How to Grill Turkey Wings? Two of the Most Delicious Recipes

This article will tell you how to grill turkey wings the most delicious way. Turkeys are basically descendants of the (Meleagris gallopavo ) or the Wild Turkey.  It’s not particularly clear where turkey originated but what is known is that turkeys have been found in Britain, Mexico, Spain, North America, Madagascar, the country of Turkey.  

Some say the name Turkey was a term handed down and adapted from Turkish merchants who introduced the turkey bird to England.  From their settlers carried the bird and the term into the New World.  

Turkeys are know to have fan tails much like Peacocks.  Their primary colors seem to be black and white and sometimes bronze in color.

 Male Turkeys are typically larger than females and exhibit large red in color in the throat areas or better known as the preen gland extends downward and is larger than that found in females.

Female turkeys known as hens lay eggs and are muted in color in shades of brown, and gray.  Turkeys especially those of the wild variety are found in hardwood and mixed hardwood forests sometimes adjacent to farmland pastures, fields and orchards.

 Turkeys for protection seek our areas that are wooded and covered away from public trails and habitats.  Although distant from public their distinct gobble can be heard for hundreds of yards easily giving away their general location.  

Present day Turkeys and turkey meat sold in stores are direct hybrids and adaptations of the gene pool to bring about a bird that will mature faster and present with larger breast area.  Present day turkeys tend to be white in color and smaller in appearance.  

The modern turkey is bred directly for market sale and thus effort to breed in characteristics that make it more desirable to the consumer.  

Wild turkeys eat and forage in ways known as omnivorous on the ground and around shrubs and trees.  Their diet center around nut varieties such as acorns, hazel and chestnuts along with pine nuts, seed and barriers.  Turkeys have been known to eat small lizards and very rarely small snakes in the wild.  Turkeys will also eat will grasses primarily in the mornings and late afternoons.  

The wild variety of Turkeys despite their size and weight are fast and agile.  They have the ability to fly short distances somewhat close to the ground.  Distances of up to a quarter of a mile have been recorded for their flight.  

However, modern day turkeys have been bred to eliminate the ability to fly or escape at large distances.  

Grilled turkey wings may be one of the easiest things you can do on your gas or charcoal grill. This process requires a covered barbecue grill and heavy duty aluminum foil. Your turkey will be crisp outside and juicy inside.

Our Turkey Wings Grill Rub Recipes perfectly dry marinate your wings to make them tender and juicy. 

Why Use Turkey Wings? Why Not Legs, Thighs, or Turkey Breasts?

Today, turkey meat plays an important role in the industrial production of meat. Turkey wings are made from whole turkey carcasses by industrial processing by cutting.

Turkey wings are a great option for the main course, they are rich in many of the same useful properties that are found in many other products, but individually and not in large quantities.

Calorie content of turkey wings.

The caloric content of turkey wings is 168 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Composition and useful properties of smoked turkey wings.

Turkey wings are a first-class source of protein, eating them, a person gets more energy than from any other type of meat. Smoked turkey wings also contain a huge amount of phosphorus (for meat). They are also rich in vitamin PP.

Turkey wings are useful, first of all, for women, in particular for those who closely follow the movement of the arrow on the scales, since this meat contains a negligible amount of harmful fats (calories).

Turkey wing is rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that increases the production of the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which, in turn, stimulates its work.

Turkey wings are perfectly digested and easily absorbed by the human body. It is for this reason, as well as due to the relatively low-calorie content, this product belongs to the category of dietary.

In addition, turkey is rich in essential protein. Eating foods low in fat and high in fiber helps reduce the risk of heart disease and defeat cancer.

Turkey wings in cooking.

Turkey wing is successfully used in cooking, namely they are baked, stewed, boiled, fried, so they make quite tasty and healthy dishes.

Despite the fact that they contain little fat, when properly cooked, whole turkey wings with collard greens turn out to be especially tender. They can be used in the preparation of dishes such as soups, jellies, as well as baked, pre-stuffed, combined with various vegetables and cereals.

There are many variations, but it is preferable to use turkey wings with collard greens in baked form, since in this case the product acquires a beautiful ruddiness, softness and juiciness.

