This Crispy Baked Turkey Wings recipe will show you how to cook the best oven roasted wings that will literally fall off the bone. This tender meat it a staple dish for any soul food spread.
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Baking wings for Sunday dinners or the holidays just got a lot easier!
Why Turkey Wings?
A lot of us don’t like to make a whole turkey. There are also many of us that do not eat all of the meat on the turkey. We all have our favorites! And also, if 2020 taught us nothing, it showed us sometimes we will have to spend holidays and celebrate special times with much smaller gatherings. A recipe like this is perfect for smaller groups.
A lot of people also complain turkey is dry! We all know wings aren’t. So these are absolutely perfect for any spread.
Turkey is usually considered a lean meat in comparison to most. It has a lot less calories and can be paired with just about any side dish.
Where to Buy
Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year round. Many retailers only carry them seasonally around fall. A local butcher is usually really helpful.
Do You Use Whole Wings or Split?
This is up to you. Split wings (split into drums and flats) will cook at a more even temperature. This is also better for even browning of the skin. I use these cooking shears from Amazon to cut into the wings and split them.
The wing is is made up of 3 parts: the drumette, the wingette, and the wing tip. The drumette looks like a small drumstick and usually has more meat. It’s mostly dark meat, and is slightly juicier than the wingette.
The wingette is often called the flat, is the middle section that is made of two bones running horizontally through the middle of it with meat in the middle. Because it’s thinner, this part normally crisps up easier when cooking them with the thicker drumette portions.
The wing tip doesn’t have much flavor, but you can save it if you plan to make homemade broth.
You can separate the wings yourself by cutting at the elbow joint to separate the drum from the wingette. From there you can remove the wing tip to display a flat if you wish.
How to Make Baked Turkey Wings
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Place sliced onions into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place the wings in the dish and drizzle both sides of the wings olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the wings.
- Rub the spices into the wings.
- Pour the broth along the edges of the baking dish.
- Bake.
How Long to Bake
Bake the wings for 2 hours.
How to Tell When the Turkey is Done
You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey wings. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
How to Get Crispy Skin
The wings are baked and covered at a lower temperature initially, in order to cook the turkey throughout. After the wings have baked for an hour and a half, remove the wings from the baking dish. Adjust the heat on the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and then place a wire wrack on top. Place the wings on the rack and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until crisp. The air flow will crisp the chicken.
How to Give Them Smoky Flavor
I like to use smoked paprika to accomplish this. You can also drizzle a teaspoon of liquid smoke over the wings prior to adding the spices.
Can You Use Turkey Legs or Drumsticks?
Yes. Turkey legs will follow a similar cook time and at the same temperature.
Can You Use Chicken Wings?
Absolutely. You can also use chicken drumsticks. Be sure to test if the chicken is done my inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest parts of one of the pieces of chicken. Chicken must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
How to Store Them
Cooked wings can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover wings tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the wings overnight in the fridge and reheat.
What to Pair With These Wings
Southern Soul Food Mac and CheeseSouthern Sweet Potato CasseroleSouthern Baked Ham With PineappleSouthern Cornbread DressingSouthern Candied Sweet PotatoesSouthern Mustard GreensSouthern Okra and TomatoesSouthern Style Green BeansSouthern Baked BeansInstant Pot Black Eyed PeasScalloped CornSeafood Mac and CheeseBaked Crab LegsSouthern Cooked CabbageAir Fryer Crab LegsGrand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
More Turkey Recipes
Smothered Turkey WingsBaked Turkey LegsTraeger Smoked TurkeySlow Cooker Turkey WingsTraeger Smoked Turkey BreastSmoked Turkey WingsAir Fryer Turkey Wings Air Fryer Turkey BreastSlow Cooker Crockpot Turkey BreastCajun Spiced Roasted TurkeyLeftover Turkey ChiliLeftover Turkey NachosLeftover Turkey Wild Rice SoupTurkey Bone Broth RecipeInstant Pot Turkey BreastStuffed Turkey LegsTurkey and Cheese Sliders
Check out our list of the Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.
