Cajun Fried Turkey Wings are a flavorful and crispy treat that’s perfect for a hearty meal or a special occasion. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to make these delicious wings:
Cajun Fried Turkey Wings
Ingredients:
- For the Turkey Wings:
- 4 large turkey wings, cut into drumettes and wingettes
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Homemade Cajun Seasoning (if not using store-bought):
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Turkey Wings:
- Rinse the turkey wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or a zip-top bag.
- Marinate in Buttermilk:
- Pour the buttermilk over the turkey wings, making sure they are well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and add flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Coat the Turkey Wings:
- Remove the turkey wings from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each wing in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the Turkey Wings:
- Carefully place the coated turkey wings into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Serve:
- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the turkey wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the Cajun Fried Turkey Wings hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired. They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the coated turkey wings in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Enjoy your flavorful and crispy Cajun Fried Turkey Wings!
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