These air fryer turkey wings are incredibly crispy and juicy. They’re coated in oil, the best spice rub, and perfectly air fried. Whether you serve them for a simple dinner, game day, at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, these are sure to be a family favorite in no time.
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
These air fryer turkey wings are so crispy, tender, and juicy. They’re coated in the most delicious homemade dry rub made with brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, thyme, and cumin. It’s the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory, and the cumin adds a warming flavor that really ties all the other flavors together and complements the dark meat perfectly.
I love cooking turkey wings in the air fryer because it makes perfect turkey wings, the clean up is so easy, and it leaves the oven free for anything else I need to make. These easy and crispy air fried turkey wings definitely won’t disappoint!
Whether you’re planning to serve these for an easy dinner, at a BBQ, or as an appetizer for the big game, these irresistible wings are sure to be a hit. You can even change them up by using your favorite seasoning, some of my favorite options would be using a Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning.
These make such a delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipe, especially if you pair them with turkey gravy without drippings, this delicious twice baked mashed potatoes recipe, and this canned cranberry sauce recipe.
Ingredients
Turkey Wings: Turkey wings are meaty and full of flavor. With this recipe, they turn out perfectly juicy and tender.
Olive Oil: This helps the seasoning stick to the wings, and it also helps the skin get perfectly crispy as it air fries.
Brown Sugar: The sweetness in brown sugar balances out the savory and smoky flavors in this recipe. It also helps to caramelize the wings, which is so delicious.
Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances all of the other flavors, and pepper adds some spice that balances out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Thyme, and Cumin: This homemade spice rub combines aromatic, warm, spicy, earthy, savory, and smoky flavors to create a flavor blend that is irresistible.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika will work. If you want to make it spicier, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper. For a tangy twist, you could add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also swap the olive oil for your favorite neutral-flavored cooking oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Prep the Turkey Wings: Begin by preheating the air fryer. Give the turkey wings a good rinse, then pat them dry with some paper towels. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
Season the Wings: Rub the turkey wings with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the dry rub mixture. Don’t forget to get the rub under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
Air Fry the Wings: Place the turkey wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the wings until they are crispy and fully cooked, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
Let Them Rest: Allow the turkey wings to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Dry the Wings: Pat dry the wings before you oil and season them. Making sure the wings are fully dry helps the seasoning stick and helps you get deliciously crispy skin.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: There needs to be space between the wings for the air to circulate so that they cook evenly and finish cooking with crispy skin.
- Flip the Wings: Always flip the wings halfway through the cooking process so that they cook evenly.
Why Are My Wings Not Crispy In The Air Fryer?
- Overcrowding the Air Fryer: If you overcrowd the wings, there won’t be enough room for the air to circulate. This can cause the wings to steam, which would cause them to not be crispy.
- The Wings Aren’t Dry Enough: It’s important that you pat dry the wings and remove all the excess moisture before you oil and season them.
- The Temperature is Too Low: When the temperature is set too low, the wings can cook through, but may not get crispy. You can always finish the wings off at a higher temperature to fix this.
- Not Flipping the Wings: Remember to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time so that both sides get crispy.
How Do You Know When Turkey Wings Are Cooked?
You should always assess whether or not meat is cooked by using a meat thermometer. Turkey needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 165F on an instant read meat thermometer inserted at the thickest point without touching the bone. Additionally, the skin should be crispy and the juices should run clear.
Why Are My Turkey Wings Tough?
If your turkey wings are turning out tough, they’re likely overcooked. Turkey is a lean meat, so you don’t want to overcook it. The best way to avoid this is by checking the internal temperature periodically with a meat thermometer. It’s also important to let the wings rest after cooking them, this gives the meat a chance to reabsorb the juices before you serve them.
Do Wings Need To Be Flipped In An Air Fryer?
Yes, turkey wings should be flipped halfway through the cooking time in an air fryer. This makes sure that the meat cooks evenly, and that the skin on both sides gets crispy.
Are Wings Better In The Oven Or The Air Fryer?
Ovens and air fryers both make delicious wings. The main difference is that air fryers will make crispier wings, but ovens can cook much larger batches. It really comes down to what’s most important to you.
Can You Stack Wings On Top Of Each Other In An Air Fryer?
No, I wouldn’t recommend it. Foods that you want to get crispy, like wings, really need space around them for the air to circulate. It’s the circulating air that makes it crispy. Even though you’d be able to cook more at once by stacking them, the wings wouldn’t taste nearly as good.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Wings?
I recommend using fresh turkey wings. If you want to use frozen wings, I’d let them thaw first. This will help the spice rub stick to the skin, ensure even cooking, and result in crispier skin.
What Can I Serve With Turkey Wings?
These wings pair well with so many different side dishes. Some of my favorites are mashed potatoes without milk, these twice baked mashed potatoes, the best vinegar coleslaw, a serving of pineapple coleslaw, our super popular baked mac and cheese with Velveeta, a serving of Cajun rice, or a slice of air fryer garlic bread.
Storing Leftovers
Let the wings cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 330F air fryer for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 2 months, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat them.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Turkey Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other poultry recipes. Some reader favorites are:
- Smothered Turkey Wings
- Turkey Tenderloin
- Baked Turkey Wings
- Boneless Turkey Breast Roast
- Crockpot Turkey Wings
- Turkey Gravy without Pan Drippings
BEST Air Fryer Turkey Wings Recipe (Crispy and Juicy)
These air fryer turkey wings are incredibly crispy and juicy. They’re coated in oil, the best spice rub, and perfectly air fried.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds turkey wings (drums and flats)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 350F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, just run it at 350F for about 5 minutes before adding the turkey wings.
- Rinse the turkey wings and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
- Rub the turkey wings with olive oil, and then evenly coat them with the dry rub mixture. Be sure to get the rub under the skin wherever possible (for the most flavor turkey wings).
- Place the turkey wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. If you have to cook them in batches, store the ones you’re not cooking yet in the refrigerator in the meantime.
- Cook the wings at 350F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them over halfway through, or until the wings are crispy and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165F when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest point without touching the bone.
- Allow the turkey wings to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Notes
- Leftover turkey wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the turkey wings back into the air fryer and cook at 330F for about 4-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 261Total Fat: 17gCarbohydrates: 6.2gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 4.5gProtein: 20.2g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
I hope you love this air fryer turkey wings recipe as much as I do! It’s super easy to make, and I’m sure your family will love it.
