How Long Does it Take to Cook Turkey Wings to Perfection?

Turkey wings are an underrated and delicious part of the bird that deserve more attention. With the right technique, these meaty wings transform into succulent, fall-off-the-bone treats. But knowing exactly how long to cook turkey wings can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery meat. Cook them too long and the wings dry out. So what’s the perfect roasting time to achieve tender, juicy turkey wings every time? Let’s find out.

Why Turkey Wings Deserve a Spot on Your Dinner Table

Before we dive into cook times, it helps to know why turkey wings are worth the effort in the first place. Here are some of their best attributes:

• Packed with flavor – Turkey wings contain a high ratio of skin, fat, and connective tissue. When cooked properly, these components melt together to produce an incredible depth of turkey flavor. The skin crisps up nicely too.

• Very inexpensive – Wings are one of the most budget-friendly turkey cuts. Pound for pound, they provide more edible meat for less money compared to pricier breast meat.

• Fun to eat – Gnawing meat off the bone is a primal satisfaction. Turkey wings offer a fun, finger-food eating experience.

• Nutritious – Don’t let the fat content fool you Turkey wings provide lots of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The skin also contains collagen which supports skin, nail, and joint health

Clearly, turkey wings have a lot going for them Now let’s focus on the ideal roasting time

General Cooking Time Guidelines

As a general rule of thumb when oven roasting turkey wings:

• Cook for 1.5 – 2 hours at 350°F

This temperature and cooking time allows the fat to slowly render and the connective tissue to break down into tender, succulent meat.

However, a few factors can alter the exact cooking duration:

• Turkey wing size – Larger wings may need slightly longer, up to 2.5 hours. Smaller wings could be done in 1 – 1.5 hours.

• Amount of wings – The more wings in the pan, the longer they take to cook since the oven temperature drops when overcrowded.

• Convection setting – A convection oven can decrease cook time by around 25% due to the fan circulating hot air.

• Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen wings require 30-60 mins longer. Always thaw first for best results.

Monitor the wings closely and use a meat thermometer to determine when they’re done.

Step-by-Step Method for Oven Roasted Turkey Wings

Follow these simple steps for finger-licking oven baked turkey wings every time:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Be sure to position the oven rack in the middle.

2. Pat dry the turkey wings with paper towels. Make sure they are thoroughly thawed if using frozen.

3. Season the wings liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and any other desired spices.

4. Drizzle the wings with 1-2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter. Rub the seasoning and oil all over.

5. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Do not overcrowd.

6. Roast for 1.5 – 2 hours, flipping halfway through. Tent foil over the pan if browning too quickly.

7. Check temperature by inserted a meat thermometer into the thickest section. Turkey wings are safely cooked at 165°F.

8. Broil for 2-5 minutes at the end to crisp the skin, watching closely to avoid burning.

9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Then dig in and enjoy!

The 1.5 to 2 hour roasting time will result in tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey wings with crispy browned skin. Use a meat thermometer for assured doneness.

Other Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Wings

Beyond following the basic roasting method, here are some additional pointers:

• Baste the wings every 30 minutes with pan drippings to prevent drying out.

• Roast wings on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet to allow airflow underneath.

• Add a small amount of liquid like broth or water to the pan to create steam.

• Brine the wings beforehand to infuse extra moisture and flavor.

• Finish under the broiler if the skin needs more crisping at the end.

• Check thickness and adjust cook time as needed. Thicker parts of the wing may need longer.

• Let roasted wings rest before serving so juices redistribute through the meat.

Proper resting and monitoring ensures you never over or undercook the wings.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

For those nights when you need turkey wings on the quick, here are a couple shortcuts:

• Use an air fryer at 400°F for approximately 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Cut the wings into drummettes and flats to reduce cook time by about 30 minutes.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and roast for 60-75 minutes for a quick, high-heat method.

Just keep in mind high heat can cause dryness if not carefully watched.

Testing Wings for Doneness

Visual cues help determine when turkey wings are fully cooked:

• The meat pulls back from the end of the bones
• The joints wiggle easily
• The meat looks opaque with no pink and juices run clear

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest section without touching bone. Turkey is safely cooked at 165°F.

If undercooked, return wings to the oven for 10-15 minutes until thermometer reaches 165°F.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Wings

Properly stored, leftover baked turkey wings keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. To store:

• Allow wings to cool completely, then refrigerate.

• Place in a sealed container or resealable plastic bag.

• Freeze for longer term storage up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, use one of these methods:

• Oven: Bake wings at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.

• Microwave: Heat wings on Medium power in 30 second increments.

• Stovetop: Gently simmer wings in broth, water or sauce for 10-15 minutes.

Be careful not to overheat or wings will dry out.

Satisfying Ways to Serve Baked Turkey Wings

Here are some mouthwatering ideas for how to serve your oven roasted turkey wings:

• As an appetizer – Offer wings in a platter accompanied by dipping sauces. They make great game day fare.

• Over salad – Turn wings into a hearty main-dish salad topped with greens, veggies, cheese and dressing.

• With vegetables – Pair wings with roasted potatoes, onions, carrots and brussels sprouts.

• On pasta – Toss cooked pasta with shredded turkey meat and pasta sauce for a quick meal.

• In sandwiches – Stuff turkey wing meat into rolls or wraps along with cheese, lettuce and cranberry sauce.

• With waffles – Sounds odd but trust me, turkey wings pair great with waffles and maple syrup!

Let your imagination run wild with creative ways to serve these delicious oven-baked wings.

Convenient Purchasing Options

One perk of turkey wings? They can often be found pre-packaged for quick cooking:

• Buy wings attached at retail stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, restaurant suppliers, etc.

• Check your grocer’s freezer section for packaged raw wings. Thaw before using.

• Purchase smoked, pre-cooked wings to simply reheat and eat.

While buying whole turkeys and cutting them up yourself maximizes value, grabbing ready-to-cook wings saves prep time.

The Takeaway on Cook Times for Juicy Wings

Mastering the ideal roasting duration is the key to serving stellar oven-baked turkey wings. While general guidelines suggest 1.5 – 2 hours in a 350°F oven, adjust as needed based on size, quantity and doneness. Monitor closely and use a meat thermometer to test for 165°F. Properly cooked wings are fork tender with crispy skin and robust flavor. Just be sure to complement these succulent wings with plenty of napkins for fingerslickin’ enjoyment!