Air-Fried Turkey Wings: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Turkey wings cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The air fryer's circulating hot air cooks the turkey evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat. This cooking method also allows for customisation with different seasonings, marinades, and sauces.

Choosing and preparing your turkey wings

When selecting your wings, ensure the packaging is sealed and has no tears or holes. Check the use-by dates, and for fresh wings, make sure the meat is pinkish and firm, with no unpleasant odours. Avoid wings that look grey or smell off-putting.

For air frying, it is recommended to use split wings, which are separated into drums and flats. This helps the wings cook more evenly and brown better. You can ask your butcher to portion the wings, or do it yourself by cutting through the joints with a sharp knife. Most people discard the wing tips, but you can save them for homemade broth.

Once your wings are portioned, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Then, in a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the wings and add your chosen spices. You can use a Cajun spice mix, or a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure the wings are well coated.

Now your turkey wings are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Picking your spices and seasoning

The fun part about making turkey wings in the air fryer is that you can get creative with the spices and seasonings. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or you can experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect flavour. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spicy

If you like your food with a kick, try a combination of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and lemon pepper. This will give your wings a nice, spicy kick. You can also add some extra heat with black pepper or red pepper flakes.

Savoury

For a more savoury option, try a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This combination will give your wings a nice, savoury flavour that's perfect if you're looking for something a little more subtle.

Sweet and Savoury

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a touch of sweetness to your wings with a combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This unexpected twist will give your wings a unique flavour that's sure to impress.

Cajun

For a Cajun-inspired dish, coat your wings in Cajun seasoning. This blend typically includes a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. It's a great option if you're looking for a flavourful kick.

Herb Blend

For a more subtle and fresh flavour, try using an herb blend like a 24-herb seasoning. You can also make your own blend with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. This option is perfect if you're looking for a lighter, more summery dish.

Poultry Seasoning

For a more traditional option, you can use a poultry seasoning blend. This typically includes a mix of thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. It's a great way to enhance the natural flavour of the turkey.

No matter which spices and seasonings you choose, the key is to rub them generously onto the wings before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that your wings are packed with flavour. So, don't be shy—get creative and have fun with it!

Air fryer prep and cooking times

Air fryer turkey wings are a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The prep and cooking times can vary depending on the size of the wings, the power of your air fryer, and your desired level of crispness. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing and cooking turkey wings in an air fryer:

Prep:

• Start by preheating your air fryer to 350-400 degrees F.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy skin.
• Place the wings in a medium-sized bowl or bag. Drizzle or brush the wings with olive oil, and then add your desired spices and seasonings. Toss or stir until the wings are well coated. You can use a variety of seasonings like Cajun spices, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking:

• Place the seasoned wings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not crowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the wings for 15-20 minutes on one side, then flip them over and air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes on the other side. The total cooking time will be around 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the wings and your desired level of crispness.
• To ensure even cooking, you may want to flip the wings halfway through the cooking process.
• The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the wing.
• Once the wings are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier meat.

How to serve your wings

Turkey wings can be served as a main dish or an appetiser. They are a fun alternative to chicken wings and can be served as hearty finger food.

For a weekday dinner, serve the wings with coleslaw and applesauce, or a side salad. For a Thanksgiving-themed dinner, pair the wings with holiday sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.

If serving as an appetiser, add a dipping sauce such as BBQ sauce, chilli sauce, or hot mustard sauce.

For a healthier option, serve with a side of Air Fryer Green Beans, Keto Mashed Cauliflower, Air Fryer French Fries, or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Storing and reheating your wings

Storing Turkey Wings:

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the cooked turkey wings to cool down to room temperature. Place the wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other odours from the refrigerator. Stored this way, your wings should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer Storage: If you wish to store your wings for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the wings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date, and they will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Turkey Wings:

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket and reheat for 7 to 8 minutes.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the wings in an oven-safe dish, cover them with aluminium foil, and reheat for about 10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Place the wings in a flat-bottomed pan with a small amount of stock, water, or gravy. Simmer on medium heat until the wings are evenly heated.
• Microwave: While not ideal, you can reheat your wings in the microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of stock or water, and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Reheat on medium to high power, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.

Tips for Reheating:

• Always ensure your turkey wings are thoroughly defrosted before reheating if they were frozen.
• Reheat your wings to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
• Avoid reheating more than once to minimise the risk of bacterial growth.
• Add moisture during reheating to prevent the wings from drying out. A little butter, stock, water, or gravy can help keep them juicy.

Frequently asked questions