Turkey Wing Cooking Time: How Long to Roast, Bake, or Grill

Let's talk turkey wings! Not just any old turkey wings, mind you, but the glorious, juicy, flavour-packed kind that makes you want to lick your fingers (and maybe the plate too). I've been cooking for years, and I've tackled my fair share of turkeys, whole and in parts. But those turkey wings? They're a whole different beast. They’re a bit more delicate than a whole turkey, and they can dry out if you're not careful.

So, you're probably wondering, how long do you cook them? Well, that's where things get a little tricky. It depends on what method you're using, the size of the wings, and even the oven you've got. But don't worry, I'm here to break it all down for you. We'll cover roasting, baking, and grilling, and I'll give you some tips and tricks along the way to make sure your turkey wings are cooked to perfection.

Get your aprons ready, folks, because we're about to embark on a culinary adventure!

(Part 1) Roasting: The Classic Way

Roasting is the classic way to cook turkey wings. It's simple, straightforward, and delivers that beautiful golden-brown crust we all crave. But before you even think about preheating your oven, there are a few things you need to know.

Choosing Your Turkey Wings: The Foundation of Flavor

First things first, you need to choose your wings wisely. Look for wings that are plump and juicy. If they look dry or bony, they probably won’t be as flavorful. And remember, the size matters. Larger wings will take longer to cook than smaller ones.

Now, let me tell you a little secret. I always prefer to buy my turkey wings from a local butcher. They're usually fresh, and you can ask them to cut them to the size you want. You can also ask for a mix of wing sections, which is great if you want some variety. For instance, you might get a mix of drumettes (the drumsticks) and flats (the wing tips). Each section has a slightly different texture and flavour, so a mix can be really fun to work with.

Prepping Your Wings: The Art of Seasoning

Once you've got your wings, it's time to prep them for roasting. This is where you get to add your personal touch. I like to start by patting them dry with paper towels. Then, I give them a good seasoning. I usually use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, but feel free to experiment with your favourite herbs and spices. A pinch of paprika adds a beautiful colour, and a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary gives a wonderful aroma. I'll often toss them with a little olive oil, too. This helps them get nice and crispy.

For a more complex flavour profile, you can create a dry rub. Combine your favourite spices with a touch of brown sugar and a little bit of cornstarch. The cornstarch helps the rub stick to the wings and creates a beautiful crust when roasted.

Getting Ready to Roast: Setting the Stage for Perfection

Now, here's a little tip I learned from my grandmother: before you pop those wings in the oven, place them on a roasting rack. This allows hot air to circulate around them, which ensures even cooking. The rack helps prevent the wings from sitting in their own juices, which can lead to soggy skin and uneven cooking. And don't forget to put a baking sheet underneath to catch any drippings. You can use these drippings later to make a delicious gravy or sauce.

roasting time and Temperature: A Guide to Golden Perfection

Right, now we're getting to the heart of the matter: the roasting time and temperature. Remember, it all depends on the size of your wings. For a general guideline, here's what I recommend:

For small turkey wings (about 1 pound each):

• roasting temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Roasting time: 45-60 minutes

For medium turkey wings (about 2 pounds each):

• Roasting temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Roasting time: 1-1.5 hours

For large turkey wings (about 3 pounds each):

• Roasting temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Roasting time: 1.5-2 hours

But here's the thing: you can't always rely solely on time. You need to check the internal temperature. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To check the temperature, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding any bone.

Once the wings are cooked, let them rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful meat.

(Part 2) Baking: A More Controlled Approach

Baking is another popular way to cook turkey wings, and it's a great option if you prefer a more controlled approach. You can bake them on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan, whichever you prefer.

Prepping Your Wings: Getting Ready for the Oven

The prep is pretty much the same as for roasting. Pat the wings dry, season them with your favourite spices, and drizzle them with a little oil. If you want, you can add some vegetables, like onions, carrots, or potatoes, to the baking pan. They'll absorb the delicious juices from the wings and add another layer of flavour to your meal.

A little trick I learned from my mum is to add a bit of water to the bottom of the baking pan. This creates steam and helps keep the wings moist. But don’t worry, the water will evaporate during baking and won’t make the wings soggy.

Baking Time and Temperature: A Controlled Approach

Here's where the baking times differ from roasting:

For small turkey wings (about 1 pound each):

• Baking temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Baking time: 40-50 minutes

For medium turkey wings (about 2 pounds each):

• Baking temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Baking time: 1-1.25 hours

For large turkey wings (about 3 pounds each):

• Baking temperature: 350°F (175°C)
• Baking time: 1.25-1.5 hours

Again, don't rely solely on time. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

And just like with roasting, let the wings rest for 10 minutes before carving.

(Part 3) Grilling: For That Smoky Flavor

Alright, let's talk about grilling. This is my favourite method for cooking turkey wings, especially during the summer months. It gives the wings that smoky flavour that's just irresistible.

Preparing Your Grill: Setting the Stage for Smoky Goodness

Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat. If you're using a gas grill, preheat the burners for about 10-15 minutes. If you're using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until they have a good bed of hot coals. For a truly smoky flavour, try adding a few wood chips to the grill. Soak the chips in water for 30 minutes before adding them to the coals. Applewood, hickory, or pecan chips work well with turkey wings.

Prepping Your Wings: Getting Ready for the Grill

Prepare your wings just like you would for roasting or baking: pat them dry, season them with your favourite spices, and drizzle them with a little oil. You can also marinate the wings before grilling to add extra flavour. My go-to marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simply marinate the wings in the fridge for at least an hour before grilling.