Key Ingredients for the Best Baked Turkey Wings

To make this baked turkey wings recipe, you need a few key ingredients. As always, I include the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the turkey wing recipe card below. Here’s what you need:

  1. Turkey Wings: as I said above, the turkey wing is superior. Try a local butcher shop if you can’t find fresh or frozen love turkey wings at your local grocery stores. For this turkey wing recipe, feel free to buy whole wings and chop them up into pieces (I prefer to remove the wing tip).
  2. Seasoning Blend: the seasonings we use are crucial to giving these baked turkey wings their out-of-this-world flavor. I’ll give you the complete list below!
  3. Chicken Broth or Turkey Broth: I personally don’t notice a difference between the two—this recipe comes out great either way. If you can’t find regular turkey broth, try Better Than Bouillon, or make your own homemade smoked turkey broth. Don’t have time? Chicken stock will do just fine.
  4. Lemons or Lemon Juice: now, this may seem like an odd-ball ingredient but trust me, Cousins—you don’t want to skip it! Lemon juice really elevates the flavor of the turkey AND the seasonings. Once you try it, you’ll want to flavor all your poultry with lemon!

Baked Turkey Wing Seasoning Blend

  • Onion powder and (dried) minced onions
  • Garlic powder and (dried) minced garlic
  • Seasoning salt
  • Poultry seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Dried parsley flakes
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

If you want authentic Southern flavor in a seasoning bottle, check out the variety of seasonings and spices we have at Rosamae Seasonings!

We have seasoning salt and poultry seasoning (and salt-free versions of both), along with many other options for all your seasoning needs.

How to Make Oven-Baked Turkey Wings

Now, I promised an easy turkey wing recipe, so I’m gonna deliver! This baked turkey wings recipe really is beginner-friendly and foolproof.

Step 1: Prep Turkey Wings

If you bought whole turkey wings, the first step is to prep the wings by chopping them up. Cut between the joint to separate the wingette (the flat part of the turkey wing) and the drumette (or the drumstick).

Cut off the wing tips and toss them or, better yet, save them to make homemade stock. You’ll also want to rinse the wings and pat them dry with paper towels. Finally, here comes the lemon. Quarter one lemon and rub one wedge over the surface of each turkey wing.

Step 2: Season to High Heaven

Next, toss your turkey wings into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with some olive oil (or vegetable oil if you prefer), and then it’s time to season.

Toss your turkey seasoning mixture into the bowl and make sure those wings are well coated with all that flavorful goodness. (Note: If you watch my video tutorial below, I do not use flour in this recipe. The white powder is onion and garlic powder. You don’t need flour!)

Step 3: Bake Turkey Wings

Toss those seasoned wings into the baking vessel of your choice. You can use a casserole dish, baking dish, roaster pan, or even a Dutch oven.

There will be leftover seasoning mix in the mixing bowl, so you’re going to pour the broth into the bowl, scoop up all those yummy spices, and then pour the broth into the baking dish. You don’t want to cover the chicken wings fully; you only need about two and a half cups.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for one and a half to two hours, checking periodically. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature—the wings are done when the thickest part of the wing reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

How to Get Crispy Skin on Your Baked Turkey Wings

Buy the wings chilled, then you will be sure of the quality of the meat. A high-quality product with a shiny and smooth surface, pinkish skin, without traces of damage. If the fingers stick to the meat, it is spoiled.

Wings are primarily good because they can be fried immediately without prior preparation. But if there is time, pre-marinate them.

Marinade can be made on the basis of wine, soy sauce, mayonnaise, kefir, milk, lemon juice, olive oil, table vinegar, natural yogurt, honey.

Spices to the wings are suitable for a variety. Win—win combinations – garlic and ginger, rosemary and paprika, thyme and sage, coriander and cumin, Italian herbs, etc.

Lovers of spicy spices can add coriander greens, coconut milk, lime juice, ginger, chilli to the marinade.

Spices are added both to the marinade and immediately to the wings before roasting.

The wings can be sent to marinate in the refrigerator or left at room temperature. In the first case, the waiting time is no more than an hour, in the second — from 4 hours.

If you use poultry wings, marinate them longer than broiler ones.

For pickling, use a plastic bag with a special fastener, any deep pan or bowl.

Cook the grill in advance so that the firewood burns out and coals form.

For frying chicken wings, use a special grill, it is convenient to turn it over and in it the lids will be evenly browned from all sides.

Grease the grill with vegetable oil before frying, and then spread the wings. Then nothing will burn, and it will be much easier to wash the grill.

Remove excess marinade and shake off the wings or blot with a paper towel.

Spread the wings on the grill not too tightly to each other so that they are evenly fried.

If desired, the smaller wing phalanx can be cut off, because it often burns, especially in sweet marinade.

