How Long to Cook Turkey Wings in the Air Fryer for Perfectly Crispy Results

Cooking turkey wings in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful wings with crispy skin. But figuring out the right cook time can be tricky. Undercook them and the meat will be dangerously undercooked. Cook them too long and they’ll dry out. So how long should you actually cook turkey wings in an air fryer? Follow this guide for tips on cook times, temperature, and techniques to nail perfectly cooked air fryer turkey wings every time.

Factors That Affect Turkey Wing Cook Times

Several factors impact how long turkey wings need to cook in the air fryer

• Size of the wings – Smaller wings or wing sections will cook faster than whole wings. Drumsticks and wing flats take less time than whole wings.

• Amount of wings – The more wings in the air fryer the longer the cook time since it takes longer for heat to circulate and penetrate. Don’t overcrowd.

• Bone-in or bone-out – Boneless wings will cook faster than bone-in.

• Temperature of the wings – Frozen or refrigerated wings take longer than wings at room temp. Thaw completely before cooking.

• Air fryer temperature – Higher heat means shorter cook time. The standard is 380°F.

• Flavors and coatings – Breading, batter, or sauce will increase cook time. Spice rubs do not.

Considering these factors will help determine the best air fryer turkey wing cook time.

Recommended Air Fryer Turkey Wing Cook Times

Here are general guidelines for how long to cook turkey wings in an air fryer:

• Whole bone-in wings: 25-30 minutes at 380°F
• Wing sections (flats, drumsticks): 20-25 minutes at 380°F
• Boneless wings: 15-18 minutes at 380°F

For frozen wings, add 5 minutes to the cook time. Smaller air fryer baskets may need a couple minutes less, while overflowing the basket adds time.

Always check internal temperature and visually inspect wings for doneness rather than relying solely on cook times. Properly cooked wings should register 165°F at the thickest part. The skin will be browned and crispy when fully cooked.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Follow these tips for foolproof, delicious air fryer turkey wings:

• Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning or cooking for crisper skin.

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Wings need space to cook evenly.

• Flip the wings halfway during cooking for even browning.

• Brush wings with oil before cooking for optimal crisping.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm wings reach safe 165°F temperature.

• Let cooked wings rest 5 minutes before serving.

• To reheat leftover wings, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until hot.

How to Know When Turkey Wings Are Done

It can be hard to tell when turkey wings are fully cooked through. Here are signs your air fryer wings are done:

• Internal temperature reads 165°F at thickest area when probed with meat thermometer

• Meat has pulled back from the ends of the bones

• Skin is browned and crispy

• Juices run clear when pierced with a fork

• No traces of pink when cutting into the meat

Allowing wings to rest 5 minutes before cutting into them allows juices to redistribute for evenly cooked meat. Be sure to check and confirm doneness before serving.

Flavoring Ideas for Air Fryer Turkey Wings

One benefit of cooking turkey wings in the air fryer is that the high heat helps render fat and intensify flavors. Consider these flavor ideas:

• Dry seasoning rubs – Cajun, jerk, lemon pepper, ranch, chili lime. Apply spice mix evenly over wings before air frying.

• Marinades and wet rubs – Buttermilk, yogurt, jerk marinade, barbecue sauce, gochujang. Marinate 1-2 hrs.

• Brines – Soak wings 1-2 hrs in saltwater brine with aromatics. Improves juiciness.

• Glazes and sauces – Honey sriracha, buffalo, teriyaki, bourbon. Brush over wings last 5 mins of cooking.

• Injections – Chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic, onion, herbs. Inject marinade deep into meat.

Air Fryer vs Oven Turkey Wings

While the air fryer does produce deliciously crispy turkey wings, the traditional oven method has some advantages too:

Air Fryer Pros:

• Cooks wings up to 50% faster than oven
• Less fat/calories due to using little to no oil
• Small batches cook more evenly
• Simple “set and forget” method

Oven Pros:

• Can accommodate larger batches more easily
• Allows seasoning/browning entire surface area
• Lower risk of overcrowding/uneven cooking
• Better for smoking or low and slow roasting methods

Both air fryer and oven wings can turn out fantastic. Go with what’s most convenient for the amount of wings you’re cooking.

The Takeaway

Cooking turkey wings in the air fryer is a quick and healthy way to enjoy this flavorful appetizer or main. Allow 25-30 minutes for whole bone-in wings, 20-25 minutes for sections, and 15-18 for boneless at 380°F air fryer temperature. Check for doneness cues like 165°F internal temp and crispy browned skin. With the right timing and a little seasoning, air fryer turkey wings make a delicious addition to any meal.