Crispy, juicy turkey wings straight from the air fryer? Yes please! If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make insanely delicious turkey wings, then you need to try this recipe.
These spice-rubbed wings come out perfectly browned and crisp on the outside while remaining remarkably moist and flavorful inside after just 25 minutes in the air fryer.
I absolutely love serving these crowd-pleasing wings as an appetizer or game day snack. But they’re also hearty and satisfying enough to be the main dish for dinner. Let me walk you through just how simple these are to whip up. All you’ll need is a basic mixture of pantry spices to coat the wings before they go into your air fryer basket.
In almost no time at all, you’ll have a plate of insanely addicting turkey wings to enjoy. The air fryer really does magical things to wings, sealing in all those wonderful juices. Trust me, these will go fast! So let’s get started on making these finger-licking-good air fryer turkey wings.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy And Tender Meat: This turkey wings in an air fryer recipe will give you juicy and tender meat that you won’t be able to resist. The air fryer cooks the turkey wings to perfection, making them crispy on the outside and moist and flavorful on the inside.
Quick And Easy to Make: This air fryer turkey wings recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time. The recipe only takes 35 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time is hands-off while the air fryer does all the work.
Crowd-Pleasing: If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to please a crowd, look no further than these air fryer turkey wings. They’re flavorful and satisfying, and the perfect addition to any party or gathering.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
For this turkey wings air fryer recipe you will need:
- 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg) Turkey Wings
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Easily make turkey wings in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Start by preheating the air fryer to 350F (175C) and greasing the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Then, add these ingredients to a small bowl: onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix and combine them.
Step 2
Coat the turkey wings with the olive oil and the mixture.
Step 3
Air fry the turkey wings for about 15 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for 10 more minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let the air fried turkey wings cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Wings
It can be tricky to gauge doneness for meat visually. Using an instant-read meat thermometer eliminates the guesswork and ensures the wings are cooked just right.
Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone. Turkey wings are safe to eat and properly cooked when they register 165°F (75°C) at the thickest section. If they haven’t reached temperature, simply air fry for a few more minutes.
2. Mastering the Spice Mix
Your spice mix is the heart of the flavor for this recipe. It’s important to evenly mix your spices to ensure each wing gets an equal share of all the flavors. If you have a spice grinder, consider grinding your own cumin for a fresher and more potent flavor.
If you’re a fan of a little extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can be a great addition. Remember, the key is consistency in the mix so that every bite is as flavorful as the last.
3. Using the Olive Oil
Applying olive oil to the turkey wings serves two purposes: it helps the spice mix adhere to the wings and promotes crispy skin during the cooking process. The trick is to evenly coat the wings without overdoing it. Too little oil and the spices won’t stick properly; too much, and the wings might get soggy.
4. Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Wings
Making smoked turkey wings in air fryer is super easy. All you need is liquid smoke. Mix 1.5 teaspoons of it in the spice mixture, then coat the wings.
It’s very important to remember hat liquid smoke is very concentrated, so make sure to use only a small amount. 1.5 teaspoons are more than enough for 2.5 pounds of wings.
5. Letting Them Cool First
After removing the wings from the air fryer, you may be tempted to dig right in. But, that may not be the best idea. Wings should cool first before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. This will ensure that your wings are juicy and flavorful.
Variations
1. Italian-Style Turkey Wings- Transport your tastebuds to Italy with these flavorful turkey wings! Instead of the standard seasoning, coat the wings with a mixture of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme.
Splash some balsamic vinegar over them and air fry until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. For an extra kick, shake some red pepper flakes on after cooking. Mangia!
2. Honey Sriracha Turkey Wings- If you like things a little sweet and spicy, these wings are for you! The air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully. Instead of olive oil and brown sugar, brush the wings with a blend of honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic and ginger before air frying.
The complex flavors of savory, sweet and heat make these wings irresistible. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool things down.
3. Jerk Turkey Wings- Infuse your wings with the vibrant spices of the Caribbean islands! Blend typical jerk seasonings like allspice, thyme, garlic, onions and habanero peppers to make a wet jerk marinade. Let the wings soak up the flavors overnight. Drain and pat dry before air frying until the skin gets browned and crackly.
4. Maple Barbecue Turkey Wings- With just 3 ingredients, you can transform plain turkey wings into a sweet and saucy southern treat! Brush the wings with a sticky blend of maple syrup, brown sugar and your favorite barbeque sauce. Air fry until caramelized and lacquered in the sauce.
5. Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings- Zesty lemon and pepper is a match made in heaven for turkey wings! Mix lemon zest, black pepper, salt and dried parsley and pat it evenly onto the skin before air frying. The bright tangy citrus flavors cut through the richness of the crispy turkey skin beautifully.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the piping hot wings when they come out of the fryer. Tart, peppery and irresistible.
6. Teriyaki Turkey Wings- East meets West with these scrumptious Asian inspired turkey wings. Marinate the wings overnight in a flavor packed teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic and ginger. Drain and pat the sticky wings dry before air frying until glossy and caramelized.
