Smoked Turkey Wings

Learn how to cook smoked turkey wings using both a smoked wings brine and dry rub so you end up with tender, juicy meat; a smoky flavor, and crisp, fully rendered skin. 

Talking Turkey on Field & Stream Podcast

I was recently invited to be a guest on the Field & Stream Legends of the Wild Podcast, hosted by Sam Soholt. We recorded the episode in my kitchen right after I cooked two different turkey recipes. Then Sam and I sat down to talk about cooking turkey and other wild game, and why it’s so important to save the legs, thighs, and wings from birds. You can listed to that episode here:

Smoked Wings to Share or Enjoy by Yourself

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook smoked turkey wings so they turn out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, you are in the right place. This smoked turkey wings recipe is beginner-friendly and one of the best ways to turn both wild turkey wings or store-bought wings into something incredible to share with family and friends - or indulge in all by yourself.

As a wild game chef and full-time recipe developer, I am always looking for ways to use every part of the animal. Turkey hunters work hard for their birds, and the wings deserve far more respect than they often get. Too many wings get left in the field simply because people assume they are tough or difficult to cook. However, once you understand how long to cook smoked turkey wings and why they benefit from a slightly higher finishing temperature, everything changes.

And honestly, the smell of wood smoke drifting through the backyard is reason enough to fire up the smoker and make this recipe for smoked turkey wings.

How Long to Cook Smoked Turkey Wings

Most food safety guidelines recommend cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. While that temperature is safe, it is not always ideal for texture, especially when cooking smoked turkey wings or turkey legs.

Turkey wings contain a large amount of connective tissue. Inside those hardworking muscles is collagen, which initially makes the meat feel firm and chewy. However, when collagen slowly heats past 170 degrees F, it transforms into gelatin. This process creates the rich, tender texture that makes the best smoked wings so satisfying.

If you pull the wings at 165 degrees F, they are technically done, but they may still feel tight. Give them time to reach 175 to 180 degrees F, and suddenly the meat becomes succulent and tender and much more enjoyable to eat.

Why You Should Save Wild Turkey Wings

Many hunters breast out their birds and leave the wings and legs behind in the woods. I understand the temptation. Wings require a little work to pluck and patience to cook. However, smoked wings are one of the best examples of how slow cooking transforms tougher cuts into something exceptional. The same goes for smoked turkey legs.

Wild turkey wings contain incredible flavor. They develop a deep richness during smoking that reminds me why nose-to-tail cooking matters. When we respect the entire animal, we discover meals that feel more meaningful.

Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe

Ingredients

For the Turkey Wings

• ¼ cup iodized salt, for brining
• ¼ cup sugar, for brining
• 4 turkey wings, from 2 birds
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Wing Sauce

• 4 Tablespoons melted butter
• 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons reserved spice mixture

How to Make Smoked Turkey Wings

Step 1: Brine the Wings

Dissolve ¼ cup salt and ¼ cup sugar in 2 quarts cold water in large container. Submerge turkey wings in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Brining helps the wings stay juicy during the long smoking process. Additionally, it seasons the meat all the way to the bone.

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Step 2: Prepare the Smoked Wings Rub

In a bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons each onion powder and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, paprika, chili powder, ground thyme, and black pepper. Measure out 2 teaspoons of the spice mix and set aside to use in wing sauce.

This smoked wings rub builds layers of flavor that complement the natural richness of turkey.

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Step 3: Season and Preheat the Smoker

Remove wings from brine (discard brine) and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle all over with remaining spice mixture and let sit at room temperature while you preheat the smoker to 275 degrees F. Fill with your choice of wood chips (I recommend hickory, apple, or pecan).

Allowing the wings to sit briefly helps the seasoning adhere evenly.

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Step 4: Smoke the Turkey Wings

Place wings in smoker and cook for 30 minutes at 275 degrees F, then reduce temperature to 250 degrees F and continue to smoke for another 2 to 2 ½ hours until they reach an internal temperature of 175 - 180 degrees F using an instant read thermometer.

Collagen doesn’t fully break down at 165 degrees F. It needs more heat and time to transform into gelatin, which gives smoked turkey wings and legs that rich, silky, fall-apart texture.

As the wings smoke, the scent of hickory wood and spice builds slowly. The skin tightens, darkens, and becomes deeply aromatic.

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Step 5: Make the Smoked Wings Sauce

In a bowl, stir together all of the wing sauce ingredients.

Brush the smoked turkey wings all over with the sauce.

The butter melts into the spice mixture, while the vinegar adds brightness that keeps the wings balanced.

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Step 6: Finish on a Hot Grill

Turn grill burners on high and let the grill get nice and hot for about 5 minutes.

Transfer wings to hot grill and cook on one side for 3 minutes, flip over and cook on the other side for 3 minutes more.

Transfer turkey wings to platter and let rest for 10 minutes, then serve.

This final step caramelizes the sauce and adds just a hint of char.

Best Wood Chips for Smoked Wings

Hickory wood chips are my favorite for adding a stronger traditional barbecue aroma to this smoked wings recipe. Apple and pecan also work to provide a gentle sweetness that goes beautifully with turkey.

More Turkey Recipes

If you liked this Smoked Turkey Wings Recipe, and are looking for more turkey recipes, check out these family favorites all tested and approved by my wife and daughter:

• Baked Turkey Meatballs
• How to Cook Bone-in Turkey Breasts
• Smoked Turkey Legs
• Turkey Asian Meatball Soup
• Stuffed Turkey Breast
• Slow Cooker Turkey Stock
• Sausage and Turkey Gumbo
• Turkey Tenders

Come Turkey Hunting in North Dakota

If you are headed our way for North Dakota turkey season, check out the North Dakota Game & Fish Department website.

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