Fire up the smoker and get those turkey wings in the brine because once you try Smoked Turkey Wings, you’re never going to look at turkey the same way again.

Smoked Turkey Wings

So, first of all – the brine isn’t optional here. I know, it adds a whole step to the process, but you’re going to be thankful you took the time. That time in the brine does a lot to tenderize the meat. Even with the brine time, don’t expect turkey wings to be as tender as chicken wings. They may be cousins, but evidently turkey use their wings a lot more than chicken, because it is a whole different texture. If you’ve ever had a Smoked Turkey Leg compared to a Chicken Leg, you know what I’m talking about.

Check out my 25 Easy Traeger Recipes for Beginners!

Smoked Turkey Wings shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

buttermilk
kosher salt
turkey wings
avocado oil
turkey rub

Try our Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings too!

How to make Smoked Turkey Wings

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Brine

Combine the buttermilk and salt and let the wings brine overnight.

Smoke

Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Drain the wings, pat dry with paper towels, toss with oil, and coat with the turkey rub.

Smoke for 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or until the internal temperature is at least 165°F.

Enjoy

Enjoy hot!

You can shallow fry these if you’d like some crispier skin.

How about some Smoked & Fried Chicken Wings?

Smoked Turkey Wings FAQ

How do you store leftovers?

Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, max.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

I like to reheat my wings in the air fryer for maximum skin crispiness. You can use the oven or the grill also, depending on what’s available and what you feel like using.

Are there any substitutions for the Turkey Rub?

Sure! If you don’t have that particular rub you can sub in your favorite poultry blend, or toss together some salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and whatever else seems like a good idea at the time.

Homemade BBQ Sauce would be perfect for these!

More Traeger Poultry recipes!

Hell’s Kitchen Grilled Wings
Smoked Chicken Salad
Lemon Pepper Smoked Wings
Garlic Parmesan Smoked Wings
Sweet Heat Smoked Spicy Chicken Wings
Smoked Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Traeger Chicken Pot Pie
Traeger Grilled Turkey
Traeger Spatchcock Turkey
Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken
Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
Traeger Chicken Lollipop
Smoked Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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Yield: 6 servings

Smoked Turkey Wings

Name: Smoked Turkey Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 12 whole turkey wing sections (flat and point), divided; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 3 tablespoons turkey bbq rub

These tasty brined and smoked turkey wings are like dino wings! One or two is enough per serving, and you're going to love the smoky flavor the pellet grill gives these tasty wings.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Buttermilk Brine

4 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons kosher salt

Turkey Wings

12 whole turkey wing sections (flat and point), divided
3 tablespoons avocado oil
3 tablespoons turkey bbq rub

Instructions

Combine the buttermilk and salt and stir until the salt is dissolved. Add the turkey wings to the brine and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4-5 hours.)
Preheat your pellet grill to 250F. Remove the turkey legs from the brine. If you haven't already, separate them into dumbs and flats. Discard the tips. Pat the wings dry with paper towels.
Toss the wings with the avocado oil and then sprinkle with the turkey bbq rub.
Place on the grill grates and smoke at 250 for 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Optional: Preheat a cast iron pan with 1/2 inch of oil in the bottom over medium heat. Briefly shallow fry each wing until the skin is crisp.

Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings