How to Make Buffalo Turkey Wings at Home

Make your snacking better with homemade buffalo turkey wings. They’re meatier and tastier than chicken wings. This simple recipe shows you how to make crispy, tender turkey wings with a spicy buffalo sauce.

Perfect for game-day or a Thanksgiving twist, these wings will wow your guests. They’ll also satisfy your cravings.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey wings are meatier and ideal for main meals or appetizers
• Air frying turkey wings takes less than 30 minutes
• The recipe includes a seasoning blend for a crispy coating
• Buffalo sauce is made with hot sauce and melted butter
• Leftover wings can be easily reheated in the air fryer

Why Turkey Wings Are the Perfect Alternative to Chicken Wings

Looking for a tasty and healthy twist on chicken wings? Try turkey wing appetizers instead. Turkey wings have many benefits that make them a great choice over chicken wings.

Benefits of Choosing Turkey Wings

Turkey wings are bigger and meatier than chicken wings. They also have more protein, iron, and zinc. A 3-ounce turkey wing has about 170 calories and 29 grams of protein. In comparison, a 3-ounce chicken wing has 80 calories and 18 grams of protein.

Size and Meat Content Comparison

Turkey wings are larger, often weighing 4-6 ounces or more. This means you get more meat in each piece. They’re perfect for healthy turkey wing recipes or as a filling appetizer.

Flavor Profile Differences

Turkey wings have a fuller, richer flavor than chicken wings. Their firmer meat and skin offer a heartier taste. This makes turkey wings great for game day snacks or a unique twist on classic wing dishes.

Want to try something new or healthier? Turkey wings are a great choice. Their size, texture, and flavor make them perfect for both main meals and turkey wing appetizers.

Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Turkey Wings

To make tasty buffalo turkey wings at home, you need a few key ingredients. Start with split turkey wings, the base for your flavors. For crispiness, use all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.

For the seasoning, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, garlic, and onion powder. This blend adds bold, savory flavors to the wings.

The buffalo sauce is the main attraction. You’ll need hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, butter, and minced garlic. These ingredients create a perfect mix of heat and richness. Adding blue cheese or ranch dressing, along with carrot and celery sticks, can enhance your dish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Split turkey wings	3 portions (9 pieces)
All-purpose flour	2 cups
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Chili powder	1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	1 teaspoon
Mustard powder	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce	1/2 cup
Unsalted butter, melted	1/2 cup
Minced garlic	1 tablespoon
Blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)	For serving
Carrot and celery sticks (optional)	For serving

With these buffalo turkey wings ingredients and turkey wing seasoning, you’re ready to make a delicious dish. It’s perfect for appetizers or as a main course.

Equipment and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make delicious air fryer turkey wings or baked buffalo turkey wings at home, you need the right tools. Whether using an air fryer or oven, the right setup is key. It ensures your wings are crispy every time.

Air Fryer vs. Traditional Oven Methods

For air fryer turkey wings, you need a good air fryer. Choose one big enough for your wings. Also, a spray bottle with vegetable oil helps get that crispy texture.

For baked buffalo turkey wings, you’ll need a baking sheet with a wire rack. The rack helps air circulate, making wings crispy. Use aluminum foil on the sheet for easy cleanup.

Additional Kitchen Tools Required

• Mixing bowls for tossing wings in seasonings and sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
• A small saucepan for simmering buffalo sauce
• Tongs or a fork for handling cooked wings
• An instant-read thermometer to check wing temperature

With the right tools, you’re ready to make tasty crispy air fryer turkey wings or baked buffalo turkey wings at home.

Preparing Your Buffalo Turkey Wings

Get ready to make a delicious batch of buffalo turkey wings at home. The key to a perfect texture is in the prep work. Let’s explore how to prepare and season your turkey wing for the best results.

Begin by cutting the turkey wings into two parts if needed. In a big bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and your favorite seasonings. This mix will give your wings a crispy outside.

1. Coat the wings well with the flour mix, covering all sides.
2. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes, then coat again for extra crispiness.
3. This double coating keeps moisture in and makes them crispy.

After coating, it’s time to cook your turkey wings. We’ll look at the best ways to get crispy skin next. Keep reading for more tips to make your buffalo turkey wing dish amazing!

The Secret to Achieving Crispy Skin

Getting the perfect crispy skin on your crispy turkey wings is crucial. The secret is a mix of flour, cornstarch, and the right oil use.

Flour and Cornstarch Coating Technique

Start by mixing your turkey wings with flour and cornstarch. This coating makes the outside crispy and keeps the inside juicy. Use equal parts of flour and cornstarch for the best results.

Temperature Control Tips

Temperature is key for turkey wing coating. For air fryers, spray the wings with oil and cook at 380°F. In the oven, bake at 350°F, covered, then at 450°F for 15-20 minutes to get crispy.

Oil Application Methods

Using the right oil is important for even browning. Choose oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed. Spray or brush the wings with oil to cover them evenly.

By using these methods, you’ll make crispy turkey wings that everyone will love.

Perfect Buffalo Sauce Recipe

Make your turkey wings even better with homemade buffalo sauce. This easy recipe gives you that classic buffalo taste you love. Let’s explore how to whip up the perfect buffalo sauce for your crispy turkey wings.

