Air Fryer Smoky Barbecue Turkey Wings

Air Fryer Smoky Barbecue Turkey Wings

Ingredients

• 2 pounds turkey wings (split into drumettes and flats, or whole if preferred)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for added richness)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a rich smoky flavor)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Barbecue Glaze:

• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite smoky or sweet BBQ sauce)

• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar for added sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

• ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice for tang)

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)

For Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)

• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for presentation)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer

• Mixing bowl

• Small saucepan (for the glaze)

• Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel

• Tongs

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Turkey Wings:

   • Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing moisture ensures the wings develop a crispy exterior.

   • If using whole wings, separate them into drumettes and flats using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.

     
     

2. Season the Turkey Wings:

   • Place the wings in a large mixing bowl.

   • Drizzle olive oil over the wings to help the seasoning stick.

   • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the wings. Toss until well coated.

     
     

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the wings cook evenly throughout.

     
     

4. Cook the Turkey Wings:

   • Lightly grease the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.

   • Arrange the wings in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air circulation.

   • Cook at 360°F for 25 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

     
     

5. Crisp to Perfection:

   • Increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy texture.

     
     

6. Prepare the Barbecue Glaze:

   • While the wings are finishing, combine barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce (if using) in a small saucepan.

   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the glaze is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste.

     
     

7. Toss the Wings in Glaze:

   • Transfer the cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm barbecue glaze over the wings and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.

     
     

8. Serve:

   • Arrange the glazed wings on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: Use a sauce that complements your preferred flavor profile, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy.

• Double the Glaze: If you love saucy wings, double the glaze recipe and reserve some for dipping.

• Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if your air fryer basket is small, and keep finished wings warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while cooking additional batches.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheat wings in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes. Toss with fresh glaze before serving for extra flavor. Air Fryer Smoky Barbecue Turkey Wings