The skin on these baked turkey wings is perfectly seasoned and crispy, and the meat inside is the juiciest and moistest it has ever been. Minimal prep is needed, it’s SO delicious.
When most people think of turkey, they picture the whole bird roasted or just the breast. But have you ever tried cooking other parts of the bird, like the wings?
My oven-roasted turkey wings are a fun change from chicken wings that give you more meat for your buck. I mean, one turkey wing is satisfying enough as a meal on its own. I thought that these wings would only be easy to find around the holidays, but my butcher told me that they are available all year!
Boiling turkey wings may seem like a simple cooking technique, but nailing the timing is key to achieving tender, fall-off-the-bone meat infused with delicious flavor Undercook them and you’ll end up with tough, rubbery wings Boil them too long and they’ll dry out. So how long should you boil turkey wings to get perfect results every time? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Choose Boiling for Cooking Turkey Wings?
There are several good reasons to opt for boiling over other cooking methods like baking, frying or grilling:
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It’s a very simple, no-fuss technique that doesn’t require much active cooking time or prep work Just submerge the wings in liquid and let them simmer away
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The moist heat environment gently breaks down the collagen in the wings making them incredibly tender and juicy.
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You can impart great flavor into the meat by boiling in a seasoned broth or stock.
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It’s healthier than frying as you don’t need to use any oil.
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The cooking liquid can be strained and used as the base for soups, gravies and sauces.
Factors That Affect Boiling Time
Several key factors will determine exactly how long you need to boil turkey wings to get the best results:
Size of the Wings
Larger, meatier drumsticks will obviously take longer to become tender than smaller wings sections. Whole wings or drumsticks can take up to 2 hours of simmering, while wing sections may only need 45 minutes to an hour.
Amount of Wings
The more wings you cook, the longer the boiling time required. A few wings won’t dramatically cool down the liquid but a large batch of 10+ wings means it will take longer for the temperature to come back up and the meat to cook through.
Temperature of the Liquid
A vigorous boil will cook the wings faster, while a gentle simmer requires more time. Keep the liquid at a steady simmer for best results.
Additional Ingredients
Ingredients like vegetables and aromatics added to the cooking liquid may alter the boiling time. Too many additions may cool down the temperature.
Step-by-Step Boiling Guidelines
Follow these simple steps for perfectly boiled turkey wings every time:
1. Choose Your Wings
Opt for whole wings or drumsticks for maximum flavor and juiciness. You can also use wing sections which boil more quickly. Clean the wings and pat dry thoroughly.
2. Season the Wings
Rub the wings all over with salt, pepper and any other dry spices or herbs. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor.
3. Prepare the Cooking Liquid
Use water, chicken broth or turkey stock. You can also add vegetables, herbs and spices to the liquid for more flavor. Use enough liquid to submerge the wings fully.
4. Bring to a Boil
Place the wings in the pot along with the seasoned liquid. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
5. Reduce to a Simmer
Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. The liquid should show a few lazy bubbles.
6. Partially Cover and Simmer
Keep the pot partially covered and simmer until the wings are fully cooked through and tender.
7. Estimate Simmering Time
- Whole wings/drumsticks: 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Wing sections: 45 minutes to 1 hour
The time can vary based on the factors mentioned above, so test wings periodically after 45 minutes.
8. Test for Doneness
Use a fork or tongs to remove a wing from the pot. Meat should be pulling away from the bone. Insert a knife to ensure the juices run clear.
9. Remove from Heat and Serve
Once wings are cooked through, use tongs to transfer them to a plate. Strain and reserve cooking liquid for other uses if desired. Enjoy the wings!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
- Brown the wings first for crispy skin and caramelized flavor before boiling.
- Use chicken or turkey stock instead of water for a flavor boost.
- Add aromatics like garlic, onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves and fresh herbs.
- Season the wings well on all sides before cooking with salt, pepper and spices.
- Glaze or baste the wings with sauce periodically while simmering.
- Once boiled, broil or grill the wings briefly to crisp the skin.
Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Turkey Wings
Once you’ve mastered the perfect boil time, you can start getting creative with how to serve and use boiled turkey wings:
- Enjoy them on their own with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, coleslaw etc.
- Shred or chop the meat and add to soups, fried rice, pasta dishes etc.
- Make slider sandwiches with the meat and your favorite toppings.
- Chop or slice the meat for salads and wraps.
- Use smaller wing sections as boneless “buffalo wings” with hot sauce.
- Make flavorful tacos with the shredded meat and taco toppings.
- Use the seasoned boiling liquid as a starter for soups, gravies and sauces.
So don’t be intimidated by the idea of boiling turkey wings. Follow the guidelines above for the perfect tender and flavorful wings every time! Adjust the simmering time based on the size, quantity and other factors. And then get ready to enjoy delicious boiled turkey wings in a variety of dishes.
Why I love this recipe
- Perfectly seasoned yet simple. Some simple herbs and spices are all you need to make wings that taste great.
- Hands-off cooking. I love how baking the wings in the oven lets me do almost nothing.
