Instant Pot Turkey Wings

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Instant Pot Turkey Wings are meaty, flavorful, and smothered with creole-spiced gravy. This Southern staple is perfect for Sunday dinner or a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Suitable for gluten free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

the completed instant pot turkey wings recipe in a serving dish on a table with pink cloth napkin

Instant Pot Turkey Wings are seasoned with a delicious garlicky blend of herbs, spices, and creole seasoning for a super flavorful and robust meal.

Onions and peppers round out the dish, and the rich, creamy gravy is so good you’ll want to lick the plate.

We’re talking jumbo turkey wings that are impressive to look at and filling to eat, plus amazing the flavor of smothered turkey wings instant pot will have you making this recipe again and again.

Just like these oven baked Smothered Turkey Wings, and easy stovetop Easy Smothered Potatoes they’re #sodanggood!

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This Instant Pot Turkey Wings recipe gives the Southern favorite slow-cooked dish a modern-day makeover.

Ready to serve in under 30 minutes, serve this Instant Pot Turkey Wings recipe over rice or potatoes, with cornbread, or this easy Squash Casserole and a side of Collard Greens for a classic Southern style meal.

top down view of the completed Instant Pot turkey wings recipe

Why Make This Recipe

  • It’s Fast – The traditional oven-baked version of this recipe can take nearly 2 hours to finish. Instant Pot turkey wings are ready in under 30 minutes. 
  • Southern Favorite – Richly seasoned and covered in gravy, turkey wings instant pot is a classic Southern dish.  Esp with Cornbread Casserole.
  • Perfect for Holidays – If you are looking for a non-traditional way to serve turkey for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, this is a delicious and fuss-free alternative. 
Instant pot quick start guide image

Ingredient Notes

  • Turkey Wings – Turkey wings are typically sold whole and can be pretty large. Use a sharp knife to remove the wing tips and split the wings into flats and drums.
  • Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil. 
  • Wing Seasoning – Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cajun/creole seasoning, and black pepper. You can easily make your own Creole seasoning or use a store-bought blend.
  • Onion – Add sliced yellow onion to the wings and the gravy. 
  • Bell Pepper – I used sliced green bell pepper, but you can use any color of pepper. 
  • Cornstarch – Use to thicken the gravy and keep this gluten free. You can substitute for all-purpose flour if preferred.
  • Chicken Broth – Use low-sodium chicken stock for better control over the dish’s saltiness.  
close up view of the completed instant pot turkey wings

Ready to make this Instant Pot Turkey Wings Recipe? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Instant Pot Tools on Amazon.

How To Make Instant Pot Turkey Wings

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

  1. Wash the wings and dry them with a paper towel. Separate the drums and flats if needed. 
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and spices, pour the spice mixture over the wings and toss until the wings are well coated. 
  3. Place the seasoned wings into the insert of the Instant Pot. 
  4. Top with slices of onion and bell pepper, and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.
  5. Place on the lid, and turn valve to sealing position. Set for manual pressure / high pressure for 12 minutes.
  6. When done, perform a quick pressure release, remove the turkey wings to a plate and set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. 
  7. In a small bowl, make a slurry by combining cornstarch and water.
  8. Add about a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (you can add a bit more if you like) to the Instant Pot. 
  9. Stir for a few minutes until the gravy has thickened. 
  10. Switch off the heat, taste and adjust the seasonings, and return the turkey wings to the Instant Pot, coating them with the gravy before serving. 

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of turkey should be at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the wing.

image collage showing the steps for making instant pot turkey wings

Expert Tips

  • If you have time, brown the turkey wings before cooking for extra flavor. You can do this using the sauté mode on your instant pot. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of the turkey pieces. 
  • If you brown the wings, deglaze the pan with a wooden spoon when adding the chicken broth to avoid burning. You do not have to cook turkey wings through when browning. 
  • Store-bought cajun or creole seasoning likely has salt added to it. Therefore, it’s recommended to use low-sodium chicken broth
  • Make your own seasoning blend using this Best Dang Creole Seasoning recipe.
  • I like to use garlic powder to prevent burning, but feel free to use minced garlic if you prefer. 
  • If the wings put off a lot of fat during cooking, drain some of it before making the gravy. 
  • You may not need to use all of the cornstarch slurry. Begin by adding half, only adding the remaining amount if the sauce is not thick enough.  
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream just before serving for an extra rich and creamy gravy. 
  • Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of poultry should read at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the turkey wings.
a serving spoon removing one of the cooked turkey wings from the instant pot insert

