I may be dramatic sometimes, but I am NOT being dramatic when I say this fried turkey recipe is LIFE CHANGING. I can say that because it seriously changed mine. I had never in my life had a turkey so juicy, flavorful and delicious until we fried a turkey. No worries folks, Im going to tell you step-by-step how to make the best fried turkey IN THE WORLD and included is easy but damn delicious rub and injection marinades.
Deep fried turkey wings are a delicious alternative to cooking a whole turkey. The wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside when fried correctly. But how long should you deep fry turkey wings to get the best results? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about deep frying turkey wings, including prep work, fry times, safety tips, and more.
Why Choose Turkey Wings?
Turkey wings are an ideal choice for deep frying for several reasons:
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They cook faster than a whole turkey, taking only 10-15 minutes to fry compared to 3-4 hours for a whole bird. This makes them perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
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The thin shape allows the wings to cook evenly and absorb flavor from a marinade or dry rub
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Wings contain less fat than other turkey parts like the breast or thighs. This reduces splattering during frying.
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The cartilage helps keep the wings moist and flavorful When fried, the skin gets ultra crispy
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Turkey wings are inexpensive, so you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
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You can buy turkey wings year round unlike whole turkeys which spike in price around the holidays.
Prep Work is Key
To get the best results when deep frying turkey wings, there are some key steps to take before placing them in the hot oil:
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Rinse and pat the wings dry – This helps the dry seasoning and flour coating stick better.
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Marinate or season the wings – Letting the wings sit for a few hours or up to overnight in a buttermilk or seasoning marinade imparts flavor and tenderizes the meat.
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Coat wings in seasoned flour – Dredge the marinated wings in flour mixed with spices and herbs before frying. This forms a crispy coating on the outside of the wings.
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Let coated wings rest – Letting the floured wings sit for 5-10 minutes helps set the coating so it doesn’t slide off when frying.
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Fry wings in batches – Don’t crowd the pot. Fry wings in manageable batches to maintain oil temperature.
Taking these preparatory steps results in the signature crunch and seasoned flavor deep fried turkey wings are prized for.
How Long to Deep Fry Turkey Wings
The appropriate fry time depends primarily on the size and thickness of the wings. Follow these general frying guidelines:
- Turkey wing drummettes take 10-13 minutes to fry
- Larger turkey wing flats may need 12-15 minutes
- Jumbo whole turkey wings require 13-18 minutes
The key is frying the wings long enough to fully cook the meat to an internal temperature of 165°F. Undercooking can result in raw, dangerous bacteria. Overfrying makes the coating burnt and wings dried out.
Tips for the Best Results
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Use a thermometer to check the internal temp of the thickest part of wings. This is the best way to test doneness.
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Fry wings of similar size together so they cook evenly.
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After frying, let wings drain 1-2 minutes before tossing in sauce or serving.
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Keep fried wings in a warm 200°F oven on a sheet tray if not eating immediately.
With the right technique, deep fried turkey wings come out perfect every time – crisp and golden brown on the outside while remaining moist and flavorful inside.
Deep Fryer vs Pot for Frying Wings
While specialized deep fryers make the process easier, you can successfully deep fry wings in a large pot or Dutch oven. Here are some tips:
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Use a heavy bottomed pot that holds at least 6 quarts of oil. The oil should only fill the pot 1/3 full to account for the wings displacing oil when added.
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Clip a deep fry or candy thermometer to the side of the pot to monitor oil temperature.
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Maintain heat at 350-375°F for best results. The temperature will drop when adding wings then recover.
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Fry in manageable batches. Don’t overcrowd wings or they’ll steam instead of fry.
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Let oil return to the proper temperature between batches.
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Turn wings frequently while frying for even cooking.
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Once wings are fried, turn off heat but keep pot on burner until oil cools slightly. Then carefully pour oil into a heatproof container for disposal later.
Oil for Frying Turkey Wings
The type of oil used affects the flavor and crispy factor. Good options include:
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Peanut oil – A common choice for deep frying with a high smoke point and mild flavor.
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Vegetable or canola oil – Budget-friendly options that also have high smoke points. Their neutral taste works well.
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Corn oil – Another affordable pick that leaves wings with a light, crispy coating.
Avoid olive oil which has too low of a smoke point for deep frying.
No matter what oil you select, always fry wings at the proper temperature to prevent it from smoking, which negatively impacts flavor.
Best Marinades and Seasonings
One advantage of turkey wings is they soak up flavors beautifully. Consider marinating for added juiciness and taste:
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Buttermilk – A classic marinade that tenderizes and adds subtle tang. Add herbs and spices to the buttermilk too.
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Louisiana hot sauce – For spicy, barbecue-esque wings, marinate in hot sauce blended with melted butter.
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Yogurt – Greek yogurt makes a zesty, protein-packed marinade. Mix in lemon, garlic, and mustard for a tangy flavor.
