How Long Does It Take for Turkey Wings to Get Done? Cooking Times & Tips

When it comes to cooking turkey wings, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “How long do these bad boys take to cook?” Trust me, I’ve been there. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, a soul food dinner, or just craving something hearty, turkey wings are a total winner. They’re flavorful, versatile, and when cooked just right—oh, they’re finger-licking good.

So let’s break it down. From baking to frying, and even slow-cooking, I’ll cover the timing for every method so you can serve up the best turkey wings ever. Ready? Let’s wing it!

Why Turkey Wings Deserve All the Love

First off, turkey wings are kind of underrated. While everyone’s out there talking about the big ol’ turkey breast or drumsticks, wings are the unsung heroes. They’ve got juicy meat, crispy skin (when done right), and they’re so much easier to cook compared to a whole bird.

Plus, they soak up seasoning like a dream, whether you’re into smoky barbecue, savory garlic butter, or good ol’ Cajun spice.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Turkey Wings?

The answer depends on how you’re cooking them. Are you baking them in the oven? Frying them to crispy perfection? Or maybe you’re letting them simmer all day in a slow cooker? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Baking: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at 375°F
• Frying: 8–12 minutes per wing at 350°F
• Slow Cooking: 4–6 hours on high, or 8–10 hours on low
• Grilling: 25–35 minutes over medium heat
• Boiling (for soup or stew): 45–60 minutes

Let’s get into the juicy details of each method, shall we?

Steps for Baked Turkey Wings

This is my go-to method because it’s so easy and hands-off. Plus, the oven locks in the flavor, giving you that perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin.

1. Baking Turkey Wings in the Oven :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. (Trust me, this is the magic temp.)
2. Season your wings generously. Don’t be shy—use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and maybe a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Arrange the wings on a baking dish. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly.
4. Cover the dish with foil to trap the moisture and bake for about 45 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, crank up the heat to 400°F, and let them bake for another 15–20 minutes to crisp up the skin.

Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

2. Frying Turkey Wings

If you want that golden, crispy goodness, frying is where it’s at. This method is quicker but takes a little more effort (and oil).

Steps for Fried Turkey Wings:

1. Heat up your frying oil to 350°F. Peanut oil or vegetable oil works great.
2. Season the wings or marinate them for extra flavor. You can even coat them in flour for an extra crispy crust.
3. Fry the wings for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check that the wings reach 165°F internally.

3. Slow Cooking Turkey Wings

If you’ve got the time, slow cooking is a game-changer. The meat gets so tender it practically falls off the bone.

Steps for Slow-Cooked Turkey Wings:

1. Season your wings and place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add a liquid—chicken broth, turkey stock, or even a gravy base works.
3. Cook on high for 4–6 hours or low for 8–10 hours.

Bonus Tip: For an added touch, throw the cooked wings under the broiler for 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.

4. Grilling Turkey Wings

Grilling gives turkey wings a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. This is perfect for summer barbecues—or whenever you feel like firing up the grill.

Steps for Grilled Turkey Wings:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Season the wings and brush them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill for 25–35 minutes, flipping every 5–7 minutes.

5. Boiling Turkey Wings for Soups and Stews

When you’re in the mood for something cozy, boiled turkey wings are the way to go. They make the perfect base for soup or stew.

Steps for Boiled Turkey Wings:

1. Add the wings to a large pot and cover them with water or broth.
2. Throw in some aromatics—think onions, celery, garlic, and bay leaves.
3. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.

Pro Tip: After boiling, shred the meat for tacos, salads, or casseroles.

How to Know When Turkey Wings Are Done

No matter which method you use, the key is ensuring the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to double-check—it’s the easiest way to avoid undercooking or drying them out.

For more tips and recipes to perfect your turkey wings, check out this guide on Mastering the Art of Cooking Turkey Wings.

How to Cook Turkey Wings Faster Without Compromising Flavor

Let’s face it—sometimes you’re hungry and you want your turkey wings now. The good news is that you don’t always have to wait for hours to get that delicious, crispy skin and tender meat. If you’re in a pinch for time, here are a few tips to speed up the process without losing that rich, savory flavor:

• Use smaller wings: If you’re working with jumbo turkey, try trimming them down into smaller pieces. They’ll cook faster and still deliver that great flavor.
• Increase the oven temperature: Instead of the usual 375°F, bump the heat to 400°F. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. You’ll get a crispier skin in less time—around 45 minutes instead of 1 hour.
• Cut the cooking time in half with a pressure cooker: If you have an Instant Pot or another pressure cooker, turkey wings cook up in about 20–25 minutes under high pressure. Throw them in, add some broth or seasoning, and let the pressure cooker do the heavy lifting!

