There is nothing more satisfying than biting into a tender, meaty and moist turkey wing. Learn the simple steps and top tips for how to make turkey wings fall off the bone every time!
If you enjoy chicken wings you are going to *love* jumbo turkey wings with meat that that falls off the bone. I mean, the more meaty wing goodness the better – right? Right! Also try my other delicious and super easy crockpot turkey wings made with easy affordable ingredients.
Back to this recipe. This easy recipe is proof that the most simple cooking methods are often the best. Just coat large fresh wings with a bold blend of spices, including classic Cajun seasoning. Then place in a water bath, cover, and bake. There is nothing fancy here! Just a handful of quality ingredients cooked low(ish) and slow in the oven.
The turkey is ready to enjoy in less than 2 hours, and will have the most unbelievably fork-tender meat. Well, you can use a fork but personally I like to dig in and eat these wings with my hands. Your choice!
With or without forks, enjoy these wings as a hearty appetizer, snack, or fun dinner on a relaxing weekend. Im not saying that they will replace your favorite chicken wings for game days and parties… But melt-in-your-mouth turkey wings are sure to instantly make it to your list of top casual eats!
Turkey wings. 1-2 large wings equal about one pound, which is enough for 2 servings. Thaw if frozen, and pat dry.
Cajun seasoning. A bold, spicy seasoning blend that usually consists of black and white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder, and other spices.
There is nothing more satisfying than biting into a tender, meaty and moist turkey wing. Learn the simple steps and top tips for how to make turkey wings fall off the bone every time!
Leftovers. Store turkey wings in the air tight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it two ways. In the microwave heat for couple minutes in a microwave safe bowl. Or heat it in the oven on 400 degrees for 10 minutes until hot.
Freezer. You can freeze leftover turkey wings in the freezer safe plastic container or a zip lock bag up to 6 months.
Turkey wings make for a delicious budget-friendly meal. When cooked properly, they become fall-off-the-bone tender with robust savory flavor. While roasting in the oven is common, stovetop cooking offers a convenient alternative for juicy turkey wings. Determining the right cook time is key to preventing dry, overcooked wings. Follow this complete guide to learn foolproof techniques for cooking turkey wings on the stove until perfectly done.
Benefits of Stovetop Turkey Wings
Cooking turkey wings on the stovetop provides several advantages:
- No oven required – just a pot or pan on the burner
- Shorter cook time compared to roasting
- Infuses flavor from broth, wine, aromatics
- Tender, juicy results from moist heat
- Allows making flavorful pan sauce or gravy
Signs Turkey Wings Are Done
It can be tricky to pinpoint when stovetop turkey wings reach optimal doneness, Watch for these cues
- Meat pulling back from bone
- Juices run clear when pierced
- Meat shreds easily with fork
- 165°F internal temperature
The temperature is the best indicator of safety and doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
Average Stovetop Cook Times
The precise time needed varies, but these general guidelines apply:
- 2-3 lbs wings: 45 mins – 1 hour
- 4-5 lbs wings: 1 hour 15 mins – 1 hour 30 mins
- 6+ lbs wings: 1 hour 30 mins – 1 hour 45 mins
Start checking doneness at the low times. Cook longer if required.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Wings
Follow these helpful tips:
- Pat wings dry before cooking
- Liberally season with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs
- Brown wings in batches before simmering
- Use a mix of drummettes and flats
- Add aromatics like onion, carrots, celery
- Keep heat low to gently simmer
- Add liquid like broth, wine, or water as needed
- Create flavorful gravy from cooking liquid
Ideal Stovetop Cooking Methods
Braising
- Sear wings then simmer in broth and aromatics until tender
- Keeps wings incredibly moist
- Excellent for gravy making
Shallow Frying
- Fry wings in 1-2 inches oil over medium heat
- Crispy skin with juicy interior
- Toss wings in sauce after cooking
Stewing
- Simmer wings in flavorful liquid like wine or barbecue sauce
- Absorbs sauce flavors into the meat
- Finish with thickened sauce for serving
Serving Suggestions
Compliment stovetop turkey wings with:
- Rice, potatoes, or grits
- Roasted or grilled veggies
- Coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad
- Cornbread, biscuits, or dinner rolls
- Dipping sauces like barbecue, ranch, honey mustard
Move over oven-roasted turkey wings – the stovetop is a convenient, quick, and delicious cooking method. With the ideal prep, techniques, and cook times, you’ll achieve fork-tender turkey wings bursting with juicy flavor. Satisfy your next wing craving without heating up the kitchen.