Delicious Variations

  • Swap Seasoning – Instant Pot smothered turkey wings with Creole seasoning have a bit of heat. Use your favorite seasoning blend if you prefer a little less spice or just want a different flavor profile. 
  • Add Mushrooms – Sliced mushrooms make a flavorful addition to the Instant Pot smothered turkey gravy. 
  • Use Flour – If gluten isn’t a concern, you can use flour rather than cornstarch to thicken the gravy.
  • Marinate the Wings – Let the wings sit in the oil and seasoning blend overnight in the fridge for even more flavor. 
  • Use Butter – Replace the oil with softened, unsalted butter for a rich flavor. 
  • Add More Heat – Add a bit of chipotle chili powder or hot sauce to kick the heat up a notch. 
top down view of a bowl filled with the finished instant pot turkey wings

Prep And Storage

  • Prep Ahead – Brown the wings if desired. 
  • Store – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
  • Freeze – Freeze in an air-tight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. 
  • Reheat – You can microwave this, but I find that reheating in the oven yields better results. Place the Instant Pot turkey wings in an oven-proof dish and cover them with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C until heated through. 
a plate of smothered turkey wings instant pot served with rice

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with chicken wings?

Yes, you can substitute turkey wings with chicken. However, chicken wings are much smaller than turkey wings and will pressure cook much faster.

I suggest reducing the time at high pressure to 8 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. 

How long does it take to cook smothered turkey wings?

It can take almost 2 hours to bake smothered turkey wings in the oven. Instant pot turkey wings are ready in less than 30 minutes but still have the same flavor and richness. 

Can I make this with turkey breast?

You can use turkey breast, turkey thighs, and drumsticks for this recipe. The cooking time will remain the same. Just be sure to check for doneness with a digital meat thermometer. 

the finished instant pot turkey wings in a serving bowl

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Serving Suggestions

one serving of the finished recipe on a whiteplate

Best Equipment To Use

Best Equipment To Use

Weight Watchers Points

There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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the completed instant pot turkey wings recipe in a serving dish on a table with pink cloth napkin
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Instant Pot Turkey Wings

Tender turkey wings smothered in a creamy gravy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, southern, Western
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6
Calories: 371kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds (1360g) turkey wings split into flats and drums
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning or creole seasoning
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup (254g) chicken broth reduced-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Wash the wings and dry with a paper towel. Separate the drums and flats if needed.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and spices to form a paste. Pour the spice mixture over the wings and toss until the wings are well coated.
  • Place the seasoned wings into the insert of the instant pot.
  • Top with slices of onion and bell pepper, and pour in 1 cup of chicken broth.
  • Close and seal the lid and set it to cook at high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
  • In a small bowl, make a slurry by combining the cornstarch and the water.
  • Remove the turkey wings to a place and turn on sauté method.
  • Mix in about 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch slurry ( you can add a bit more if you like).
  • Stir for a few minutes until the gravy has thickened.
  • Switch off the heat, adjust the seasoning and return the turkey wings to the gravy for serving.
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Notes

  • If you have time, brown the turkey wings before cooking for extra flavor. You can do this using the saute mode on your instant pot. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of the turkey pieces. 
  • If you brown the wings, deglaze the pan with a wooden spoon when adding the chicken broth to avoid burning. You do not have to cook turkey wings through when browning. 
  • Cajun or creole seasoning likely has salt added to it. Therefore, I prefer to use low-sodium chicken broth. 
  • Make your own seasoning blend using this Best Dang Creole Seasoning recipe.
  • I like to use garlic powder to prevent burning but feel free to use minced garlic if you prefer. 
  • If the wings put off a lot of fat during cooking, drain some of it before making the gravy. 
  • You may not need to use all of the cornstarch slurry. Begin by adding half, only adding the remaining amount if the sauce is not thick enough.  
  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream just before serving for an extra rich and creamy gravy. 
  • Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
  • After pressure cooking, do a quick release of pressure.
  • There are 9 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 496mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 481IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

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