If you want to cook all the pieces of turkey neck so you don’t waste any, or if you want to give it to your dog for protein, here’s how to do it right in a Ninja Foodi or Cosori.
There are several ways to cook this item, other than just throwing it away. Many people boil it and use the meat in their gravy, another option. You can use this as a treat for your dog or just to see what all the fuss is about for a bite. We will show you how to do air fryer recipes here. (affiliate links present).
As a long-time food blogger and air fryer enthusiast, I’m always looking for new ways to make delicious yet underappreciated cuts of meat. Recently, I discovered that cooking turkey necks in an air fryer results in some of the juiciest, most flavorful meat I’ve ever tasted. If you’re like me and enjoy discovering new cooking techniques, then read on – I’m going to share my secrets for unlocking the full potential of turkey necks with your air fryer!
Why Cook Turkey Necks in an Air Fryer?
Turkey necks are often overlooked but have a lot of advantages. They contain a good amount of meat, are full of collagen which keeps the meat tender, and have tons of rich, turkey flavor. The problem is turkey necks can be tough if not cooked properly.
This is where the air fryer comes in! The hot circulating air cooks turkey necks fast while creating a crispy exterior The high heat also breaks down the collagen into gelatin, keeping the interior meat succulent and moist Air frying turkey necks results in the perfect balance of tender meat and crispy skin you just can’t achieve with oven baking.
I’ve made oven-baked turkey necks plenty of times, but after trying them in the air fryer there was just no comparison. The air fryer delivered superior texture and flavor in a fraction of the time. I was so impressed that air fried turkey necks have now become one of my go-to easy dinners.
Step-By-Step Guide to Air Frying Turkey Necks
Cooking turkey necks in the air fryer couldn’t be much easier Just follow these simple steps for foolproof results every time
1. Prepare the Turkey Necks
Rinse the turkey necks under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin. The fat prevents the skin from getting crispy so removing it is key.
To add lots of flavor, season the necks all over with a dry rub. I like to use a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and dried thyme. Massage the seasoning evenly into the nooks and crannies.
2. Preheat Air Fryer
Preheating is a must for air frying. I preheat my 5-quart air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking. While it heats up, I prep a single layer of turkey necks in the fryer basket, leaving some space between each neck.
Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation and could lead to uneven cooking. I find I can fit about 6 medium turkey necks in my 5-quart air fryer basket.
3. Air Fry for 25-30 Minutes
Once preheated, air fry the seasoned turkey necks at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time. I like to set my timer for 15 minutes, flip the necks over using tongs, then cook another 10-15 minutes.
The neck meat should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer when done. If you prefer darker, crispier skin then crank up the heat to 425°F for the last 5 minutes.
4. Allow to Rest
This last step is very important! Let the air fried turkey necks rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Digging into the necks immediately could lead to a messy situation with hot juices spilling everywhere. I’ve made that mistake before!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fried Turkey Necks
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your perfectly air fried turkey necks. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
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Serve as an appetizer with creamy coleslaw and hot sauce for dipping. So flavorful and addictive!
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Chop the meat off the bones and add to nachos, tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes.
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Pile on greens for a protein-packed salad. The rendered turkey fat makes a tasty dressing.
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Add to soups, stews and chilis for extra richness. Try turkey neck chili or split pea soup.
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Slice the meat and put on sandwiches, in omelets or over rice. Versatile and delicious.
No matter how you serve them up, air fried turkey necks will thrill your taste buds and might just become your new favorite snack!
FAQs About Cooking Turkey Necks in an Air Fryer
If you’re new to working with turkey necks, chances are you have a few questions about preparing them in the air fryer. Here I’ll address some of the most common queries:
Can I cook frozen turkey necks in my air fryer?
Yes, you can certainly air fry frozen turkey necks with a few adjustments. Thaw the necks in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the air fry time to account for frozen start. And watch closely near the end to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when the turkey necks are fully cooked?
Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness. Insert into the thickest part of the neck avoiding bone. Turkey necks are safely cooked through once the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The meat should also be fork tender at this point.
Should I flip the necks during air frying?
Absolutely! Flipping the necks halfway during cooking is essential to achieve evenly browned and crispy skin on all sides. I always set a timer to remember. If you skip the flip, one side will be pale and soggy.
Can I air fry just 1 or 2 turkey necks?
You sure can. Although air fryers work best with a minimum of 3-4 necks, you can absolutely cook just 1 or 2. Add them to the center of the basket and decrease cook time by 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
What dry rub seasoning should I use?
The seasoning possibilities are endless! I love a simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Cajun seasoning also pairs well with turkey necks. Get creative with your own signature spice mix.
Crispy Turkey Neck Recipe
- Preheat air fryer to 375 (or 380 if yours only has even #s) for 5 minutes.
- Wet a paper towel and rub olive oil all over your neck. If you’re giving your dog meat, don’t season it yourself. Instead, sprinkle it with your favorite seasonings, like onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper, until it’s fully covered.
- You can air fry it for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the outside to be.
- To make turkey neck gravy, you only need to cook it long enough to pull the meat off the bone. Boiling is better for this, though.
It does not need to be in there for very long, and the cooking time will depend on how big yours is. Longer will get it crispier but the meat will become a bit more dry. You can enjoy as is, in turkey soup or stews too.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
Yes!! Not only is the meat great for them but they will love you for it. Each one offers many nutritional benefits including: tons of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin as well as some calcium. Remember that you should only give them the meat and not salt the outside.
Sodium can make animals sick and the neck bones inside can fragment and get lodged in their throats. That being said, all you have to do is coat the meat with a little olive oil before cooking it. When it’s done, just pull it off for them. DO NOT just give them the whole thing.
Break it up into little pieces and add it to their regular food or food you make yourself. I promise they will love it.
