If you’re looking for a simple and mouthwatering recipe for the holidays, then this one is definitely for you. Air-fried turkey wings are not only juicy and crispy but also bursting with flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love It
Making turkey wings in the air fryer is incredibly easy and convenient. There’s no need to worry about brining, stuffing, or deep-frying. These turkey wings are seasoned with regular spices and air-fried to perfection. You won’t believe how crispy and delicious they turn out!
If the thought of cooking a whole turkey seems daunting, this recipe is a great alternative. It takes less than an hour to cook, compared to the time and effort required for a traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
Plus, if you’ve been contemplating getting an air fryer, now is the perfect time. You can add it to your holiday wish list or take advantage of sales to get one at a great price.
Ingredients Used
- Turkey wings: You can find them in the chicken section of your local grocery store. They are usually sold in packs of 2 or 4 wings. If you visit an Asian or Hispanic store, you may find them already chopped into smaller pieces.
- Spices: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, lemon pepper, and salt.
- Olive oil spray or your preferred cooking spray.
Which Air Fryer Do I Use?
You can use any conventional air fryer available on the market. However, if your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the wings in multiple batches.
Personally, I recommend the Ninja Air Fryer. The Ninja Foodi is also a great option, as it crisps up the wings quickly. Of course, you can use any air fryer you have in your kitchen.
How To Make This Recipe
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, wash your fresh turkey wings and pat them dry. Then, mix all the spices together in a small bowl and spray each turkey wing with olive oil using a spray bottle.
- Liberally rub the spice mix over each turkey wing, making sure to cover every fold and layer.
- Arrange the turkey wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes on one side. Flip each wing and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes on the other side.
- Use a quick-read meat thermometer to check that the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let them cool down on a paper towel inside a large bowl. Serve with a side dish or homemade BBQ sauce.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftover turkey wings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for up to 4 days. To maximize their shelf life, I recommend freezing the wings in a freezer bag. Just remember to thaw them for a few hours or overnight before reheating.
To reheat the turkey wing pieces, place them in the basket of your air fryer oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Then, increase the heat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
You can also reheat the wings in the oven. Simply wrap them in aluminum foil and place them on a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack. Set the oven to 275°F (135°C) and heat for about 20 minutes.
Tips When Making Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Avoid stacking the wings in the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy skin. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices such as onion powder, garlic salt, black pepper, or rosemary.
- For advanced preparation, rub the turkey wings with the spices and refrigerate them overnight. Cook them in the air fryer the next day when you’re ready.
- Remember to clean the air fryer basket thoroughly after each use and keep it dry.
- If you prefer a non-spicy seasoning, try this easy chicken seasoning blend.
What Can I Eat It With?
These air-fried turkey wings are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with delectable sauces like spicy mayo or garlic chili oil. During the holiday season, they pair perfectly with a variety of side dishes, including:
- Cauliflower Mash with Sour Cream
- Keto Coleslaw
- Keto Cranberry Sauce
- Keto Gravy
You can find more air fryer recipes to try on the Ekilove website.