- Crispy and flavorful. Turkey wings that are cooked with the lid on first are juicy and tender, while turkey wings that are cooked with the lid off at the end get crispy skin.
- It’s easier than a whole turkey. My family LOVES a roasted turkey, but I save that for special events most of the time. The wings, though, I can make every week. They are also way cheaper.
- These are great for the holidays! I’ve started making them for Thanksgiving dinner, and my family and friends like them better than the real bird.
- Whole turkey wings. Separated and bone-in. Usually, turkey wings are split into three parts: the drumettes, the wingettes, and the wingtips. My butcher (and it seems like most butchers) can separate them for you, but it’s really easy to do yourself if your whole wing is still together.
- Chicken stock. Homemade or store-bought. Turkey stock will work too.
- Olive oil. To coat the wings with the spices before baking them
- Spices. For this recipe, all I use is paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. It may not look like much, but trust me, the flavors are strong.
- Herbs. Dried thyme, Rosemary, and parsley pair well with turkey. It might be tempting to use fresh herbs, but they burn instead of soak into the meat when you roast or bake them. Because of this, I recommend only the dried kind.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
How to make baked turkey wings
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post to print out the full recipe instructions and amounts of the ingredients.
Step 1—Prep. In a mixing bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, dried herbs, and spices.
Step 2- Season. Coat the wings in the spice mix, then put a lid on them and let them sit for 5 to 30 minutes.
Step 3- bake. Transfer the wings to a baking dish and pour the chicken stock around them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4- Broil. The wings should be golden and crispy around the edges after this point. Take off the foil and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Baked turkey wings cooking time
This depends on how big the wings are and how well your oven cooks food. Turkey wings can be done in 30 minutes or an hour. With my oven (I have a Miele 2. 0), it typically takes around 45 minutes.
The BEST way to tell if your wings are done is to use a meat thermometer to probe the middle of them. The FDA recommends cooking the turkey until it reaches 165F in the thickest part of the wing.
- Pat dry the wings. This helps the wings get crispy faster when you broil them.
- Don’t skip the chicken stock. By pouring the stock around the wings and baking them with their covers on, you make a tasty steam that cooks the turkey to perfection and gives it a lot of flavor and moisture. Don’t fret though- the exterior will be super crispy.
- Save the drippings. I love making simple gravy with the turkey pan drippings. Add about 1/2 cup more chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and some extra salt and pepper. Mix everything together with a whisk.
- Use turkey legs. This recipe works perfectly well for turkey legs, too.
- Change up the seasonings. Before I bake the wings, I sometimes like to use poultry seasoning or cover them in a tasty sauce. Like chicken wings, they are so easy to adapt.
To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze. Baked wings can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat. Putting these in the oven with foil on top is the best way to warm them up, whether they are frozen or just out of the fridge. Once heated through, broil the wings for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Overcooking and undercooking turkey wings are the main reasons they turn out tough. I know I sound like a broken record, but please use a meat thermometer to double-check. Once the meat reaches 165F, it’s ready to eat!.
This particular baked turkey wings recipe is healthy. Turkey wings are high in protein and a range of other essential nutrients. With this said, turkey wings are considered dark meat. This means they are higher in calories and fat than turkey breast. So, consume them in moderation and paired with healthy side dishes.
Yes, you can bake turkey wings smothered in gravy. However, this cooking method will not yield crispy results.
I prefer fresh turkey wings because, through recipe testing, I find they retain the most juice and flavor. Frozen wings will work, too, but you’ll need to let them thaw all the way and pat them dry to get rid of any extra water.
!!New!!Boiled Turkey wings
FAQ
How long does it take to boil turkey wings?
How long does it take to boil turkey?
How long should I boil my wings?
How long to boil turkey wings for dogs?
How long does it take to boil Turkey wings?
We have turkey wings in, beautiful and colorful ingredients making those wings delicious and now all we have to do is boil the water up! Close the lid and leave it to boil for 35 minutes without any interference in the meantime. That’s exactly why it is more than important to mix everything well before boiling and closing the lid.
How long do you cook Turkey wings per pound?
The following are general guidelines for cooking turkey wings: * Cook turkey wings at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes per pound. * For thawed wings, cook for 30-40 minutes per pound. * For frozen wings, cook for 40-50 minutes per pound. Tips for Cooking Turkey Wings Here are a few tips for cooking turkey wings:
How long do you boil chicken wings?
You’re going to cut the chicken wings into either 4-5 pieces or 6-7 pieces. The next step is going to be the most difficult. You’re going to have to boil the chicken wings for about 3-4 hours. The first reason I recommend boiling the chicken wings is because they will get crispy, and they’re much easier to eat.
How to cook Turkey wings?
To ensure that the turkey wings are cooked through, it is important to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. There are four main cooking methods for turkey wings: roasting, baking, grilling, and deep frying.
How long do you cook Turkey wings on a grill?
To grill turkey wings, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the wings with oil and season with your favorite seasonings. Grill the wings for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook Turkey wings in a frying pan?
Grill the wings for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep frying: Deep frying is a good option for cooking turkey wings if you want them to be crispy and golden brown. To deep fry turkey wings, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.