If you’re looking to extend the life of some turkey you’ve stocked up on, you might be wondering: how long does turkey last in the fridge, and how long does turkey last in the freezer? Read on to learn the basics of storing turkey for later use.
Turkey wings are a versatile and tasty ingredient that can be used in various dishes from soups and stews to appetizers and main courses. However, like any poultry proper storage is crucial to ensure safety and maximize shelf life. So how long do turkey wings last in the fridge?
Through my personal experience as an avid home cook and research, I’ve put together this complete guide to answer all your questions about fridge storage times for raw and cooked turkey wings.
Overview of Turkey Wing Fridge Life
The shelf life of turkey wings depends on whether they are raw or cooked. Here’s a quick overview:
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Raw turkey wings last 1-2 days beyond the sell-by date, up to 4 days total in the fridge
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Cooked turkey wings will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
Proper storage and food safety practices are key to achieving these shelf lives.
Storing Raw Turkey Wings in the Fridge
When storing raw turkey wings in the fridge:
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Place wings in a container or sealable bag, ensuring no air pockets. Air exposure can cause the meat to spoil faster.
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Don’t rinse wings before refrigeration, as this spreads bacteria. Pat dry with paper towels instead.
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Refrigerate wings as soon as possible, within an hour of purchasing.
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Position wings on a shelf towards the back, where temperatures are coldest.
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Maintain a fridge temperature of 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to monitor.
Under ideal conditions, raw turkey wings will keep for 1-2 days past the sell-by date, 3-4 days total. Any longer, and bacteria like salmonella can multiply, making the wings unsafe.
How to Store Cooked Turkey Wings
To safely store cooked turkey wings:
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Let wings cool completely before refrigerating, ideally within 2 hours of cooking.
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Place in an airtight container. You can also wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
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Refrigerate wings right away, don’t leave at room temperature.
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Use wings within 3-4 days for best quality. Reheating reduces risk of foodborne illness.
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Cooked wings can be frozen for longer storage. Portion wings and seal tightly in freezer bags.
Proper refrigeration preserves the texture and moisture of cooked turkey wings. If wings smell sour or slimy, it’s best to discard them.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get into more turkey wing storage specifics:
How can I tell if raw turkey wings have gone bad?
Signs that raw turkey wings have spoiled include a foul, ammonia-like odor, sticky or tacky feel, and grey coloring. Discard wings immediately if they display these signs of spoilage.
Should I rinse raw turkey wings before refrigerating?
No, never rinse raw poultry before storage, as this can spread salmonella and other bacteria throughout the kitchen. Dry wings thoroughly with paper towels instead.
How long can thawed turkey wings sit in the fridge?
Thawed turkey wings can be kept for 1-2 days past the sell-by date, up to 4 days maximum. Cook thawed wings within this timeframe for safety.
Can I freeze then refreeze turkey wings?
Refreezing turkey wings is not recommended, as the texture degrades. Thaw frozen wings in the fridge then cook immediately. Don’t refreeze thawed wings.
Should turkey wings be stored wrapped or unwrapped in the fridge?
For best results, store turkey wings in a sealed container or bag in the fridge. Unwrapped, they’ll dry out faster. Keeping wings wrapped prevents moisture loss.
How can I make turkey wings last longer?
Proper storage is key. Refrigerate wings right away after purchase or cooking. Monitor fridge temperature, wash hands before handling, and avoid cross-contamination to maximize fridge life.
Can I store cooked and raw turkey wings together?
No, always store raw and cooked poultry separately. Raw wings can harbor bacteria that could spread to cooked wings, leading to food poisoning.
Should I remove the skin before storing turkey wings?
Keeping the skin on helps preserve moisture. Remove skin just before cooking if desired. Leaving it on also keeps the meat protected in the fridge.
How long can marinated turkey wings be refrigerated?
Marinades reduce the fridge life of turkey wings. Marinated wings should be cooked within 1-2 days. The acidic ingredients can “cook” the meat when left too long.
Can I refrigerate turkey wings after partial cooking or marinating?
It’s not advised. Partial cooking or marinating provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Fully cook wings within 2 days of marinating.
The Takeaway – Enjoy Turkey Wings Safely
Properly stored, raw turkey wings will remain fresh for 1-2 days past the sell-by date, and cooked turkey wings will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Monitor fridge temperature, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking wings thoroughly, and focusing on proper food handling practices are all key to enjoying delicious turkey wings that are also safe to eat. With the right storage, you can enjoy them in your favorite recipes without worry.
Storing Turkey in the Fridge
Unsure of the best process for storing turkey in the fridge? Don’t worry — it’s pretty simple! Raw pieces of turkey can be wrapped in Glad® Press’n Seal®, then stored in an airtight bag like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags. Sliced cold cuts can be stored in a food storage bag, with any extra air squeezed out before it’s sealed. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling turkey, especially if it’s raw.
If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
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Freezing Cooked Turkey and Raw Turkey
If you have enough turkey leftovers to last more than a few days, you might want to consider freezing cooked turkey instead of refrigerating it. The same is true if you’re stocked up on raw turkey that you don’t plan to cook right away. Luckily, the process for storing turkey in the freezer — whether it’s cooked or raw — is really simple.
Create an airtight seal around each individual piece of turkey using Glad® Press’n Seal®, then put them into an airtight bag, such as Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Freezer Quart Bags, making sure to squeeze out any extra air before sealing. If you’re freezing a whole turkey, just wrap your bird in several layers of Glad® Clingn Seal™ or Glad® Press’n Seal®. In both cases, you’ll want to store the turkey in the deepest part of the freezer. When properly stored, raw turkey pieces should stay good in the freezer for up to 9 months, while whole raw turkeys last for a year when frozen. Cooked turkey pieces last in the freezer for 4–6 months.
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Per the USDA’s guidelines, you should never thaw frozen turkey on the counter or in hot water, nor should you leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
The best way to thaw turkey (whole or in pieces) is to move the frozen package from the freezer onto a plate and into the fridge, and then let it thaw gradually. Depending on the size of what you’re thawing, this method can take a full day. If raw frozen turkey is thawed in the refrigerator, the defrosted turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days before it needs to be cooked or refrozen.
If you’re in a hurry to thaw your turkey, there’s a faster method you can use. Ensure the turkey is in an airtight bag — like Glad® FLEXN SEAL™ Food Storage Quart Bags — then submerge it in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. You can also thaw frozen turkey pieces in the microwave, but if you want to use that method, you should plan to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing.
You can learn more about how to store meat and how long meat can last in the fridge or freezer with our meat storing tips.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.