These giant turkey wings—sometimes called Grilled Turkey Wings—are brined, rubbed, and cooked low and slow on a pellet grill for juicy, flavorful meat and crisped skin. After grilling they’re tossed in a tangy Buffalo sauce and served with creamy bleu cheese dressing for a classic pairing that’s perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or a hearty family meal.
Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings
If you want something heartier than chicken wings, turkey wings are an excellent choice. They deliver big, meaty bites that benefit from a soak in a buttermilk brine and a bold poultry rub before hitting the pellet grill. You can finish them with Buffalo sauce and bleu cheese as shown, or switch to teriyaki glaze, sweet chili, a simple BBQ glaze, or a garlic-and-herb baste to suit your taste.
Get more favorite Traeger recipes and grilling inspiration to expand your pellet-grill repertoire.
Recipe Shopping List
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need. For exact amounts, use the full ingredient list below.
- Turkey wings (flats and drumettes)
- Buttermilk
- Kosher salt
- Avocado oil (or a neutral oil)
- Turkey or poultry rub
- Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Bleu cheese dressing
Try holiday and seasonal Traeger recipes for more turkey ideas.
How To Make This Recipe
Below is an overview of the process so you know what to expect. Follow the full steps and timing in the recipe section to ensure tender, properly cooked wings.
- Brine – Mix buttermilk and kosher salt until the salt dissolves. Submerge the wings and refrigerate overnight to tenderize and add flavor.
- Preheat – Heat your pellet grill to about 375°F. Pat wings dry, coat lightly with oil, and season with your favorite poultry rub.
- Grill – Grill wings for roughly 20 minutes, flip, then continue for another 20–25 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove at 165°F internal temperature.
- Rest – Let the wings rest briefly. If you prefer extra-crisp skin, a short blast in an air fryer will help.
- Sauce and Serve – Toss warm wings in Buffalo sauce and serve with bleu cheese dressing and celery for a classic presentation.
Want a different finish? Try a sweet chili glaze or teriyaki for an Asian-inspired twist.
Recipe FAQ
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container or a sealed bag for 2–3 days.
Yes. Any poultry rub works well, or use a simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Reheat gently in the oven or on the grill to avoid drying the meat. A short session in an air fryer can restore crispness.
Brining improves tenderness and juiciness, especially for larger turkey wings. You can skip it, but the texture will benefit from the brine.
More Turkey Recipes
- Traeger Grilled Turkey
- Traeger Spatchcock Turkey
- Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup
- Smoked Turkey Legs
- Smoked Turkey Breast
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Traeger Grilled Turkey Wings
Brined in buttermilk and rubbed with a savory turkey spice blend, these wings are finished on a pellet grill and tossed in Buffalo sauce for bold flavor.
Ingredients
Buttermilk Brine
- 4 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
Turkey Wings
- 12 whole turkey wing sections (flats and drumettes), tips discarded
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons turkey or poultry BBQ rub
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- ½ cup bleu cheese dressing
Instructions
- Combine the buttermilk and kosher salt, stirring until the salt dissolves. Submerge the wings in the brine and refrigerate overnight or at least 4–5 hours.
- Preheat your pellet grill to 375°F. Remove wings from the brine, pat dry, and separate into flats and drumettes if needed. Discard the tips.
- Toss the wings with avocado oil, then evenly coat with the turkey BBQ rub.
- Place wings on the preheated grill. Cook 20 minutes, flip, then cook another 20–25 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer; pull the wings when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the wings rest a few minutes, then toss in Buffalo sauce. Serve with bleu cheese dressing and celery, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate):
Calories: 364 Total Fat: 24g Protein: 24g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.