Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe: Crispy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey wings, this Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe is a game-changer! With crispy golden skin on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside, these turkey wings are perfect for any occasion. The air fryer cuts down cooking time while delivering that roasted texture and flavor we all love—without the need for a full oven setup.
Whether you’re making a simple weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or putting together a holiday feast, these turkey wings are a versatile and satisfying dish. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Here’s why this recipe is destined to become a favorite:
- Quick and Easy:
The air fryer cooks turkey wings faster than the oven, making this a great option for busy days. - Perfectly Crispy Skin:
The air fryer delivers that crispy, golden skin you’d expect from traditional roasting. - Juicy and Tender Meat:
The hot air circulation locks in moisture, ensuring the turkey wings stay juicy and flavorful. - Customizable Seasoning:
Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you want savory, spicy, or smoky flavors. - Great for Any Occasion:
Ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even as part of a holiday spread.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Wings
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create flavorful, crispy turkey wings:
1. Turkey Wings
- Look for fresh or thawed turkey wings. Split them into drumettes and flats if they come whole.
2. Olive Oil
- A light coating of olive oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispy skin in the air fryer.
3. Garlic Powder
- Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the wings.
4. Paprika
- Paprika gives the wings a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and enhances their golden color.
5. Onion Powder
- Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness to the seasoning mix.
6. Salt and Pepper
- Simple seasonings like salt and black pepper bring out the natural flavor of the turkey.
Optional Add-ins and Variations
- Cajun Turkey Wings: Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy, smoky twist.
- Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on the wings for a zesty flavor.
- Honey Garlic Glaze: Toss the cooked turkey wings in a honey garlic sauce for a sweet and savory finish.
- BBQ Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked turkey wings:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Wings
- Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Wings
- In a large bowl, toss the turkey wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Turkey Wings
- Arrange the turkey wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the turkey wings from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Turkey Wings pair beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for dipping.
- Side Dishes: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a hearty meal.
- Salad: Add to a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa with steamed veggies for a balanced dinner.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Wings
- Pat the Wings Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures the skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow air to circulate evenly around the wings.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the wings halfway ensures even cooking and crispy skin on all sides.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy turkey wings.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices or try different seasoning blends to suit your taste.
Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs 900g turkey wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, toss the turkey wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Arrange the turkey wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the wings from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze raw, seasoned turkey wings in a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the air fryer time.
- Sauce Options: Toss the wings in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey garlic glaze after cooking for extra flavor.