I make crispy air fryer turkey wings when I want all the flavor of roasted turkey in a smaller, faster, and easier way. Our air fried version takes large turkey wings and coats them with a simple homemade turkey rub that packs in the flavor in every bite.
You can either leave these as large turkey wings or cut them into wingettes and drumettes!
You'll love our turkey wings recipe because the wings come out with crispy skin and juicy meat every time. They're seasoned with a bold homemade rub and cook in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weeknight meal, game day snack, or for a smaller holiday spread.
For a unique Thanksgiving twist, you can serve a variety of turkey cuts for your holiday table alongside our Air Fryer Turkey Breast, Air Fryer Turkey Legs, or Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets!
Things to Know Before Making Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Blot the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning for extra crispy skin.
- We used our simple homemade dry rub provided below, you can easily swap in your favorite spice rub instead.
- Always flip halfway through cooking to crisp both sides evenly.
- Invest in a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness - 165°F is the safe internal temp for turkey. wings themselves are bursting with flavor in each and every bite.
- You'll need to cut the
Ingredients Overview
- Fresh Turkey wings: About 1-1 ¼ pounds (2 whole wings). Trim into drumettes and wingettes for even cooking.
- Olive oil: Helps the dry rub stick and promotes crispy skin.
- Dry rub: A mix of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, chili, and herbs for bold flavor. You can make it ahead and store it for months.
- Air fryer: Any basket or oven-style unit works. Preheating helps with consistent cooking.
Full ingredient amounts are in the recipe card below.
How to Air Fry Turkey Wings
Step 1: Make the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix until well blended.
Step 2: Prep the Wings
Trim whole turkey wings into drumettes and wingettes. See this Youtube video if you need a tutorial. Discard the tips. Blot the pieces dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl.
Step 3: Season the Wings
Brush the wings with olive oil, then coat generously with the dry rub on both sides. Press lightly so the seasoning sticks.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes. Arrange the wings sections in a single layer and cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. They're done when a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part.
If you're cooking large turkey wings, you'll follow the same steps other than they'll take a little longer to air fry. Use a digital meat thermometer to know when then the wings are cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the wings rest a few minutes before serving. This locks in the juices and keeps the meat tender.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the homemade rub for your favorite seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning.
- Add a touch of brown sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a hint of caramelized flavor.
- Brush with buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce after cooking for a saucy finish.
- Use the leftover rub on chicken, pork, or roasted veggies.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Wings
These wings pair well with classic comfort sides. Try them with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Air Fryer Green Beans, or mashed potatoes. Add a crisp side salad for a lighter balance.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerate leftover wings in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook turkey wings in the air fryer?
About 30-35 minutes at 380°F, depending on size. Always confirm with a thermometer.
Can I air fry frozen turkey wings?
For best results, thaw them first. Frozen wings won't cook evenly in the air fryer.
Do you need to cut turkey wings before air frying?
You want to cut the whole wings into drumettes and wingettes for faster, more even cooking. You can cook them as whole turkey wings, they'll just take a little longer to cook.
How do you get crispy skin on air fryer turkey wings?
Pat them dry, coat with oil and rub, and flip halfway through cooking.
More Easy Turkey Recipes
- Air Fried Turkey Tenderloin
- 9 Air Fryer Turkey Recipes
- Herb turkey thighs in the air fryer
- Easy roast turkey
- Herb butter baked turkey thighs
- Turkey rub recipe
- Breaded turkey cutlets
- Air fryer boneless turkey breast roast (from frozen)
- Simple turkey brine
- Roast half turkey breast recipe
- Smoked turkey breast recipe
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Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1-1 ¼ lb turkey wings 2 whole wings
- 2 tablespoon dry rub recipe below or store-bought rub
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Turkey Rub Mix
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoon fine kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage in a small bowl. Mix the dry rub until the ingredients are well combined.
- Trim the wings into drumettes and wingettes like you do with whole chicken wings, toss the tips. Blot the turkey wings dry with paper towels. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Brush the wings with the olive oil and then generously sprinkle the turkey wings with the rub on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380 F.
- Place the turkey wings in the air fryer and cook them on 380 F for a total of 30-35 minutes, or internal meat thermometer registers at 165 F when tested in the thickest part of the wing. Flip them halfway through cooking.
Notes
- If your turkey wings come whole, you'll want to cut them into drumettes and wingettes before air frying.
- A digital meat thermometer is a game changer. It takes out the guesswork and makes sure your wings hit that safe 165°F every time.
- The turkey rub makes more than you'll need for this recipe. Store the extra in a sealed jar for up to 6 months. It's delicious on turkey, chicken, pork, or even veggies.
- For oven, grill, or skillet cooking, feel free to stir a little brown sugar (or golden monk fruit for sugar-free) into the rub. We skip it in the air fryer since sugars burn too quickly.
- Cook time can vary depending on your air fryer model, the size of your wings, and whether you preheat. Always use temperature as your guide.
Nutrition
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