Tender and juicy fall off the bone Smoked Turkey Wings are perfect for serving for the holidays, game day, or any day!
I served these Turkey wings as an appetizer while watching the football games before dinner and everyone loved them so much they were full before we even sat down at the table.
I might be a bit overdramatic but seriously even my mom who's not a big wing eater was tearing into these turkey wings like a velociraptor at feeding time.
Turkey Wings can be tricky and if you don't cook them properly they can come out chewy and rubbery but luckily you found this recipe so have no fear your wings are going to be tender, crispy and delicious if you follow these easy cooking instructions.
Remember low and slow doesn't apply to to turkey wings, you need to cook them hot and fast if you want that crispy skin!!
Smoke Turkey Wings
Who said you need to make the whole bird (turkey)? Mix it up this Thanksgiving by serving deliciously tender smoked turkey wings!
Thanksgiving dinner recipes don't have to be the same every year. Shake up the table and serve something different.
These smoked turkey wings are brushed with an incredible BBQ sauce, smoked low, and have a super juicy bite every time.
Looking for a tasty side dish? Consider making collard greens and butter beans.
Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe ingredients
- Wings: For this recipe, I used 4 lbs of turkey wings. These can be found at your local grocery store, local butcher, or local meat market. If you can't find turkey wings or are looking to make something thicker, you can also make this recipe with turkey legs.
- Rub: Prep your wings by rubbing them down with 2 tbsp of avocado oil and 3 tbsp of your favorite BBQ rub.
- Sauce: When it comes time to sauce the wings and add a bit more flavor, add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ Sauce. Looking for homemade instead of store-bought? Follow my easy recipe!
For a detailed look at the ingredients, check out the recipe card down below.
How to cook Smoked Turkey Wings
STEP 1: Prep the wings. Remove turkey wings from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Separate the wings by cutting the joint between the drum and the flat.
Step 2: Season and let rest. Toss the turkey wings with avocado oil, then season with your favorite dry rub. Leave uncovered for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
STEP 3: Cook. Place turkey wings on a cold pellet grill. Set the Pellet grill to 350 degrees F. Smoke the turkey wings for 1 hour, then turn and cook for another 30 minutes.
STEP 4: Add sauce and continue cooking. Once the turkey wings have reached an internal temperature of 185 degrees F, you may brush on any sauce you prefer. Continue to cook until you reach your goal temperature of 195-200 degrees F.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy. When your wings are done, plate them up, serve, and enjoy!
Best Wood Pellets to Smoke Turkey Wings
Regarding Smoking Turkey, I prefer to use a blend of hickory and mild fruit wood like apple or peach. You can also use Oak or Peacan. It really comes down to personal preference.
You can also use a smoke tube filled with wood chips to add in different flavors during the cook to enhance the flavor of the turkey.
Smoked Turkey Wing Recipe tips and tricks
Sauce it up: Serve with Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing or Ranch. Looking to take a walk on the wild side or be creative? Serve up these wings with any sauce you like!
Seasoning: Some people really like to shake it up, and some people like to keep it simple. If you like to shake things up and appreciate seasoned wings, consider other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and more! You can also try my spice mixture chicken taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex Flavor!!
Helpful Kitchen Tools: Before starting the cooking process, grab these helpful tools to make cooking easier; Paper towel, a sharp knife, a small bowl, your favorite spice rub or rubs, your favorite bbq sauce, olive oil, an instant-read thermometer,
Smoke Flavor: Kiss those smokey turkey wings with a ton of flavor. I recommend using cherry wood or apple wood.
Serving Size: I don't know who can eat only two wings, but the suggested serving size is two wings. Now, if you are into counting calories, by all means, do so. However, if you are serving a crowd of hungry people, I'd adjust accordingly.
Storing Leftovers: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you are looking for them to last longer, toss them in the freezer in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will last up to 2 months.
Reheating Leftovers: Got leftover wings? Avoid the microwave; make them taste like new again by using the air fryer or oven. Whichever way you go, toss them in for 15 minutes at 350.
What to serve with this Recipe for Smoked Turkey Wings
You can never go wrong with the perfect side dish ... and I've got plenty of great options for you to serve with these wings.
Potatoes: Adding starch to your meal is a great way to make the meal hearty. Consider making Pellet Grill Smoked Baked Potatoes or Cast Iron Roasted New Potatoes.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrition to the table. Some fan favorites include Grilled Asparagus, Sheet Pan Green Beans Almondine with Bacon, and Green Bean Casserole NO MUSHROOMS!!.
Bread: If you are serving these wings up for a holiday, your guests might be looking for some cornbread, and I've got the perfect recipe. Make my Skillet Pumpkin Cornbread w/ Bourbon Maple Butter or Homemade Spicy Honey Cornbread Muffin Recipe - either one is sure to be a hit!
Beans: There is nothing wrong with classic recipes, but something about smoking a dish makes it better. Check out my Pellet Grill Smoked Baked Beans to add a touch more smoky flavor to the table.
Salad: You can't go wrong with a salad - but make it a good one. This Steakhouse Wedge Salad is a classic, full of great flavor, and one everyone will be happy to dig into!
Drinks to serve with Smoked Turkey Wings
Wash down your smoked wings with something refreshing! Whether you are a beer or wine person, I've got something for you.
Beer: Consider a Scotch ale or a pilsner. Both of these beers will compliment the smoked wings perfectly and help take the edge off if you serve these for the holidays and are surrounded by family!
Wine: If wine is more your style or the preference of your guests, consider serving your wings alongside Pinot Noir, Red Zinfandel, or Riesling.
How to store leftover Smoked Turkey Wings
Store Leftover turkey wings in a sealed container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days in the fridge. For freezing I always recommend vacuum sealing to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. If you don't have a vacuum sealer wrap tightly with plastic wrap then store in a sealed ziplock bag.
Smoked Turkey Wing Recipe FAQs
I always keep a meat thermometer nearby or on hand to ensure the internal temperature is food safe and ready to serve.
If you are looking for a meat thermometer, I recommend checking out this instant read thermometer. These also make for great holiday gifts for anyone who enjoys being the master of their own grill.
If your turkey wings are rubbery chances are you either dint cook them long enough or you didn't pat them dry and the skin wasn't able to crisp up. If you place the turkey wings in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees F. you should be able to crisp them up and save the day!
To prevent the turkey skin from burning be sure not to use a dry rub with too much sugar in it. Also don't baste on any sugary sauces until the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent the skin from burning.
Yes, If you smoke the turkey too long the meat will start to dry out but it's really hard to do with dark meat. Just be sure not to smoke the turkey wings past 200 degrees F internal temperature.
Turkey wings are safe to eat at 165 degrees F but they will still be chewy and the meat won't fall off the bone. For perfectly cooked turkey wings I recommend an internal Temperature between 185 and 195 degrees F.
Other Turkey Recipes You'll Love
Cooking Smoked Turkey Wings
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Turkey Wings
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 3 tbsp BBQ Dry Rub
- ½ cup BBQ Sauce
Instructions
- Remove turkey wings from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Separate the wings by cutting the joint between the drum and the flat.
- Toss the turkey wings with avocado oil, then season with your favorite dry rub. Leave uncovered for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Place turkey wings on a cold pellet grill. Set the Pellet grill to 350 degrees F.
- Smoke the turkey wings for 1 hour, then turn and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Once the turkey wings have reached an internal temperature of 185 degrees F. you may brush on any sauce you prefer. Continue to cook until you reach your goal temperature of 195-200 degrees F.
Comments
No Comments