How Long to Bake Juicy, Fall-Off-The-Bone Turkey Wings at 275°F

Turkey wings are an underrated and delicious way to enjoy dark turkey meat. When slowly roasted at a low temperature, the collagen in the wings breaks down to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. But exactly how long do you need to bake turkey wings at 275°F to achieve this incredible texture? In this guide, I’ll share my tips for cooking foolproof tender baked turkey wings in your oven.

Why Bake Turkey Wings Low and Slow at 275°F?

Cooking the turkey wings low and slow is the secret to making them incredibly tender. Here’s why 275°F is the ideal temperature:

• Allows time for collagen to transform into gelatin.
• Provides even, gentle heat to break down connective tissues.
• Minimizes moisture loss so wings stay juicy.
• Gives you wiggle room if wings need a little longer.
• Lets you “set and forget” while wings bake.

At 275°F, the turkey wings cook slowly giving the collagen-rich connective tissues a chance to break down into luscious gelatin. This tenderizes the meat and makes it fall-off-the-bone tender.

How Long Should You Bake Turkey Wings at 275°F?

When baking turkey wings at 275°F plan on cooking them for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until extremely tender and pulling away from the bone. Larger or meatier wings may take closer to 3 hours.

Aim for an internal temperature of at least 185°F in the thickest part of the meat. The lower oven temp gives you some flexibility if the wings need a bit more time.

I recommend checking tenderness after 2 hours, then checking every 15 minutes after that until the wings are perfectly done. Look for the meat to easily pull away from the bones.

Step-by-Step Guide for Baked Turkey Wings

Follow this simple method for deliciously tender baked turkey wings:

Ingredients:

• 8 turkey wings, wing tips removed
• Oil for coating
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc)
• Aromatics like onion and garlic (optional)
• Chicken broth or beer (optional)

Directions:

1. Pat the turkey wings completely dry. Coat all over with oil and generously season.

2. Arrange wings in a single layer in a baking dish. Top with chopped aromatics like onion and garlic if desired.

3. Pour a small amount of chicken broth or beer over the wings for extra moisture. Cover tightly with foil.

4. Bake at 275°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until extremely tender and pulling from the bones.

5. Uncover and broil for 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin.

6. Enjoy immediately, or let wings cool in broth then refrigerate to save for later.

Tips for Perfect Baked Turkey Wings:

• Choose wings of similar size for even cooking. Remove wing tips first.

• Ensure wings are very dry before baking so the skin crisps up.

• Use a tightly fitting foil cover to lock in steam and moisture.

• Add broth or beer to the pan for extra juiciness.

• Broil at the end for crispy skin, watching closely to avoid burning.

Common Baking Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about baking turkey wings low and slow:

Should I flip the wings during baking?

There’s no need to flip the wings. The gentle heat cooks them evenly as long as they’re arranged in a single layer.

Can I speed up the bake time at a higher temp?

You can try baking around 300-325°F, but the wings may not reach the same fall-off-the-bone tenderness in under 2 hours.

Do the wings need to be covered while baking?

Yes, covering the pan with foil helps lock in steam so the wings bake up incredibly moist and juicy.

Should I sear the wings before baking?

Browning the wings first isn’t required, but it does lead to deeper flavor. Quickly sear before baking for tasty wings.

Tips for Using Leftover Baked Turkey Wings

Leftover baked turkey wings make amazing additions to soups, salads,tacos, and more. Here are some delicious ways to repurpose them:

• Turkey wing and vegetable soup

• Turkey wing pot pie or casserole

• Tacos with shredded wing meat

• Turkey wing Cobb or chef salad

• Turkey wings with barbecue sauce and slaw

• Turkey wing sandwich with melted cheese

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The broth thickens into a gel as it chills. Simply reheat gently before using.

Serving Ideas for Baked Turkey Wings

Baked turkey wings pair especially well with:

• Roasted, mashed, or fried potatoes
• Collard greens, kale, or cabbage slaw
• Mac and cheese or cornbread
• Hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for dipping

Some fun ways to serve up your tender baked wings:

• Turkey wing platter with all the fixings
• Turkey wing po’ boys piled high
• Game day turkey wings with blue cheese dip
• Turkey wing nachos or baked potato bar

The next time you’re planning wings, give baking turkey wings a try! Follow this simple method for wings that are fall-off-the-bone tender every time.