Air Fryer Turkey Wings
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This Air Fryer Turkey Wings recipe is your ticket to a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that everyone will love. These wings come out perfectly seasoned and wonderfully crispy, proving that incredible taste can be achieved with minimal effort.
Easy Turkey Wings In The Air Fryer
Whipping up this Air Fryer Turkey Wings recipe has been a Thanksgiving lifesaver, freeing up that precious oven space for all the other holiday favorites. The air fryer works its magic, turning each wing into a perfectly crispy yet succulent treat in just half an hour. It’s a practical solution that makes holiday cooking a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make. Just coat the turkey wings in spices, pop them in the air fryer, and they’re done in about 30 minutes. Perfect for when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Delicious Taste: The wings come out super flavorful with a mix of spices like garlic and smoked paprika. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
- Great for Busy Days: Since it uses an air fryer, you don’t have to worry about the oven. It’s a handy recipe for busy days, especially when you’ve got lots of other things to cook or do.
- Turkey Wings: The star of the dish. If turkey wings are hard to find, chicken wings can be a great alternative.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the wings. For a healthier option, you can use olive oil.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the wings. You could substitute with garlic salt for an extra garlic kick.
- Black Pepper: Gives a slight heat and depth to the flavor. White pepper can be used for a milder taste.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a savory, aromatic quality. Fresh minced garlic can be used for a more pungent flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and complexity.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder could be used instead.
- Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, slightly floral note. Fresh thyme leaves can be used, just increase the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or skip it altogether.
Let me show you how easy it is to make these Air Fryer Turkey Wings. They’re a total breeze and super tasty!
First things first, let’s get that air fryer warmed up. Set it to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer has a preheat setting, go ahead and use that. It’ll help cook the wings evenly.
While the air fryer is heating up, grab those turkey wings. We’re going to give them a quick wash and then pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important they’re dry so the spices stick better.
Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s mix all those delicious spices together. Grab a large bowl and combine the melted butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and a bit of cayenne for that kick. It’s this mix that’ll give the wings their amazing flavor.
Now, toss the turkey wings in the spice mixture. Make sure they’re well-coated. This is where all the flavor comes in, so don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Once the wings are all spiced up, lay them out in the air fryer basket. Remember, don’t crowd them – we want each wing to get crispy. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to do this in batches. Air fry them for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a flip to make sure they cook evenly.
And we’re almost done! After they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through, take them out and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This little break lets all those yummy juices settle. Then, serve them up and watch them disappear!
Serve These Turkey Wings With These Sides
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
Baked Mac And Cheese
Turkey Gravy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen turkey wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning stick better to the wings.
How do I know when the turkey wings are fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink near the bone.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Sure can! Cook the wings as directed, then let them cool and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get back that crispy texture.
Air Fryer I Used
Ninja DT251 Foodi 10-in-1 Smart XL Air Fry Oven, Bake, Broil, Toast, Roast, Digital Toaster, Thermometer, True Surround Convection up to 450°F, includes 6 trays & Recipe Guide
Expert Tips
- Pat the Wings Dry Thoroughly: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the wings dry very well. This helps the seasoning stick better and leads to a crisper skin in the air fryer.
- Let the Wings Rest After Cooking: Allowing the wings to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the wings are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious results.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the wings in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. This ensures proper air circulation, which is key for achieving an evenly crispy texture.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more cayenne for extra heat, or experiment with other herbs and spices like rosemary or cumin for a different flavor profile.
Storage
After the turkey wings have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you’re looking to keep them longer, these wings freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back that delightful crispiness.
Discover More Delicious Turkey Recipes
- Brined Roast Turkey Breast
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Instant Pot Turkey Breast
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
- Turkey Breast in Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Turkey Meatballs
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Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Ingredients
- 4 large turkey wings (separated at the joins if desired)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use that.
- Wash the turkey wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Toss the turkey wings in this mixture until they are well-coated.
- Place the turkey wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure there's some space between each wing for proper air circulation. You might have to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the turkey wings for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Equipment
Notes
- Size of Wings Matters: Larger wings may require a slightly longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
- Flipping is Key: Remember to flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Spice to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- Air Fryer Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the wings, especially the first time you try this recipe.
- Serving Suggestion: These wings are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.