While cooking the wings on the grill, make sure that the fire does not ignite from the coals. If this happens, pour marinade or water over the fire. It is convenient to do this from a plastic water bottle with a perforated or slightly ajar lid. It’s not scary if water gets on the wings, it will make them more juicy.

The cooking time of the wings on the grill is 25-40 minutes, depending on the heat of the coals. The readiness indicator is a golden crust, and after cutting the meat, transparent juice should ooze out of it for tasty turkey dinner.

See also how to cook chicken wings in mayonnaise, fried in a frying pan.

The BEST Baked Turkey Wings Recipe Card

These deliciously tender baked turkey wings are seasoned to perfection! This is a perfect holiday dish that’s easy to make and will please the whole crowd.

Course – Main Dish

Cuisine – American

Keyword – Baked Turkey Wings

Prep Time – 10 minutes

Cook Time – 2 hours

Total Time2 – hours 10 minutes

Servings – 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs turkey wings cut into sections if bought whole
  • 1 large lemon cut into 4 wedges
  • 2 tbsp olive oil you can substitute it with vegetable oil
  • 2 1/2 cup turkey or chicken broth or even water

Turkey Wing Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp seasoning salt or salt free seasoning
  • 1 tsp minced onions
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp parsley flakes
  • 2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • meat thermometer

Instructions

  1. Clean the turkey wings, then rub all surfaces of the wings with the lemon wedges.
  2. Next, place the wings into a large bowl or dish, and drizzle the wings with the olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle all of the seasoning onto the wings, then rub the seasonings all over the wings.
  4. Remove the wings from the bowl and place them into an oiled baking dish.
  5. In the bowl that the wings were in, there will be leftover seasonings. Pour 2 1/2 cups of broth or water into the bowl, stir, then pour the broth or water into the bake dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish and cook the wings in the oven at 350 F for about 1 &1/2 hours to 2 hours
  7. Periodically remove the wings from the oven and baste. Turkey wings are done when cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  8. For a crispy skin, remove the wings, uncover the baking dish, and place under the broiler for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Ridiculously easy! You only need 10 minutes of prep time to season the turkey! After that, you let the oven do all the work!
  • A great alternative to cooking a whole turkey! Making these baked turkey wings is way easier than cooking a whole turkey.
  • Insanely delicious! The blend of herbs, spices and seasoning used gives the turkey wings great flavor. No bland turkey here!
  • So versatile! You can switch these turkey wings up in many different ways. See suggestions for variations below!

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

Turkey: Instead of turkey wings, try using other parts of turkey like turkey thighs, turkey drumsticks or turkey breasts. Note also check out my Baked Turkey Drumsticks and Baked Turkey Breast recipes.

Spices and Herbs: Try adding other spices and herbs like onion powder, crushed pepper flakes, rosemary, oregano, or sage.

You could also use different seasoning blends to season the turkey like Cajun seasoning, Lemon Pepper seasoning, poultry seasoning, or Italian seasoning. If using a seasoning blend, be sure to check if it is salt-free or not so you can reduce the amount of salt if your seasoning blend contains salt.

Garlic Butter: Try tossing the turkey wings with a garlic butter sauce after baking them for even more flavor. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce by combining melted butter, minced garlic and minced parsley.

Turkey, Potatoes and Vegetables: Add potatoes and vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the same pan as the turkey and bake them together for a complete meal.

TIPS FOR THE BEST BAKED TURKEY WINGS

Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels before seasoning them. This makes the wings have crispy skin as they bake!

Baste the turkey wings with the dripping from the pan in which they were roasted before serving. This makes the wings glossy, making for a better appearance and imparting more flavor!

Measure the turkey wings per pound not by the number of turkey wings since turkey wings come in different sizes. This recipe calls for 4 pounds of turkey wings.

To ensure the turkey wings are fully cooked insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a wing. If the thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius, then the turkey is cooked through.

Another way to check for doneness is to cut a wing on the side. If it is no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear, then the wing is ready.

WHAT GOES WITH BAKED TURKEY WINGS?

Baked place the turkey wings go well together with some side dishes, including:

  1. Jollof Rice: An easy tasty one-pot rice dish made in the oven.
  2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy buttery mashed potatoes.
  3. Tostones Twice fried plantains.
  4. Easy Roasted Potatoes: All made in the oven and so good with turkey!
  5. Sauteed Vegetables: A tasty way to enjoy vegetables!
  6. Roasted Carrots: A quick and easy vegetable side dish!
  7. Easy Coconut Rice: Rice cooked in coconut rice with veggies added.

