How Long to Grill Turkey Wings on a Charcoal Grill for Finger-Licking Perfection

Grilling turkey wings on a charcoal grill can lead to moist, tender and flavorful results when done right. However, nailing the timing is key. Undercook them and you’ll end up with raw, dangerous meat. Overcook them and the wings will dry out and get chewy. So how many minutes should those turkey wings grill for maximum juicy, smoky flavor? Let’s break it down in this complete guide.

Why Grilled Turkey Wings are So Tasty

Turkey wings are an underappreciated and budget-friendly choice packed with taste. Made up of both the drumette (the upper wing section) and the flat (the lower wing piece), turkey wings give you the same delicious crispy skin and succulent meat as a whole turkey, but in easy to eat individual portions.

Grilling really brings out the best in turkey wings The high heat and smoky essence from the charcoal give the wings an irresistible charred exterior and smoky depth Grilling over direct high heat also melts out the fat under the skin, resulting in mega crispy skin. When paired with a zesty dry rub or sauce glaze, grilled turkey wings make for finger-licking good barbecue.

Key Factors That Influence Cook Times

Several factors impact precisely how long you’ll need to grill turkey wings to reach optimal doneness:

• Size of the wings – Larger, meatier wings require more time than smaller drumettes.

• Thickness of the meat – Thicker areas of the wings need longer grill times than thinner sections.

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in wings cook slower than boneless.

• Direct or indirect heat – Direct heat grills faster than indirect.

• Coal temperature – Hotter coals cook quicker than lower heat.

• Flipping frequency – Less flipping means extended cook times.

• Use of sauce – Saucing too early will prolong the time.

Considering these aspects will let you tweak your grill times as needed.

Recommended Grill Times

As a general guide when grilling bone-in whole turkey wings on a charcoal grill using medium-high direct heat:

• For small drumettes (4-6 oz), grill approximately 15-18 minutes per side.

• For medium drumettes (6-8 oz), grill about 18-22 minutes per side.

• For large drumettes (8-12 oz), grill around 22-28 minutes per side.

• For small wing flats (4-6 oz), grill roughly 12-15 minutes per side.

• For medium wing flats (6-8 oz), grill approximately 15-18 minutes per side.

• For large wing flats (8-12 oz), grill about 18-24 minutes per side.

These times assume a medium-high heat charcoal grill with the wings over direct heat, flipped halfway through, and lightly glazed with sauce only during the final 5 minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness rather than just grill times. The internal temperature should hit 165°F. If undercooked, keep grilling until it reaches the proper temp.

Grilling Tips for Flawless Wings Every Time

Follow these pro tips and tricks to achieve tender, juicy and perfectly cooked charcoal grilled turkey wings:

• Pat the wings dry before grilling to promote browning – wet wings will steam instead.

• Use indirect heat to grill if your wings are extra large or very meaty. This prevents burning.

• Flip frequently, every 8-10 minutes, for even exposure to heat on both sides.

• Brush on sauce glaze only during the last 5-10 minutes to avoid charring and burning.

• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part to verify 165°F doneness.

• Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Delicious Sides for a Full Meal

A selection of tasty sides really completes a grilled turkey wing feast:

• Coleslaw – cool, creamy crunch

• Potato salad – classic barbecue staple

• Corn on the cob – grilled until charred

• Mac and cheese – ooey-gooey comfort

• Collard greens – nutritious and flavorful

• Baked beans – sweet, smoky and tangy

• Fruit salad – fresh contrast to the rich wings

With the right technique and timing, grilling turkey wings on a charcoal grill leads to finger-licking barbecue perfection. Adjust grill times based on your wing size and thickness, rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy, and follow these tips for incredible wings worth devouring.

FAQ

How long do you cook wings on a charcoal grill?

Grill the wings with the lid closed over indirect medium-high heat until no longer pink at the bone, about 20-25 minutes, flipping once or twice. Brush with sauce and grill until evenly charred, 5-7 minutes more, turning frequently.

How do you cook a turkey on a charcoal grill?

Place turkey breast-up on the cooking grate over a drip pan. Cover the grill, leaving vents open. Add 6-8 briquettes to each side every 45-60 minutes. Cook turkey to 180°F in thigh and 170°F in breast using a meat thermometer.

How long to cook a turkey on a Weber charcoal grill?

Grill the turkey for about 2 1⁄2 hours, or until 165°F deep in the thigh on an instant-read thermometer. Remove, tent with foil, and rest 20-30% of cook time.

How long to grill turkey pieces?

Cook 11-13 minutes per pound or until 175°F for legs and 165°F for breasts. For a gas grill, place meat in a foil drip pan on the grate. Grill with lid on until juices run clear.