Air fryer turkey wings come out so amazingly crispy, with juicy meat on the inside. They’re hearty enough for a meal when served with sides, or great as a game day app when you want something more substantial than chicken wings. You can season them any way you like, but I’m partial to Cajun seasoning!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Skin. When you air fry turkey wings, you get beautifully browned, crispy skin!
- Juicy And Tender: The meat stays flavorful and juicy while the outside gets deliciously crisped to perfection
- Bold Cajun Flavor: Cajun seasoning adds savory spices and just the right amount of heat (though you can absolutely use other seasonings if this isn’t your jam)!
- Easy To Make: No complicated cooking techniques or large roasting pan required
- Perfect For Holidays: They’re an especially tasty option for Thanksgiving and other festive meals, when you’re serving a smaller crowd or just want something a little different
- Ready Faster Than A Whole Turkey: Smaller portions mean significantly less cooking time than roasting an entire bird!
- Great Year-Round: There’s no need to wait for the holidays to enjoy flavorful turkey wings. They’re perfect for game day, too! You can even make Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Wings if you want to change things up a bit
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Ingredients List
- 4 fresh turkey wings (about 3-4 pounds, depending on size)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- There’s a difference between “turkey wings” and “turkey wing portions.” The portions are already split, whereas turkey wings are usually whole turkey wings (a drumstick, wing, and wing tip). If you get whole, I recommend splitting them and discarding the tips. They cook more evenly, and fit better in your air fryer that way. With portions, you can skip the splitting and just cook the pre-cut wings!
- Frozen turkey wings are fine too; just defrost in your fridge overnight for best results
- If your Cajun seasoning does not contain salt, add about 1 tsp per pound of turkey wings
- You can use another high smoke point oil instead of olive oil, like avocado oil or rapeseed oil
- Feel free to make your own seasoning blend! Great options that go well with turkey include: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, poultry seasoning, thyme, oregano, rosemary, black pepper, cumin, BBQ seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, Creole seasoning, or anything similar
Step By Step Instructions
- Pat your wings dry, then rub with the olive oil, followed by the Cajun seasoning. Make sure you get both sides and coat them well!
- Add the seasoned turkey wings to your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing a little space between them. Don’t overcrowd or they won’t crisp well; cook in batches if needed
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or 380°F, depending on your available settings) for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the skin is brown and crispy, and the internal temperature at the thickest point near (but not touching) the bone is 165°F
- Cool for about 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides or dips. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
These air fryer turkey wings are juicy, crispy, and packed with bold Cajun seasoning, so they pair especially well with classic Southern sides, hearty comfort foods, and fresh dishes that balance the spice.
Southern Comfort Sides
- Dirty Rice: Savory rice with Cajun flavors makes a natural match for the seasoned turkey
- Creamy Mac And Cheese: Rich, cheesy mac and cheese helps mellow the heat of the Cajun seasoning
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread provides a delicious contrast to the savory wings
- Red Beans And Rice: A hearty Southern classic that complements the bold seasoning
Vegetable Sides
- Collard Greens: Their savory, slightly bitter flavor works beautifully with rich turkey wings
- Green Beans: A simple vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy
- Coleslaw: Cool, crisp, and tangy, coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the Cajun spice
- Cucumber Salad: A light, vinegary salad helps cool things down between bites. Try my easy Vinegar Cucumber Onion Salad!
Hearty Favorites
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up flavorful turkey juices
- Candied Sweet Potatoes: Their sweetness balances the savory Cajun seasoning. Try my Air Fryer Candied Yams recipe!
- Creamy Grits: Smooth, buttery grits make an especially good Southern-inspired pairing. My garlic and cheese Microwave Grits are a quick and easy option!
- Potato Salad: A chilled, creamy side provides a nice temperature and texture contrast
Sauces & Extras
- Cajun Gravy: Doubles down on the savory seasoning and adds moisture to the turkey
- Hot Sauce: Perfect for anyone who wants to turn up the heat
- Honey Butter: A touch of sweetness helps balance spicy Cajun seasoning
- Ranch Dressing: Great for dipping and dunking, adding flavor and cooling the spice
- Pickles: Their acidity and crunch cut through the richness of the turkey!
Drinks
- Sweet Tea: A classic Southern pairing that provides refreshing sweetness against the Cajun spice
- Light Lager: Crisp carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites
- Crisp Pilsner: Clean and refreshing without competing with the bold seasoning
- Lemonade: Bright acidity and sweetness make it a great nonalcoholic option!
Recipe FAQs
What’s The Best Way To Cook Turkey Wings?
Air frying is one of the best ways to cook turkey wings when you want juicy meat with nicely browned, crispy skin. Oven baked, slow cooker, and smoked are all other popular options. Each take longer compared to the air fryer, but offer great alternative options.