Grilling Time and Tips: Mastering the Art of Indirect Heat

The key to grilling turkey wings is to cook them over indirect heat. This means that you'll place the wings on the cooler side of the grill, not directly above the flame. This will prevent them from burning. If you’re using a gas grill, turn off one or two burners. If you’re using a charcoal grill, move the coals to one side of the grill.

For small turkey wings (about 1 pound each):

• Grilling time: 30-40 minutes

For medium turkey wings (about 2 pounds each):

• Grilling time: 1-1.25 hours

For large turkey wings (about 3 pounds each):

• Grilling time: 1.25-1.5 hours

Remember to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To keep the wings moist, you can wrap them in foil for the last 30 minutes of grilling. This will create a steamy environment that will help the wings cook evenly and retain moisture.

(Part 4) The Ultimate Turkey Wing Recipe

Alright, now that we've covered the basics of roasting, baking, and grilling turkey wings, it's time to share a recipe that's guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need:

• 2 pounds turkey wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

Here's how to cook your delicious turkey wings:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey wings.
5. Place the wings on a roasting rack set over a baking sheet.
6. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the wings rest for 10 minutes before carving.
8. Serve immediately.

You can serve your turkey wings with your favourite sides, like mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

(Part 5) What to Serve with Your Turkey Wings: A Delicious Feast

Okay, so you’ve got your perfect turkey wings, but what about the rest of the meal? What sides can you pair with these flavourful, juicy morsels? Let’s dive into some delicious possibilities.

Starchy Sides: The Perfect Complement

First, let’s talk about the starches. Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with turkey, and for good reason. They’re creamy, comforting, and absorb all the delicious gravy. You can go for a basic mashed potato recipe, or get fancy with garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash, or even potato gratin.

Another good option is rice. You can go for plain white rice, wild rice, brown rice, or even a flavourful rice pilaf. Rice is a versatile side that works well with many different flavours.

Don’t forget about cornbread! It’s a Southern classic that’s perfect with turkey. You can bake it from scratch, or grab a box mix for a quick and easy solution.

Vegetable Sides: Adding Colour and Freshness

Now, let’s add some colour and freshness with some vegetable sides.

Roasted vegetables are a great option. You can roast a mixture of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, or try something more seasonal like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and flavour of the vegetables.

green beans are another good choice. You can steam them, roast them, or sauté them with garlic and olive oil.

If you want something a little different, try a simple salad. A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing addition to a heavy meal.

Don’t Forget the Sauce: Elevating the Flavour

No turkey wing feast is complete without a generous helping of gravy. You can make a simple gravy from the pan drippings, or go for something more elaborate like a mushroom gravy or a sage gravy.

Cranberry sauce is another classic turkey side. You can buy it pre-made, or make your own from scratch. It adds a tart and sweet touch to the meal.

(Part 6) Turkey Wing Leftovers: Don’t Waste a Bite

Let’s face it, you’re probably going to have some leftover turkey wings. But don’t fret! Leftovers are a chance to get creative and enjoy your delicious turkey wings in a whole new way.

Turn Them Into a Sandwich: A Simple and Satisfying Meal

One of the most popular ways to use leftover turkey wings is in a sandwich. Pull the meat off the bones, and use it to create a delicious turkey sandwich with your favourite toppings. You can add some mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion, or get creative with other ingredients like avocado, bacon, or cheese.

Create a Hearty Soup: A Warm and Comforting Treat

Another great way to use leftover turkey wings is in a soup. You can make a simple turkey noodle soup, or get adventurous with a turkey chili. Just add the leftover turkey meat to your favourite soup recipe for a flavour boost.

Add Them to a Salad: A Lighter and Fresher Option

For a lighter meal, you can add leftover turkey wings to a salad. The meat adds protein and flavour, and it’s a great way to use up the leftover wings.

Make a Turkey Wing Pizza: A Unique and Delicious Twist

If you’re feeling really adventurous, try making a turkey wing pizza. Just top your favourite pizza crust with leftover turkey meat, some cheese, and your favourite toppings. It’s a unique and delicious way to use up leftover turkey wings.

(Part 7) Turkey Wing Storage: Keeping It Fresh

Alright, you’ve cooked up a delicious batch of turkey wings and maybe have some leftover. You want to keep them fresh and flavorful. How do you store them?

Refrigerator Storage: Short-Term Storage for Maximum Freshness

For short-term storage, the refrigerator is your best bet. First, let the turkey wings cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing for Future Use: Long-Term Storage for Deliciousness

If you want to store your turkey wings for longer, freezing is the way to go. Let the wings cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. frozen turkey wings can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen wings, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw them in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes.

(Part 8) FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Now that you’ve got all the information on how to cook and store turkey wings, let’s answer some common questions.

1. Can I cook turkey wings from frozen?

While it’s technically possible to cook turkey wings from frozen, it’s not recommended. Cooking frozen turkey wings can lead to uneven cooking and a dry, tough product. It's best to thaw the wings completely before cooking.

2. Can I grill turkey wings on a gas grill?

Yes, you can grill turkey wings on a gas grill. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and use indirect heat to cook the wings.

3. Can I cook turkey wings in a slow cooker?

While you can cook turkey wings in a slow cooker, it’s not ideal. The wings can become too mushy and lose their flavour. If you choose to cook turkey wings in a slow cooker, be sure to cook them on low heat for several hours.

4. What can I do if my turkey wings are too dry?

If your turkey wings are too dry, there are a few things you can do. You can add a little bit of broth or sauce to the wings during the cooking process. You can also use a marinade to help keep the wings moist.

5. Can I use turkey wings for other recipes?

Yes, turkey wings can be used in other recipes. You can use them in soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also shred them and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.

I hope this comprehensive guide has given you the confidence to tackle turkey wing cooking like a pro. Happy cooking!