Delicious oven-baked turkey wings with a dry rub, brine, or just salt and pepper work wonderfully. Enjoy as an appetizer or meal.
We oven baked turkey wings the other night after breaking down a whole turkey earlier that day. I wanted to be able to tell you how long it took for each piece to become moist and juicy in the oven. Now we’re here to share how to cook the drummettes and wingettes perfectly. (affiliate links present).
When it comes to preparing delicious and tender turkey wings, the question of soaking them in vinegar often arises. While not strictly necessary, soaking turkey wings in vinegar can offer several benefits, including:
- Tenderizing the meat: Vinegar’s acidity helps break down tough muscle fibers, resulting in more tender and flavorful turkey wings.
- Removing impurities: Soaking can help remove any blood or other impurities from the turkey wings, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable eating experience.
- Adding flavor: The vinegar imparts a subtle tangy flavor to the turkey wings, complementing the other seasonings you use.
So how long should you soak turkey wings in vinegar?
The optimal soaking time depends on several factors, including the type of vinegar you use, the desired level of tenderness, and your personal preferences. Here’s a general guideline:
- For white vinegar: Soak the turkey wings for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- For apple cider vinegar: Soak the turkey wings for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to soak turkey wings in vinegar:
- Prepare the vinegar solution: In a large bowl or container, combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with enough water to cover the turkey wings.
- Add the turkey wings: Place the turkey wings in the vinegar solution, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate for the desired amount of time.
- Rinse and pat dry: After soaking, remove the turkey wings from the vinegar solution and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Tips for soaking turkey wings in vinegar:
- Use a non-reactive container, such as glass or stainless steel, to avoid any chemical reactions with the vinegar.
- You can add additional seasonings to the vinegar solution, such as salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs, for extra flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can soak the turkey wings for a shorter period, but the results may not be as tender.
- After soaking, be sure to rinse the turkey wings thoroughly to remove any residual vinegar flavor.
Additional notes:
- While soaking in vinegar is a common practice, it’s not the only way to tenderize turkey wings. Other methods include brining, marinating, or using a meat tenderizer.
- The recipe you’re using may provide specific instructions on soaking the turkey wings. Always follow the recipe’s guidelines for the best results.
- Soaking turkey wings in vinegar is a personal preference, and you may experiment with different soaking times and vinegar types to find what works best for you.
Enjoy your delicious and tender turkey wings!
Crispy Baked Turkey Wings
All of the turkey’s components should be soaked in our brine for six to eight hours or overnight for optimal results and flavor. Or coat outside of each one with our turkey dry rub. Only use one of these or it will be too salty.
- For best results, use fresh turkey wings; if frozen, allow an additional five minutes to cook. on to the baking time.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place wings on top of a baking sheet or baking dish that has been lined with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Brush or drizzle half of the olive oil over the top. To prevent it from sticking to the skin, tightly cover with another piece of nonstick foil.
- After cooking the turkey wings for 60 minutes, remove the foil and brush the remaining olive oil on top. I would season them all now with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and brine if you didn’t use dry rub.
Preheat the oven to broil. Cook for an additional three to four minutes, or until the skin is as crispy and browned as you desire. We do the same thing with our baked turkey legs too. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes and then enjoy!.
How Long to Bake Turkey Wings
Now if you have your own “secret season blend” then by all means use that sprinkled on top. Once the skin becomes crispy and browned, the flavors are baked in, giving it a really nice texture. The insides will remain tender and juicy though as you bake at a lower temp. for longer, and keep it covered for the majority of the time.
How to clean Turkey Wings.
FAQ
Can you soak turkey wings in vinegar?
What to do with wings of turkey before cooking?