Tucking in the wings of a turkey before roasting or smoking helps ensure even cooking and a picture-perfect bird. This simple technique protects the thin wings from overcooking while allowing the thicker breast and thigh meat to cook properly. Follow these steps to easily tuck those wings for your next whole turkey.
Why Tuck In Turkey Wings?
Tucking the wings serves both practical and aesthetic purposes:
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Preventing burnt dried out wings. Turkey wing meat is lean and smaller than other areas. Tucking the wings under the breasts provides insulation from direct heat.
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Allowing even cooking. With the wings protected you can cook the turkey to ideal doneness for the thicker breast and thighs without drying out the thinner wings.
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Creating a uniform shape. Tucked wings give a tidy, uniform shape for a prettier presentation.
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Keeping wings in place. Tucked wings don’t flop around during roasting or carving.
What You’ll Need
- Whole raw turkey
- Sheet of paper towels
- Kitchen twine, unwaxed dental floss, or heatproof plastic leg holder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect turkey wing tucking:
1. Prepare the Turkey
Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavities. Pat the outside dry with paper towels. Season the cavities and outside as desired.
Position turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan or on a plate. Have ready a 12-inch piece of kitchen twine.
2. Lift and Tuck the Wings
With one hand, gently lift up one side of the turkey 2-3 inches. Using your other hand, take the whole wing and tuck it under itself, gently pressing it into the breast meat so it stays in place when you set the bird down.
Repeat on the other side, tucking the other wing completely under the breast.
3. Tie the Legs Together
With the breast cavity facing up, bring the two drumsticks together so the legs are touching.
In the space between the legs, center the kitchen twine underneath and crisscross it over the legs, bringing it tight. Wrap it around the legs 2-3 times and tie securely.
Trim any excess twine.
4. Cook as Desired
Roast, smoke, or deep fry the turkey to your preferred internal temperature, letting the meaty thighs and breasts dictate doneness. The tucked wings will be shielded from overcooking.
For whole turkeys, calculate a 15-20 minute per pound cooking time depending on size. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Turkey Wing Tucking Tips
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For easier tying, leave any heatproof plastic leg holder intact if present.
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If stuffing the cavity, do so just before cooking so the stuffing doesn’t sit at room temperature.
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Tie legs even if not stuffing to keep wings in place.
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Add aromatic herbs and vegetables in the cavity for extra flavor.
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Use unwaxed dental floss if you don’t have kitchen twine.
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Start breast side down if roasting then flip later for crispy skin.
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When smoking, keep breast side up to prevent overcooking.
Common Turkey Wing Questions
Does Tucking Wings Affect Flavor?
Tucking the wings does not affect turkey flavor. It simply protects the wings from direct heat exposure. The seasonings and smoke will penetrate and flavor the meat evenly.
Can You Cook a Turkey Without Tucking the Wings?
It’s possible to roast or smoke a turkey without tucked wings, but it risks uneven cooking. The thin wing meat may overcook and dry out while the thicker breast remains underdone. For best results, take the extra minute to tuck those wings!
Should You Truss a Turkey?
Trussing is tying the wings and legs into a compact shape. While not mandatory, it does provide a neater shape. Tuck the wings first before trussing and tying the legs.
What About Turkey Wing Sections or Parts?
For bone-in turkey wing sections or drumsticks, tucking isn’t needed. These smaller cuts won’t overcook. Focus on seasoning and getting a nice char.
Tucking in the wings may seem like a small detail, but taking this simple step helps ensure your holiday bird looks and cooks its best. With these handy instructions, you’ll be an expert in turkey wing tucking in no time.
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How do you Tuck Turkey wings?
In a forward motion, pinch the wing tips and tuck them under the front breast meat. The weight of the turkey should hold down the wings and stop them from popping back out. Once you have tucked the wings we need to secure them with twine. – Estimate the length of twine you will need to wrap around the entire bird with the wings tucked.
How do you lift a turkey wing?
Place your turkey on a pan or cutting board, breast side up, this will keep your counter clean as you prep your turkey. Grab one of the turkey’s wings in one hand, and with your other hand, lift the bird. As you lift the bird, pull the tip of the wing beneath the turkey. Lower the turkey, the wing should stay in its new position.
How do you keep Turkey wings tucked?
To keep the wings securely tucked, you can use kitchen twine or butcher’s string. Tying the wings will ensure they stay in place during roasting. Where should I place the turkey on the roasting rack? When the wings are tucked and tied, place the turkey on the roasting rack. Optimal placement will ensure even cooking and a beautifully roasted bird.
Should you Tuck Turkey wings?
If you’re a fan of crispy turkey skin, tucking the wings is a must-do technique for your Thanksgiving bird. Not only does it help the skin crisp up evenly all over the turkey, but it also prevents the wings from burning or sticking out while roasting. But achieving perfectly tucked wings takes a little know-how and practice.