Whether you’re looking for something new for Thanksgiving, or just looking for a break from chicken wings, these smoked turkey wings in the air fryer are sure to be a new favorite. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and delicious smoky flavor make for the perfect dish.
Smoked turkey wings are filled with delicious smoky flavor in the meat. Season them any way you like (or not at all) and pop them in the air fryer.
They require little tending (just one flip) and the result will be delicious turkey wings with crispy skin and really juicy dark meat inside.
That’s with way less oil than deep frying and a far better texture than you’d get in the oven!
Whether you choose a rub, a finishing sauce, or just to let the beautiful smoky flavor shine through, they are totally delicious! However, you can also use fresh or frozen (unsmoked) turkey wings if preferred.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
2 lbs pre smoked turkey wings (about 3 wings)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp seasoning (optional)
Wing sauce or dipping sauce as desired (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
Smoked turkey wings may be found in the refrigerated section (they are not cooked, simply smoked). You may also substitute fresh or frozen unsmoked wings if preferred, though cooking times will vary
If you don’t want any wing seasoning, use some salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp and ½ tsp respectively). I’m using jerk seasoning, but other great options would be Cajun, garlic and herb, or lemon pepper. If your seasoning blend doesn’t have salt, make sure to add some!
To go with my jerk seasoning, I’m making a cilantro lime finishing sauce. However, you can use any sauce you like (including premade cilantro lime sauce), or toss them like chicken wings in buffalo, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, or others
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Wings in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or the closest setting your air fryer has)
In a bowl, toss the smoked turkey wings with the olive oil and seasoning if desired, stirring to coat them evenly
Place the turkey wings into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 25 minutes at 350°F, pausing halfway through to flip the wings over
Wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (near the bone but not touching it). Additional cooking time may be needed based on your specific air fryer and the size of your wings
Toss in wing sauce or serve with a side of sauce for dipping if desired
What to Serve With Turkey Wings
Mashed potatoes
Potato salad
Mac and cheese
Coleslaw
Fried cheese curds
Onion rings
Stuffed mushrooms
Sweet potatoes
Goat cheese
Cornbread
Fried green beans
Avocado fries
Roasted brussel sprouts
Beets
There are lots of great sides to serve with turkey wings to complete your meal, no matter the season!
Yes, you can absolutely air fry smoked turkey wings. The air fryer cooks them in almost half the time as a traditional oven, and with far less oil than deep frying. You’ll get crispy skin and juicy meat inside.
You can even cook them from frozen in the air fryer, so it’s convenient to have on hand.
What Temperature to Cook Turkey Wings in Air Fryer?
You should cook turkey wings in an air fryer at a temperature of 350°F – 360°F, depending on your air fryer’s available settings.
This is the perfect temperature to ensure crispy skin that isn’t burned, as well as perfectly cooked meat that isn’t dried out.
How Long to Cook Store Bought Smoked Turkey Wings?
Cook store bought smoked turkey wings for about 45 minutes at 350°F in the oven, or 25 minutes at 350°F in the air fryer.
Time may vary slightly based on the size of your specific wings. Make sure that a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F for food safety.
Do Smoked Turkey Wings Need to Be Cooked?
Yes, most smoked turkey wings need to be cooked. While they are smoked in advance, this generally only partially cooks them at the most.
Completely raw unsmoked wings may take 5-10 minutes longer to cook.
Make sure to consult the package for more information about the specific smoked turkey wings you are purchasing to be sure of cooking requirements.
Recipe Pro Tips
It is normal for your air fryer to start smoking during cooking, due to the grease coming off the wings. Mine started around the 15 minute mark. Simply pause the air fryer and tip the drippings out carefully if this happens. Save the drippings for use making gravy or turkey stock later!
My store cuts smoked turkey wings into smaller pieces. If yours does as well, note that the wing tips and small sections were actually done around 17 minutes, whereas the drumsticks and larger portions took the full 25, verified via instant read thermometer
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover turkey wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat smoked turkey wings, air fry for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through to 165°F again. You may also use a conventional oven for 20-30 minutes at 300°F
These smoked turkey wings in the air fryer are just perfect. Pre smoked turkey wings turn into something magical with crispy skin and juicy dark meat. Plus, they cook in half the time when compared to the oven!
Season your wings any way you like, whether that’s plain, Cajun, or with the zippy jerk seasoning blend I’m using.
Dunk them in a cool cilantro lime sauce (recipe below!) or toss your fried turkey wings in your favorite chicken wing sauce.
They’re perfect for appetizers, lunch, or even dinner when paired with some sides. I even love adding them to my Thanksgiving table for a different option. Though, with how easy and delicious they are, you’re going to want them all year round!
Smoked Turkey Wings in the Air Fryer With Jerk Seasoning and Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce
These smoked turkey wings come out crispy and juicy in the air fryer. Season with jerk seasoning and cilantro lime sauce for the perfect finish!
Place the turkey wings into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting for 25 minutes at 350°F, pausing halfway through to flip the wings over
(Optional) If you are making sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well while the wings cook
½ Cup sour cream, 1 Tbsp minced cilantro, 2 Tsp fresh lime juice, 1 Tsp honey, ¼ Tsp salt, ¼ Tsp black pepper
Wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (near the bone but not touching it). Additional cooking time may be needed based on your specific air fryer and the size of your wings
Toss in wing sauce or serve with a side of dipping sauce
Notes
Smoked turkey wings may be found in the refrigerated section (they are not fully cooked, simply smoked). You may also substitute fresh or frozen unsmoked wings if preferred, though cooking times will vary
If you don’t want any wing seasoning, use some salt and pepper to taste (start with 1 tsp and ½ tsp respectively). I’m using jerk seasoning, but other great options would be Cajun, garlic and herb, or lemon pepper. If your seasoning blend doesn’t have salt, make sure to add some!
To go with my jerk seasoning, I’m making a cilantro lime finishing sauce. However, you can use any sauce you like, or toss them like chicken wings in buffalo, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, or others
It is normal for your air fryer to start smoking during cooking, due to the grease coming off the wings. Mine started around the 15 minute mark. Simply pause the air fryer and tip the drippings out carefully if this happens. Save the drippings for use making gravy or turkey stock later!
My store cuts smoked turkey wings into smaller pieces. If yours does as well, note that the wing tips and small sections were actually done around 17 minutes, whereas the drumsticks and larger portions took the full 25, verified via instant read thermometer
Store leftover turkey wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat smoked turkey wings, air fry for 10-15 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through to 165°F again. You may also use a conventional oven for 20-30 minutes at 300°F
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