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Teriyaki – For Asian-glazed wings, marinate in a blend of teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
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Dry rub – A spice blend without liquid also works great. Try chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Safety First When Frying Wings
While hot oil and an open flame may seem intimidating at first, you can safely deep fry turkey wings with a few precautions:
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Use a pot with high sides to minimize splatter. Wear long sleeves and an apron too.
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Never leave the oil unattended or let it get too hot. Use a thermometer and adjust heat as needed.
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Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area for safety.
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Let the oil cool completely before straining it into an old container for disposal later. Never pour down the drain.
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Have a fire extinguisher handy just in case, though home cooks rarely run into issues.
Game Day Worthy Appetizer
For parties and game day get togethers, deep fried turkey wings make a fantastic finger food. Serve with dipping sauces like:
- Blue cheese dressing
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Spicy mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
Or toss the hot fried wings in a flavorful glaze:
- Sweet and spicy chili
- Bourbon molasses
- Cherry chipotle
- Gochujang
- Coca-cola reduction
However you flavor them, crispy deep fried turkey wings are sure to be a party pleaser!
The Takeaway
Frying turkey wings until crispy on the outside and juicy inside may seem intimidating, but it’s doable with the right frying time of 10-15 minutes depending on size. Following key preparation steps like brining, coating in seasoned flour, using peanut oil, and frying at 350-375°F in manageable batches results in finger-licking, flavor-packed wings everyone will love. Just be sure to take safety precautions and enjoy these fun appetizers or snacks anytime!
How long do I fry a turkey?
You fry the turkey for about 3-5 minutes per pound, however, I highly recommend to not rely on the time rather to invest in a thermometer like chef alarm that can withstand high temps and can remain in the turkey the entire time you fry. (I recommend this if you are smoking or roasting turkey too). Turkeys are highly temperamental and easily dried out when they are over cooked. Dont take the chance, just get a great thermometer (just bite the bullet and buy this chef alarm already). You want the internal temp to be 165 of the turkey.
How much oil do I use to fry my turkey
The most common reason there are accidents with deep frying turkeys is because there is too much oil displacement when the turkey is lowered into boiling oil. To make sure you have enough, but not too little oil in your pot this is what you can do:
- fill your pot to the fill line with water:
2. Wrap your turkey in an air tight bag, place into basket and dunk in water so it is completely submerged. Add or remove water to the appropriate fill line. Mark the water line.
3. Dry out the pan and fill pot with oil to your marked line. Preheat peanut oil to 275 Degrees.
CAJUN FRIED TURKEY WINGS RECIPE! | HOW TO FRY TURKEY WINGS
FAQ
How long does it take to deep fry wings?
- Heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or large saucepan
- Fry chicken wings in batches until golden brown and crispy
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the meat is 165°F
- Remove wings from oil and drain on paper towels
How long does it take to deep fry a whole turkey wing?
Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Cook turkey wings in hot oil for 15 minutes; turn wings over and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink at the bone, 10 to 15 minutes.
Do you deep fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
keep your oil temperature to between 325-350; 2. turkeys 12 lbs and under 2-1/2 minutes per pound, and 12 lbs and over 3 minutes per pound; 3. if your turkey is floating it is overcooked.
Is it better to fry wings at 350 or 375?
Fried wings tips and temps
The temperature needs to be lower to allow the meat to cook without overcooking the skin. 350°F (177°C) is the perfect temperature.
How long to deep fry Turkey wings?
But a good rule of thumb is to fry them for 10-12 minutes per pound at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In this article, we will discuss how to deep fry turkey wings perfectly. We will cover everything from choosing the right wings to frying them to perfection. So, if you’re ready to learn how to make the best deep-fried turkey wings ever, keep reading!
What temperature do you fry Turkey wings?
The ideal temperature for frying turkey wings is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the wings are cooked through without becoming overcooked and dry. The amount of time it takes to fry turkey wings will vary depending on their size and thickness. Smaller wings will cook faster than larger wings.
What is deep frying turkey wings?
The Basics of Deep Frying Turkey Wings Deep frying is a cooking method that involves submerging food in hot oil. This method of cooking results in food that is crispy on the outside and moist and tender on the inside. There are a few things you need to know about deep frying before you get started. First, you need to use the right oil.
How do you reheat deep fried turkey wings?
To reheat deep fried turkey wings, you can either bake them in the oven or microwave them. * To bake the wings, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the wings on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.
How do you cook chicken wings in a frying pan?
In a large bowl add the all purpose flour, 1 tbsp poultry seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and seasoning salt. Sift ingredients. Heat the oil until it reaches approximately 360 F, then slowly drop the wings into the oil. Fry the wings until golden brown and completely cooked.
What is the best oil for deep frying turkey wings?
The best oil for deep frying is a vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or peanut oil. Second, you need to make sure that the oil is hot enough before you add the food. The ideal temperature for deep frying is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the oil is hot, you can add the turkey wings.