Dipping Sauces
For your deliciously seasoned air fried turkey wings, here are five mouth-watering dipping sauces that complement the flavors and textures perfectly:
1. Honey Mustard Sauce – This classic sauce is a favorite for good reason. The sweet, tangy flavor of honey mustard pairs exceptionally well with the smokiness of the paprika and the subtle heat of the black pepper on the turkey wings. The honey in the sauce echoes the brown sugar’s sweetness in the wings, creating a harmonious balance between the two.
2. Creamy Ranch Dressing – A creamy ranch dressing, with its cool, herbaceous profile, is a delightful contrast to the savory and slightly spicy turkey wings. The creamy texture of the ranch dressing provides a smooth counterpoint to the crispy exterior of the air-fried wings.
3. Spicy Buffalo Sauce – For those who love a bit of heat, a spicy buffalo sauce is an excellent choice. The vinegar and chili in the buffalo sauce will add a fiery kick that complements the cumin and garlic in the wings. It’s a combination that’s not only popular but also tantalizing for the taste buds.
4. Garlic Aioli – A rich and creamy garlic aioli can elevate the flavor profile of your turkey wings. The robust garlic in the aioli pairs beautifully with the garlic powder used in seasoning the wings, creating a deep, savory experience. This sauce also adds a luxurious creaminess that contrasts nicely with the crispness of the wings.
5. Barbecue Sauce – Opt for a smoky barbecue sauce to complement the smoked paprika and brown sugar in the turkey wings. The sauce’s smokiness and slight sweetness will mirror and enhance the wings’ flavors, making for a satisfying and familiar taste combination.
These sauces not only add an extra layer of flavor to your air fried turkey wings but also offer a variety of textures and taste experiences. From creamy to spicy, there’s a sauce here to satisfy every palate. Enjoy your meal!
Storage
These air fried turkey wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked turkey wings for longer term storage. Transfer the turkey wings to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible.
The frozen turkey wings will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the frozen wings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 400°F oven or air fryer until heated through.
Side Dishes Ideas
Turkey wings make a hearty, flavorful meal on their own, but what are some tasty sides that can round it out? Here are 5 side dish ideas to consider:
1. Air Fryer Curly Fries – Crispy, curled fries are an American favorite alongside fried chicken. The same principle applies with turkey wings. Golden, crunchy curly fries provide a nice texture contrast and help cut some of the richness. Air frying makes them easier too.
2. Air Fryer Home Fries – For a more savory, hearty side, home fries make an excellent choice. Diced potatoes fried up with onions, garlic, and herbs are simple but so satisfying. The air fryer gives you that crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the added oil. A nice complement to the spices in the wings.
3. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes – Want something lighter? Sweet potato cubes air fried until caramelized provide a touch of sweetness and gorgeous color. They also pack that nutritional punch of vitamins and minerals. The creaminess plays nicely with the turkey wings too.
4. Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks – Don’t overlook cabbage as a side dish! Caramelized cabbage steaks have a delightful bitter, earthy flavor and fun crisped edges from the air fryer. The texture and tampered spice level pairs perfectly with those succulent wings.
5. Mac and Cheese – Sometimes you just need a rich, decadent, cheesy side with fried food. And air frying doesn’t work for mac and cheese (sadly). A scoop of this classic with turkey wings is simple yet so deeply satisfying. The creaminess balances beautifully with the crispy wings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer for this turkey wings recipe?
Preheating the air fryer is recommended for optimal cooking. It ensures the turkey wings cook evenly and helps achieve a crispy texture.
2. What sides go well with air fried turkey wings?
These spicy, crispy turkey wings pair well with cooling, tangy sides like ranch dressing, blue cheese dip and celery sticks. They also complement starchy sides such as French fries, roasted potatoes or rice. And don’t forget hot sauce for those who want an extra kick!
3. Do the wings need to be separated into drumettes and flats?
Not necessarily. You can cook the wings whole as called for with great results. However, some people prefer to separate the wings which allows more even cooking since the drumettes and flats are slightly different thicknesses. Separating them also makes the wings easier to eat. So it comes down personal preference.
Chicken Wings or Turkey Wings?
You can also use chicken wings instead of turkey wings in your air fryer. Chicken wings are smaller and take less time to cook.
The cooking times will vary depending on the size of the wings, so be sure to check the wings periodically until they are cooked to your desired doneness.
That’s all there is to it! With just a few simple steps, you can have these irresistibly juicy and flavorful air fryer turkey wings on the dinner table in no time. The crispy skin encasing the tender, succulent meat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For more easy and delicious air fryer recipes, be sure to check out the rest of the site. If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- 2.5 pounds Turkey Wings (1.1 kg)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C) and grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.Then, add these ingredients to a small bowl: onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix and combine them.
- Coat the turkey wings with the olive oil and the mixture.]
- Air fry the turkey wings for about 15 minutes. Then, flip them and cook for 10 more minutes. Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
