Turkey wings are a fantastic alternative to roasting a whole bird. They’re flavorful, juicy, and perfect for a family dinner or game day feast. If you’re wondering how to cook turkey wings in the oven, this guide will walk you through easy steps to get crispy, tender wings every time.
Why Choose Turkey Wings?
– They’re budget-friendly and smaller than a whole turkey.
– Turkey wings have rich, dark meat that stays moist.
– They’re easy to season and cook quickly compared to a whole bird.
What You’ll Need
– Turkey wings (2-4 whole wings, split into parts if you like)
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder and onion powder
– Smoked paprika or regular paprika
– Optional: dried herbs like thyme or parsley
– Chicken or turkey broth
– Aluminum foil
– Baking dish or roasting pan
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Turkey Wings
1. Prep the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during cooking.
If you want, use a sharp knife to split the wings at the joints into drumettes, wingettes, and tips. This helps them cook evenly and makes serving easier.
2. Season the Wings
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You can add dried thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Brush or toss the turkey wings in this seasoning mixture until well coated. Let them marinate for at least 5 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have time.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
Place a layer of chopped onions at the bottom of your baking dish (optional but adds flavor). Arrange the seasoned turkey wings on top.
Pour about 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth into the dish-but pour it around the wings, not over them, so the seasoning stays put.
4. Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes. This slow cooking helps the meat become tender and juicy.
5. Crisp the Skin
After 90 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. This step crisps up the skin beautifully.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the wing.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, let the wings rest a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious on their own or paired with sides like mashed potatoes, greens, or cornbread.
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Turkey Wings
– Don’t skip drying the wings before seasoning; moisture prevents crispy skin.
– Cover with foil initially to keep the wings moist, then uncover to crisp.
– Use broth in the pan to keep the wings juicy and add flavor.
– Feel free to experiment with seasonings like Cajun spice, lemon pepper, or brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
– Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven covered with foil.
Alternative Cooking Method: Low and Slow
For ultra-tender wings, you can bake at a lower temperature (around 250°F) for 2 hours covered with foil, then uncover and bake 15 minutes more to crisp. This method takes longer but yields fall-off-the-bone meat.
Turkey wings are a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-cook option that can become a new favorite in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have juicy, crispy wings that everyone will love. Ready to try it out?