Listen, I’ve been in the air fryer game since they first dropped, and I’ve tested just about everything you can think of in it. These turkey wings? They’re proof that the air fryer isn’t just for small stuff. You get that crispy skin, juicy meat, and big flavor without heating up the whole kitchen.
This recipe is simple, seasoned right, and one of those dishes that proves the air fryer really does it all.
Air Fryer Turkey Wing Ingredients
- Turkey Wings: 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. Most major grocery stores carry turkey wings in the meat or poultry section, especially during the holiday season.
- Olive Oil
- Spices: When it comes to seasoning, you've got options. I love a good Southern feel with Creole Seasoning and smoked paprika. You also can't go wrong with a simple poultry rub or your favorite spices.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up in the air fryer.
- Season: Rub the wings with olive oil until lightly coated. Mix your spices together, then sprinkle them all over the wings. Use your hands to rub the seasoning in so it sticks to every corner.
- Cook the wings: Place the turkey wings in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between them. Air fry, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness: The skin should be crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part.
- Serve: Let the wings rest for a few minutes before digging in. Serve them as they are, or drizzle with sauce if you’re feeling extra.
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Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds turkey wings Split wings will fit a 5.8 quart air fryer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creole Seasoned Wings (Option 1)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Standard Turkey Seasoning Wing (Option 2)
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the wings dry and rub both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into both sides of the wings. Ensure the spices completely cover both sides of the wings. Add more spices if necessary.
- Place the wings in the air fryer basket. Do not stack, Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry on 370 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and flip the wings. Air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature (at the thickest part of the wing) has reached 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. Also air fry until the wings have reached your desired level of crisp.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- I provided my 2 favorite ways to season these wings. Pick a method or you can also use your favorite store-bought chicken or poultry rub.
- Cook time will vary based on the air fryer brand and model you use. Always cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- You can use whole wings or split wings. I prefer split because they cook at even temperature and will easily fit in the air fryer. I also prefer the wing tip removed, so that these fit easily. I use a 5.8 quart air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
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.
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, 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.
I use 370 degrees.
Cook the wings for 35 for 40 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
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.
The skin should be golden-brown and crispy. When you cut into the turkey wing, the juices should run clear, not pink or red. Pink juices indicate the turkey may need more cooking time. The meat should easily pull away from the bone when it's done. If it's still tough or chewy, it likely needs more time in the air fryer.
The texture is a lot similar to fried chicken wings. These have crispy skin. If you are looking for wings that fall off the bone, try my Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Wings, Baked Turkey Wings or Smothered Turkey Wings recipes.
Because of the size of the turkey wings, I recommend defrosting the turkey first, before cooking. Cooking from frozen will make it difficult for them to cook evenly and consistently.
Yes. Turkey legs will follow a similar cook time and at the same temperature. Check out my Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
Cooked wings can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
You can reheat them at 350 degrees in the air fryer until warm. This will help maintain the texture.
You can freeze leftover wings tightly covered and sealed. For the best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the wings overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Turkey Wing Seasoning Variations
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
What to Pair with the Wings
Pair turkey wings with other air fryer favorites like Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, and Air Fryer Onion Rings.
More Turkey Wings and Legs Recipes
Baked Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Stuffed Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Smoked Turkey Legs
Grilled Turkey Legs
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
Cajun Roasted Turkey
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Pair these with our Turkey Graving From Drippings recipe.
Anita Hughes says
Definitely making for Thanksgiving. I love using air fryer to cook meats. I have not seen too many turkey wings in the meat section yet.
staysnatched says
Hard to find unless you go somewhere with a local butcher. Luckily the store near me keeps them stocked year round.
Jmeanne says
Just used this recipe for a couple of turkey legs, haven’t done turkey in the AF before, they came out perfect, crispy, moist and delicious! Thanks for another great recipe Brandi!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.
Cynthia says
I used the traditional seasoning with salt mixed in. These were very good, and done exactly in the time the recipe stated. Most meat departments in grocery stores will cut turkey wings for you if you plan a few days ahead, they need to thaw the birds.
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed it!