The first time I made these fried turkey wings, I was stunned at how good they came out. They are everything I love about wings, but with a lot more meat on the bone. Plus, turkey meat has a flavor all of its own that really shines when deep-fried to perfection. After that, they became my go-to wings for sporting events, baby showers, family wing nights, you name it! I’m always looking for an excuse to fry these baddies up. And not just because they taste amazing, either. These wings are surprisingly easy to make! For pan frying, use a large, heavy-bottomed pot, like a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. (The deeper, the better to prevent pesky splatters.) Don’t fill it more than halfway, and keep a digital thermometer handy. Oil for deep frying needs to be hot, so use your thermometer to ensure the oil is between 375°F/190℃ and 400°F/205℃. Don’t leave your frying oil unattended; take it off the burner quick if you notice it starting to smoke. With the right equipment and oil temp, you’ll get perfectly fried food (not just wings) every time! 🍗
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Fried Turkey Wings
Prepare the Wings
Make the Rub – Add the turkey seasoning, creole seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and chicken bouillon in a small mixing bowl. Mix until all the spices are thoroughly combined and set aside. (Photos 1-2) Prep Turkey – Place the turkey wings on a large plate, pat them dry using a paper towel, drizzle them with oil, and then season with salt and pepper. (Photos 3-4) Season – Next, generously season turkey wings with the seasoning mix, completely coating each wing. (Photo 5) Marinate – Then cover the turkey wings with plastic wrap and marinate them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight.
Fry the Wings
Heat oil in a medium size Dutch oven pan over medium-high heat. Fry – When the oil is hot, fry the turkey wings without overcrowding the pan for about 20 minutes on the first side. (Photo 6) Final Stretch – Then flip the wings over and cook for 10-15 more minutes until cooked through and golden or until the internal temperature reads 165°F/75℃. Serve – Finally, transfer turkey wings to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Fried foods are always best fresh, so I don’t recommend cooking and then reheating these turkey wings. Still, you can definitely get the wings prepped the day before. Cover them in the spices and store them covered in the fridge overnight.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve fried turkey wings just after they’ve drained and cooled for a few minutes. If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-5 days. To reheat them, put them in the oven (or toaster oven) on low for 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. The oven method will help them crisp up again on the outside instead of tasting a little soggy like they might in the microwave.
What Goes With Fried Turkey Wings
Definitely make some homemade dipping sauces to go with these bad boys! I love offering white BBQ sauce, mustard BBQ sauce, and some homemade jerk sauce – all family favorites! ❤️ If you’re frying wings for dinner, they (conveniently) go with just about any side. Oven-roasted corn on the cob, a fresh wedge salad, and mashed sweet potatoes are some of my favorites to serve with them.
More Tremendous Turkey Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Your new favorite wings are here, y’all! Have you tried this recipe already? If so, I’d love to hear what you think. Share your best tips and tricks down below in the comment section. Happy cooking, my friend! 🫶
Watch How to Make It
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