How to make turkey wings fall off the bone
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. You want to make sure the oven is at the right temperature when its time to start baking turkey wings.
- Prepare the Turkey Wings: Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder,salt, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, and chicken bouillon. This will be your seasoning mix, adjust to to you liking.
- Season the Turkey Wings: Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the turkey wings, making sure they are well coated on all sides.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place seasoned turkey wings in a baking dish, preferably one that is big enough to allow the wings to spread out evenly.
- Add Water: Pour the cup of water into the dish. Water will help to keep the wings moist during baking and will also prevent the seasonings from burning at the bottom of the dish. Use broth instead if you want.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will trap in steam and help to cook the wings evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: After 90 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the dish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. This will allow the wings to brown nicely.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey wings are done. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If they arent done, return them to the oven and continue baking, checking every few minutes.
- Let Rest and Serve: Once the turkey wings are cooked to the correct temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
This is entirely up to you! Keep the wings whole or split each into two segments, the drumettes (mini drumstick) and wingette (flat and thin). The cook time will be the same either way.
The internal temperature of poultry needs to reach 165 degrees. Its then considered safe to consume. I suggest using a meat thermometer to get the most accurate temperature reading.
Yes, they are a very healthy source of protein. Even though the wings are dark meat with a bit more fat than turkey or chicken breast, theyre still a lean meat compared to pork or beef.
To make turkey wings fall off the bone, the wings are cooked (fairly) low and slow in chicken broth. This method makes the meat tender and moist. Tough turkey wings are usually the result of cooking at too high a temperature and/or cooking too fast.
Usually they are available in the meat section of most grocery stores. Check in the same area as cold packaged chicken wings. Your local butcher likely has them as well!
Sometimes. They can be a bit difficult to find and prices will fluctuate depending on the time of year. Turkey is most often available around the fall and winter holidays, which is also when theyre least expensive. But pound for pound they are almost always more expensive than chicken wings.
It really depends on the situation! A turkeys wings are much larger than a chicken, so if you are looking for a super meaty food to enjoy I suggest turkey. However, if you want smaller and more handy snacks to serve to a crowd, you really cant go wrong with chicken wings.
Baked turkey wings have a savory, deep, and rich flavor, so a mix of light, vibrant, and hearty sides can work very well. Here are some i recommend:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: These provide a hearty, creamy component to balance out the meal. Simply boil potatoes until tender, mash them, and stir in milk, butter, roasted garlic, and seasonings to taste.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The earthy, slightly bitter flavor of brussels sprouts pairs well with turkey. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until theyre caramelized and crispy.
- Garlic butter sauteed green beans (the most popular recipe from the sister site)
- Plain white or brown rice will be perfect to balance the richness of turkey wings.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A dish with a sweet component can balance the savory turkey wings. You can bake mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and top it off with a pecan or marshmallow topping.
- Quinoa Salad: A light and healthy quinoa salad with mixed vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette can also be a great balance to the rich turkey wings.
- Creamed Corn: This is a creamy, sweet side that works well with almost any main dish. You can easily make it with frozen corn, cream, and a touch of sugar and salt.
Leftovers. Store turkey wings in the air tight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it two ways. In the microwave heat for couple minutes in a microwave safe bowl. Or heat it in the oven on 400 degrees for 10 minutes until hot.
Freezer. You can freeze leftover turkey wings in the freezer safe plastic container or a zip lock bag up to 6 months.
Smothered Turkey Wings | Soul Food Turkey Recipe
FAQ
How long do it take turkey wings to cook on top of the stove?
- Heat the oil in a medium pot.
- Thoroughly wash and dry the turkey wings. …
- Remove the wings; add the flour to the pot and stir as it browns. …
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper shortly after the pot starts to boil.
- Turkey wings should cook until they are tender, 45 to 60 minutes or more.
How long are wings supposed to be cooked?
In an oven preheated to 375 degrees F, the 10 wings should be fully crisped and cooked in about 30 to 45 minutes. An instant read thermometer inserted into the meat (but not touching the bone) should read at least 165 degrees F.
How long should you boil turkey wings before frying?
Bring wings to a boil and allow to boil for 3 minutes. Pour out liquid contents and set wings aside. Fill your deep fryer with lard or tallow and heat to 300 to 350 degrees. Fry wings in batches until the skin reaches a deep brown color.
Can you overcook turkey wings?
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!