HOW TO GRILL TURKEY WINGS

Wings cooked on a grill benefit from excellent air circulation, especially when using a pellet grill. Turkey wings are larger than chicken wings, so set aside more time for them to cook fully.

WHAT WOOD PELLETS TO USE WITH TURKEY WINGS

Turkey wings are usually served with bold and tangy sauces, so using a wood that holds up well with flavor makes sense here.

Hickory is always good choice, as well as pecan or even apple. If you aren’t sure which to choose from, go with a blend, like Traeger Turkey Blend for a robust flavor you won’t soon forget. It also comes with a brine kit to knock out the brining task in one easy step.

HOW LONG TO GRILL TURKEY WINGS

The simplest way to grill turkey wings on Traeger grill is at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat the grill for around 15 minutes with the lid closed, then set the wings inside.

Close the lid and smoke the wings until they reach the proper internal temperature. Expect it to take around two hours, but possibly more for thicker wings.

The wings should be big enough to set directly on the grill grate, but if you are concerned about them sticking or falling through the grate, place them on a baking sheet. This will increase the cooking time slightly.

You will end up with more moisture and less crisp than you would with a grate, however.

The bonus method of grilled turkey

This Rotisserie Turkey Rub is perfect for slow cooked evenly flavored roasted Turkey. Give it a try.

Ingredients for Turkey Wings Grilled Rub Recipe for Rotisserie Turkey Rub.

  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Thyme (Fresh)
  • 2 Tablespoons grated Orange Zest
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Sage (Fresh)
  • 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • Olive Oil

Steps:

Rub Olive Oil lightly over the smoked turkey for coating purposes only. Blend the rub mix together thoroughly. Rub the smoked turkey complete with the rub so that all surfaces are covered with the rub.

If the smoked turkey is at room temperature lift the skin and place some of the rub under the skin especially in the breast area.

Place the Turkey Rub Recipe in the refrigerator and let it rest overnight.

Once rested you can cook the turkey as you normally would.

Enjoy.

Along with the concept of grilling turkey wings comes the more particular thought of what is included in the grilling process meaning not just heat but what do you use to smoke or flavor the grilled turkey wings?

To that end I’ve added a listing of what I believe to be some of the best woods to use that compliment the wings.  Remember wing tips don’t take a long time to cook and thus do not need a lot of time under smoke. 

A good smoking for 20-25 minutes is more than adequate to add the delicate flavor you seek.  So, here are some of the best woods I like to use.

Wood Chips for BBQ Smoking Types 

  • Almond – a nutty, sweet flavor
  • Apple – mild, fruity flavor, slightly sweet. Good for poultry, pork. Northwest.
  • Apricot – mild, sweet flavor. Good on fish, poultry, pork
  • Cherry – mild, fruity. Good with poultry, pork, beef.
  • Hickory – great natural flavor, good with pork, beef and ribs. Primary smoke wood in the South.
  • Maple – like fruit, sweet flavor. Northeast.
  • Mesquite – very strong flavor, burns hot and fast. Good for hot short smoking, better for grilling.
  • Oak – best all around wood. Burns well and does not overpower. Excellent outdoors flavor on sausages, beef or lamb.
  • Peach – awesome wood, mild, flavor. Best with fish, poultry, pork
  • Pear – light and sweet, smoked color dark – red. Excellent with poultry and pork.
  • Pecan – milder version of hickory. Burns cool. Southwest region.
  • Plum – mild, sweet flavor. Good on fish, poultry, pork

There are some woods that I find too heavy for smoking.  I would instead use the following woods if I was also smoking ribs along with the wings and wood chips from above.

Chapter FAQs

How many minutes does it take to grill a turkey?

It takes about one hour for turkey wings to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.

What temp and how long do you grill a turkey?

Turkey wings turn tough when they are undercooked or overcooked. The best way to tell if a turkey wing is done is to insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of a wing. If it reads 165 Degrees Fahrenheit or 74 Degrees Celsius then the smoked turkey wings are done.

Do you rinse turkey wings before cooking?

Yes, you definitely need to wash the wings before you start cooking.

Conclusion

I hope that this data will be useful for the purpose of your cooking process on the grill. Now prepare it on the grill.

Turkey is a healthy product with low calories, high protein content and rich chemical composition. Turkey meat is recommended for male athletes and women losing weight.

The product has a positive effect both on the functioning of internal organs and on the work of the whole organism as a whole. In addition, not only fillets are useful, but also thighs, liver, heart, as well as other parts of the bird.

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