or sweet potatoes. A popular way to cook turkey tails is in an air fryer. This method is quicker than baking and, because of the high fat content in the meat, healthier than deep frying.

Characteristics and Values

Boil seasoned turkey tails

If you're looking for a delicious, juicy, and tender dish, boiled seasoned turkey tails are a great option. Turkey tails are full of flavour and are a delicacy in many parts of the world. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this mouth-watering meal:

Step 1: Seasoning and Marinating

Start by preparing a marinade for your turkey tails. In a bowl, mix vinegar, water, garlic, and your favourite turkey rub or seasoning. You can also add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick. Place the turkey tails in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the turkey tails marinate for about an hour. This step helps to infuse the meat with flavour and keep it juicy.

Step 2: Boiling

After marinating, remove the turkey tails from the bag and give them a quick rinse. Pat them dry with paper towels. Now, it's time to boil the seasoned turkey tails. Fill a large pot with enough water to completely cover the turkey tails. You can also add chopped onions, garlic, and your choice of seasonings like salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to the water for extra flavour. Bring the water to a boil. Carefully place the turkey tails in the boiling water and let them cook for about an hour to an hour and a half. You can also use a pressure cooker on the poultry setting for this step.

Step 3: Tenderising (Optional)

Once the turkey tails are boiled, you can choose to further tenderise them. Place the boiled turkey tails in a slow cooker with a little bit of liquid, such as broth or water, and cook on low heat for an additional 2 hours or until they fall apart. This step is perfect if you prefer your meat extremely tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 4: Serving

Finally, your boiled seasoned turkey tails are ready to be served! You can enjoy them as they are or with a side of your favourite vegetables, rice, or beans. Don't forget to drizzle any remaining broth or cooking juices over your dish for extra flavour and moisture. Bon appétit!

Place in air fryer basket

Place the boiled turkey tails in the air fryer basket. If you haven't boiled them already, you should. Boiling seasoned turkey tails before frying them is a good way to ensure the meat is cooked through. You can use a pressure cooker on the poultry setting if you have one. Don't cut the turkey tail before cooking. It's best to cook it whole and then cut it into portions afterward.

Place the basket in the air fryer and set it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Close the fryer and let the turkey tails cook for 15 minutes. Then, open the fryer and flip the tails over. You want to get an even cook on both sides, so the tails are nicely golden.

Cook the flipped tails for another 15 minutes. Depending on how crispy you like your meat, you can cook it for another 10 minutes. This will give you a good crunch, which is how some people like to eat their turkey tails.

Remember, the turkey tails are full of fat, so there's no need to deep fry them. Air frying is a much healthier option and will still give you delicious, flavorful meat.

Cook at 375F for 15 mins

To cook turkey tails in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the turkey tails. Start by patting the turkey tails dry with a paper towel. This will help ensure that the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer.

Then, brush the turkey tails with your favourite seasonings or a simple blend of salt and pepper. You can also marinate the tails beforehand for extra flavour. If you're using a wet rub or marinade, be sure to dry the surface of the turkey tails slightly so that the seasoning sticks better.

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the turkey tails into the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at 375°F for 15 minutes. During this time, the hot air will circulate around the tails, cooking them evenly and crisping up the skin.

After 15 minutes, check the turkey tails to see if they've reached your desired level of doneness. If you prefer them extra crispy, you may consider cooking them for an additional few minutes. However, be careful not to overcook them, as this can dry out the meat.

Finally, remove the crispy, juicy turkey tails from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Enjoy your delicious air-fried turkey tails!

Flip and cook other side

Once you've placed the boiled turkey tails in the air fryer and cooked them for 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to flip them and cook the other side. Open the air fryer and, using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip the turkey tails. Ensure that you wear oven mitts or use a kitchen towel to protect your hands from the hot air and surfaces of the fryer. You don't want the crispy, golden crust that's formed on the cooked side to burn, so be gentle and flip slowly and deliberately.

After flipping, set a timer for another 15 minutes as a guideline. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the size of the turkey tails. If you prefer your turkey tails extra crispy, you might want to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. On the other hand, if you like them a little softer or juicier, you can reduce the cooking time accordingly.

While the second side is cooking, you can prepare any side dishes to serve with your turkey tails. As mentioned earlier, in Togolese cuisine, turkey tails are often served with koliko, fried plantain, or fried sweet potatoes. These side dishes can be prepared while the turkey tails are cooking to ensure a hot and delicious meal when the tails are done.

Keep an eye on the turkey tails as they cook. You want to achieve a nice, even golden colour on all sides. If your air fryer has a window, you can easily monitor the colour without opening the fryer, preventing heat loss and ensuring consistent cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a window, you might need to open it briefly to check on the colour, but try not to interrupt the cooking process too much.

Continue cooking to desired crispiness

Turkey tails are a popular dish in West Africa, especially in Togo, where they are known as Adokougbi in the Mina language. They are typically served with koliko, fried plantain, or fried sweet potatoes. Due to the high fat content in turkey tails, deep frying is not necessary, although it is the traditional method. Air frying is a great alternative and results in a delicious and flavorful dish.

To achieve your desired level of crispiness, you can continue cooking the turkey tails in the air fryer for an additional 10 minutes or more. Keep a close eye on the tails during this process, as the timing may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the tails. Adjust the timing accordingly to prevent overcooking or burning.

For a golden and crispy exterior, aim for a consistent temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the cooking process. If you prefer your turkey tails with a stronger crunch, consider increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final few minutes of cooking. However, be cautious to avoid burning the meat.

Remember, the beauty of air frying is that it provides a faster and healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. By using rapid circulation of hot air, the air fryer can efficiently crisp up the skin while retaining the juicy flavors of the meat. With just a few minutes of additional cooking time, you can easily achieve your desired level of crispiness without compromising the quality and taste of the dish.

Frequently asked questions