Can I Bake Them In The Oven Instead?
Yes! Turkey wings can be baked in a 350°F oven until tender and cooked through (usually about 1 ½ – 2 hours), then uncovered in the last 30 minutes to help the skin brown. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the wings, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
You can also cook at a higher temperature (around 425°F) on a baking rack-lined pan for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re brown and crispy (though not quite as fall off the bone). This is more similar to a chicken wing texture.
Where Can I Buy Turkey Wings Only?
Look in the poultry or meat section for packages labeled turkey wings or turkey wing portions. Walmart regularly carries them, while Sam’s Club has them seasonally, and Aldi usually does not carry them at all.
If you don’t see them in the case, ask the meat department or check your local store’s online inventory before making a trip.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- If you prefer extra crispy skin make sure to pat them dry really well (moisture is the enemy of crispiness), and it’s perfectly fine to cook your wings a little longer! The air fryer will still keep wings juicy inside even if you go a few degrees over done (I’d say around 180°F is my absolute max)
- When using whole wings which have a drumstick and a flat, the flat may be done sooner since they’re smaller. If so, you can pull them and continue to cook the drums long as needed
- Discarded wing tips (if you choose to cut them off that is) are great for boiling into stock for turkey soup!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Let the turkey cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours
- Keep leftovers refrigerated and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best quality
- If possible, store the wings whole (on the bone) to help retain moisture and flavor
- For longer storage, remove the meat from the bones if desired, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes, depending on size, until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil if the skin starts browning too quickly
- Oven: Place wings in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth or water and heat at 325°F until hot
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals. This is quick, but the skin won’t stay crispy!
- Don’t Overheat. Turkey can dry out quickly when reheated, so warm it just until heated through
- Refresh The Flavor: Add a little fresh Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, gravy, or a squeeze of lemon before serving!
Leftover Turkey Wing Ideas
- Turkey And Rice: Pull the meat from the bones and stir it into seasoned rice for an easy meal
- Turkey Sandwiches: Shredded Cajun turkey makes a flavorful sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy sauce!
- Turkey Tacos: Warm shredded turkey with taco seasoning and load into tortillas with your favorite toppings
- Turkey Soup: Add leftover meat to chicken or turkey broth with vegetables and rice or noodles
- Turkey Salad: Chop the meat and mix with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings for a flavorful turkey salad
More Air Fryer Turkey Recipes
- Air Fryer Italian Turkey Sausage
- Turkey Stir Fry
Final Thoughts
This air fryer turkey wings recipe is so easy, with just 3 ingredients and mostly hands-off cooking. Season, set it, and enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect as a hearty appetizer, snack or even a meal when paired with some sides.
They’re a great option for any time of year, but work well for Thanksgiving if you want to offer a little something extra in addition to just a small turkey breast, or when you just want to enjoy a turkey dinner without cooking a whole bird!
Whether you use this Cajun version that I love, or swap in your own favorite seasoning, they’re sure to be a hit! For more great turkey dishes to fit any occasion, check out all of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for inspiration!
Cajun Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Servings: 4
Easy air fryer turkey wings are a heartier alternative to chicken wings, and even enough for a meal when you don’t want to roast a whole turkey. Season them any way you like for a juicy, crispy option.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 whole turkey wings, or 4 segments (about 3-4 pounds, depending on size)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or similar)
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (or your favorite spice rub)
Instructions
- Pat your wings dry, then rub with the olive oil, followed by the Cajun seasoning. Make sure you get both sides and coat them well!2 whole turkey wings, or 4 segments, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Add the seasoned turkey wings to your air fryer basket in a single layer, allowing air space between them. Don’t overcrowd or they won’t crisp well; cook in batches if needed
- Cook on the air fry setting at 375°F (or 380°F, depending on your available settings) for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the skin is brown and crispy, and the internal temperature at the thickest point near (but not touching) the bone is 165°F
- Cool for about 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides or dips. Enjoy!
Notes
- There’s a difference between “turkey wings” and “turkey wing portions.” Portions are already split, while turkey wings are usually whole (a drumstick, wing, and wing tip). If you get whole, I recommend splitting them and discarding the tips. They cook more evenly, and fit better in your air fryer that way. With portions, you can skip the splitting and just cook the pre-cut wings!
- If your Cajun seasoning (or other seasoning blend) does not contain salt, add about 1 tsp per pound of turkey wings
- You can use another high smoke point oil instead of olive oil, like avocado oil or rapeseed oil
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 360g | Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 82g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Cholesterol: 197mg | Sodium: 1891mg | Potassium: 837mg | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 70IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2.6mg
