The Ultimate Baked Turkey Wings Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy!

Turkey wings often get overlooked, but they're a fantastic source of flavor and incredibly versatile! This recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a game-day feast. Forget dry, bland turkey – this recipe is all about maximizing flavor and ease.

Why This Baked Turkey Wings Recipe is the Best

This recipe stands out because it focuses on three key elements: flavor, texture, and simplicity. We achieve incredible flavor through a carefully chosen spice rub and a quick brine. The baking method ensures perfectly crispy skin without drying out the meat. And the entire process is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for even beginner cooks.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• For the Brine (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• For the Turkey Wings:
  • 2 pounds turkey wings, separated at the joint (drumettes and flats)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Turkey Wing Perfection

1. Brining (Optional but Recommended):

This step elevates the flavor and juiciness significantly.

• Combine brine ingredients: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine water, salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.
• Add turkey wings: Submerge the turkey wings completely in the brine. Seal the bag if using one.
• Refrigerate: Brine for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).

2. Preparing the Turkey Wings:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat wings dry: Remove wings from brine (if brined) and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
• Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the wings: Generously rub the spice mixture all over the turkey wings, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Baking the Turkey Wings:

• Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the turkey wings skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through for even cooking.

4. Rest and Serve:

• Rest: Once cooked, remove the turkey wings from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
• Serve: Serve hot and enjoy! These are delicious on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce (BBQ, ranch, honey mustard are all great options), or as part of a larger meal.

Tips for Extra Crispy Turkey Wings:

• Dry thoroughly: The drier the skin, the crispier it will get.
• High heat: Don't be afraid of a higher oven temperature (up to 425°F) for extra crispy skin. Just monitor them closely to prevent burning.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will steam the wings instead of crisping them.
• Broil (optional): For extra crispy skin in the last few minutes of cooking, broil the wings on low for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions:

• Game day snack: Perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Weeknight dinner: A quick and easy meal.
• Salad topper: Add shredded turkey wing meat to your favorite salad for extra protein.
• Sandwiches: Use the shredded meat in sandwiches or wraps.

This baked turkey wings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and experience the deliciousness of perfectly cooked turkey wings! Remember to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy cooking!