These quick tips can save you precious minutes in the kitchen while still delivering a plate of turkey wings that tastes like it took all day to cook.

Can You Marinate Turkey Wings to Shorten the Cooking Time?

While you can technically marinate turkey wings to shorten cooking time, marinating them overnight won’t speed up the actual cooking process. However, marinating your turkey does work wonders in maximizing flavor and tenderness. Marinating for a few hours or overnight helps the meat soak in spices, acids, and oils, which makes it cook faster, and even more flavorful.

Marinating doesn’t just add flavor, though. It can also affect the texture. The acids in things like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk help break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and juicy when cooked. So while it won’t necessarily shorten the overall time it takes to cook, marinating is a must-try if you want wings that melt in your mouth.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Turkey Wings on the Grill vs. the Oven?

Grilling turkey wings is a great alternative to the oven, especially if you want to add that smoky char to the skin. The main difference between grilling and oven-baking turkey wings is the cooking time and texture. Grilling typically takes about 25–35 minutes depending on the heat of your grill and how often you flip the wings. Since the grill operates at a higher temperature and uses direct heat, your wings will develop that signature crispy exterior much faster than in the oven.

In comparison, baking turkey in the oven at 375°F generally takes about an hour to achieve the perfect texture. While the oven gives you that even cooking, the grill brings a unique smokiness to the dish. So if you’re working on a time crunch, grilling might be your best bet.

Do You Need to Flip Turkey Wings While Cooking?

If you’re baking or grilling turkey wings, flipping them can help them cook evenly and develop that crispy texture all around. However, when slow-cooking or boiling, there’s no need to flip—those methods cook the wings slowly in liquid or steam.

When baking, make sure to flip your turkey halfway through. This helps both sides turn golden brown and crispy. You can also baste them with a little melted butter or oil when flipping for extra moisture and flavor. When grilling, flip every 7–10 minutes to prevent burning and help the wings cook through without drying out.

The Best Way to Serve Turkey Wings

Turkey wings are perfect for a wide variety of occasions and can be paired with so many classic sides. Here are some popular serving ideas to really impress your guests (or just yourself on a lazy night):

• Mac and Cheese: What’s better than tender turkey and creamy mac and cheese? Not much. The creamy cheese pairs perfectly with the crispy, savory wings.
• Collard Greens: Collard greens are a Southern favorite, and they’re a great match for turkey . The slightly bitter greens balance out the richness of the wings.
• Cornbread: For a true soul food experience, serve up your turkey wings with some fluffy cornbread on the side. Whether it’s sweet or savory, cornbread completes any turkey wing meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes with their turkey? The richness of the potatoes is perfect with the juiciness of the wings.
• Rice or Gravy: If you’re into a more traditional approach, rice with gravy is a fantastic side to turkey .

Pairing your turkey with any of these sides takes your meal from basic to wow, and they complement the wings perfectly—whether you made them crispy, tender, or smoked.

How Can I Tell If My Turkey Wings Are Fully Cooked?

When cooking turkey, there are a few signs to look for to make sure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. While the best way to check is with a meat thermometer (165°F is the magic number), there are also a few visual cues that can help you determine if your dish is done:

• Juices run clear: When you cut into the thickest part of the wing, the juices should run clear. If they’re still pink or red, the wings need more time.
• Skin is crispy and golden: If you’re baking or frying, crispy skin is usually a sign that the wings are fully cooked. The skin should be a rich golden-brown color.
• Meat pulls away from the bone: When the meat starts to easily pull away from the bone, that’s a great indicator that the turkey are cooked through.

If you don’t have a thermometer, these signs will be your best bet in making sure your turkey are ready to serve.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cooking turkey is all about the method you choose. Whether you’re baking, frying, slow-cooking, or grilling, each method brings out different textures and flavors. These tips will help you cook them quickly, resulting in tender, juicy wings every time—without overcooking or drying them out.

With the right seasoning, a little patience, and a bit of know-how, you’ll end up with turkey that are both flavorful and satisfying. The next time you’re cooking, remember: it’s not just about the time—it’s about making every bite delicious.

Happy cooking!