Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Turkey Wings are the perfect combination of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The air fryer ensures the wings cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior without drying out the inside. This method is healthier than traditional frying, while still giving you that satisfying crunch. The seasoning is customizable, so you can adjust it to suit your taste, making these wings the ideal appetizer, party snack, or main dish for any occasion. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

4 turkey wings, thawed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the turkey wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispier skin when cooking. Place the wings in a large bowl.
Season the wings: Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey wings and toss them to coat evenly. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings and toss again to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Cook the wings: Place the seasoned turkey wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the turkey wings at 380°F (193°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the turkey wings from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired) and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Add a glaze: For extra flavor, brush the wings with a glaze of honey, barbecue sauce, or teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Spicy wings: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chili powder to spice things up.
Lemon herb wings: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Buffalo-style wings: Toss the cooked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce for a classic buffalo wing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover turkey wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen turkey wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen turkey wings. Be sure to thaw them first for best results, as frozen wings may take longer to cook.

2. How can I make the turkey wings extra crispy?

To make the wings extra crispy, ensure that they are patted dry before seasoning and cooking. You can also spray the wings lightly with cooking spray before air frying for added crispiness.

3. Can I make these wings without oil?

Yes, you can omit the oil, but using a small amount of oil helps the wings get crispy. If you prefer oil-free, simply season the wings and cook them in the air fryer.

4. Can I cook turkey drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can cook turkey drumsticks in the air fryer as well. Just keep in mind that drumsticks will take longer to cook—about 35-40 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Can I marinate the wings before cooking?

Absolutely! Marinating the wings for 2-4 hours (or overnight) in the seasoning mix will enhance the flavors. Just make sure to pat the wings dry before air frying.

6. Can I cook the wings without flipping them?

Flipping the wings halfway through helps ensure they cook evenly, but if you don’t mind a slightly less crispy underside, you can cook them without flipping. They may take a bit longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Succulent Air Fryer Turkey Wings are a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, juicy wings with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. With minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients, these wings are perfect for a quick meal or a party snack. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a flavorful glaze, these turkey wings are bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

Succulent Air Fryer Turkey Wings