I learned how to make soulful, fall-off-the-bone turkey wings by watching my great-grandmother cook them low and slow, just like her family did back in Louisiana and Mississippi. This baked version brings all those same comforting, Southern flavors, no deep fryer or holiday needed. Serve them with classic sides like Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese and Southern Collard Greens.
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This is The Best Turkey Wings Recipe
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Super easy and flavorful turkey wings! This my go to recipe for turkey wings. I used to cook my turkey wings on the stove top then brown them in the oven but I find that your cooking method is much easier and less mess.
~Trish
Baked Turkey Wings Recipe Ingredients
- Turkey Wings
- Olive Oil
- Spices (Creole Seasoning or Poultry Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, and Pepper)
- Foil
Where to Buy Turkey Wings
You can usually find turkey wings at most major grocery stores, especially around the fall and winter holidays—but many stores carry them year-round. Here’s where to check:
- Local grocery stores – Look in the fresh meat section or freezer aisle. If you don’t see them, ask the butcher—they may have some in the back or can order them for you. I usually have the best success with local stores.
- Butcher shops or meat markets – These often carry turkey wings or can special-order them in the size and quantity you need.
- Big box stores – Retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, and Publix often stock turkey wings, especially under brands like Jennie-O or Butterball.
- International or soul food markets – These stores are more likely to carry turkey parts like wings, necks, and drumsticks year-round.
How to Split the Wings
Whole turkey wings can be bulky and uneven. When I find them at the store, they are usually still in whole form. Splitting them into sections (drumette, flat, and tip) ensures they cook more evenly and get perfectly tender without drying out. I always split the wings, they are so much easier to eat!
Here's how you split them:
- Lay each wing flat on a cutting board, skin side down.
- Identify the joints: You'll see two natural joints—one between the drumette and flat, and another between the flat and tip.
- Cut through the joints with a sharp knife or kitchen shears. You shouldn’t have to force it—cut right through the soft spot in the joint.
- Discard the wing tips or save them for homemade stock or gravy base.
How to Make Turkey Wings In Oven
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
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- Prep the Wings: Pat the turkey wings dry with paper towels to help the oil and seasoning stick.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle a little olive oil over the wings and rub it in for moisture and crispiness.
- Season Well: Coat the wings generously with Creole (or poultry) seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is fully covered.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the seasoned wings in a baking dish or roasting pan in a single layer for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake until the wings are tender.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate them up hot, juicy inside with crispy edges, just like Southern baked wings should be.
Frequently Asked Questions and Baked Turkey Wings Recipe Tips
Wrapping turkey wings in foil while baking helps lock in moisture, ensuring they turn out tender and juicy instead of dry. The foil traps steam, allowing the meat to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors from seasonings and marinades. This will prevent tough turkey. It also helps prevent the skin from over-browning or burning before the meat is fully cooked.
350 degrees.
Bake the wings for 2 hours.
Getting this right will help ensure the perfect texture.
Internal Temperature: You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey wings. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
How it Looks: They should have golden brown skin and no traces of pink or raw meat near the bones. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Texture: The meat should feel tender and easily pull away from the bone when prodded with a fork. If the meat is still tough and not easily separated from the bone, it likely needs more time to cook.
The wings are baked and covered at a lower temperature initially, in order to cook the turkey throughout. After the wings have baked for an hour and a half, remove the wings from the baking dish. Adjust the heat on the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and then place a wire wrack on top. Place the wings on the rack and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until crisp. The air flow will crisp the chicken.
To prep them in advance, season the wings and place them in an airtight container or a covered dish. Refrigerate them overnight or up to 24 hours. Remove the wings and bring them to room temperature 30 minutes before baking. Bake as directed.
Cooked wings can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
You can reheat in the oven, microwave or air fryer. If using the air fryer or oven, reheat at 350 degrees until warm. For the oven, cover the turkey wings with foil to prevent them from drying out.
You can freeze leftover wings tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the wings overnight in the fridge and reheat.
How to Season Baked Turkey
I like to use smoked paprika to accomplish this. You can also drizzle a teaspoon of liquid smoke over the wings prior to adding the spices or try my Smoked Turkey Wings recipe.
Baked Turkey Wings Recipe Variations
Try these ideas to spice up the wings.
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Herb Seasoning
- Teriyaki Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Jerk Seasoning
- Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery can be added to the roasting pan for additional flavor and texture.
- Potatoes: Quartered potatoes can be placed around the wings in the roasting pan to soak up the juices and add a delicious side dish.
- Citrus: Slices of lemon, lime, or orange can be placed on top of the wings before roasting for a citrusy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage can be tucked under the turkey wings or sprinkled on top for added aroma and flavor.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat, drizzle hot sauce over the turkey before or after baking for a spicy kick.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup before baking adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
Juicy Turkey Wings in Oven
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Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds turkey wings Whole or split into drums and flats.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Use enough to coat both sides of each wing.
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- foil
Southern Baked Turkey Wings Spices (This is how I love to season them). Pick between Southern Style or Classic Turkey
- 1 - 1 ½ tablespoons Creole Seasoning Use enough to fully coat both sides of the wings.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Classic Turkey Spices (This is standard seasoning for turkey).
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried or ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pat the wings dry. Drizzle both sides of the wings with olive oil and then sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the wings. Be sure to use enough spices to cover the skin of both sides of the wings. Add additional spices as necessary to prevent bland wings.
- Rub the spices into the wings.
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the baking dish or pan. Place the seasoned wings over the broth.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 90 minutes
- Remove the foil and allow the wings to bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the skin is crisp. You can test if the wings have finished cooking by using a meat thermometer. Test the thickest part of the wing and ensure the turkey has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees. See notes for how to make wings with really crispy skin.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey wings. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- For really crispy skin: The wings are baked and covered at a lower temperature initially, in order to cook the turkey throughout. After the wings have baked for an hour and a half, remove the wings from the baking dish. Adjust the heat on the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and then place a wire wrack on top. Place the wings on the rack and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until crisp. The air flow will crisp the chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
What to Serve With Baked Turkey Wings
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon
Southern Baked Beans
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Baked Crab Legs
Southern Cooked Cabbage
More Turkey Recipes
Baked Turkey Legs
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Wings
Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Smoked Turkey Legs
Grilled Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Cajun Spiced Turkey
Check out our list of the Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.
Watch step by step video instructions on how to make this recipe here on Youtube.
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