To make the ultimate buffalo sauce, you need just a few things: hot sauce, melted butter, and minced garlic. Hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, adds the spicy kick. The butter balances the heat and makes the sauce smooth, sticking well to the turkey wings.

1. In a small saucepan, mix 1 1/3 cups of Frank’s RedHot sauce, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika.
2. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in the saucepan, stirring now and then, until it smells great and is well mixed.
3. For a milder sauce, cut down the hot sauce by 1/3 to 1/2 cup. Adjust to your heat preference.
4. To sweeten the sauce a bit, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of honey to balance the spiciness.

This buffalo sauce recipe makes about 3 cups, perfect for your crispy turkey wings. You can store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It’s great for all your buffalo-flavored dishes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)	Value
Calories	104 kcal
Protein	0.1g
Carbohydrates	0.1g
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	532mg
Vitamin A	415IU
Vitamin C	14.9mg

With this homemade buffalo sauce recipe, your turkey wings will taste amazing. Impress your family and friends with this delicious, versatile sauce that’s perfect with crispy turkey wings.

Cooking Methods and Times

To get perfect buffalo turkey wings, you can air fry or bake them in the oven. Each method needs different steps and timing. This ensures the wings are cooked right and crispy.

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for air frying. Put the wings in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 25-28 minutes, flipping them halfway for even browning. They’re done when the juices are clear and the inside is 165°F.

Oven-Baking Guidelines

For oven baking, preheat to 350°F. Put the wings in a dish or on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and roast for 1.5 hours. Then, remove the foil and raise the oven to 450°F. Bake for another 15 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden.

Temperature Checkpoints

It’s crucial to check the air fryer turkey wings or baked buffalo turkey wings temperature. They’re done when juices are clear and the inside is 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked, as times can vary.

Cooking Method	Temperature	Time
Air Fryer	380°F	25-28 minutes
Oven-Baking (Covered)	350°F	1.5 hours
Oven-Baking (Uncovered)	450°F	15 minutes

For perfectly cooked air fryer turkey wings or baked buffalo turkey wings, watch the temperature and adjust cooking time. Enjoy your crispy, tasty wings!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

No game day feast is complete without turkey wing appetizers or game day turkey wing snacks. Once you’ve made your crispy buffalo turkey wings, think about what to serve with them. From classic sides to creative pairings, we’ll look at options that will make your guests love it.

Start with a cool blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. Add crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a nice crunch. For a fuller meal, try them with french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad.

Want to impress your guests? Add some irresistible appetizers to your spread. Serve the wings with meatball sub skewers, firecracker shrimp, or buffalo chicken taquitos. For a main dish, pair them with twice-baked potatoes or a warm bowl of chili.

Plan your portion sizes for 2-3 pieces of game day turkey wing snacks per person. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the delicious, crispy wings without running out.

Whether it’s a game day gathering or a casual family dinner, these pairings will impress. Add a variety of tempting sides and appetizers to enhance the bold flavors of your homemade turkey wings.

Conclusion

Buffalo turkey wings are a tasty choice for game day or wing night. They are bigger and have a stronger flavor than chicken wings. These buffalo turkey wings are a crowd-pleaser, whether you air fry or oven-bake them.

They offer a crispy, flavorful bite that pairs well with your favorite sauces and sides. This recipe is a great way to spice up your wing night. It will impress your guests with a unique and tasty protein option.

Try making buffalo turkey wings for your next game day or tailgate. They are easy to make and offer a big, bold flavor. It’s a chance to try something new and find your new favorite tailgate turkey wing dishes!

FAQ

What makes turkey wings a good alternative to chicken wings?

Turkey wings are bigger and meatier than chicken wings. They’re great for main meals or as appetizers. Their meat is firmer, and the flavor is slightly stronger. Plus, you get more meat per piece than chicken wings.

What are the key ingredients needed for making crispy buffalo turkey wings?

You’ll need split turkey wings, flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic are also key. For the sauce, use hot sauce, butter, and minced garlic.

What equipment and tools are required to make buffalo turkey wings at home?

You’ll need an air fryer and a spray bottle for oil for the air fryer method. For the oven, a baking pan with a rack and foil are needed. Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups, a small pot, tongs, and an instant-read thermometer.

How do you achieve crispy skin on the turkey wings?

The crispy skin comes from a few techniques. A flour and cornstarch mixture helps. For air frying, spray the wings with oil. For oven cooking, start at a lower temperature covered, then increase uncovered. Proper oil application ensures even browning and crispiness.

What is the ideal buffalo sauce recipe for the turkey wings?

The buffalo sauce recipe mixes 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 minced garlic clove. Heat until the butter melts and the sauce is fragrant. This creates the classic buffalo flavor, with butter helping the sauce stick and balancing the heat.

How long do you need to cook the turkey wings for the best results?

For air frying, cook at 380°F for 25-28 minutes, turning halfway. In the oven, roast covered at 350°F for 1.5 hours, then at 450°F for 15 minutes uncovered. They’re done when juices run clear and the internal temperature is 165°F. Cooking times can vary based on wing size and equipment.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings for buffalo turkey wings?

Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing, and carrot and celery sticks. They go well with french fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple salad. For appetizers, try them with meatball sub skewers, firecracker shrimp, or buffalo chicken taquitos. For a main meal, pair them with twice-baked potatoes.