Introduction
Fire up your Arteflame grill and prepare to make the most flavorful, hickory-smoked Florida turkey wings. With the perfect sear on the center grill grate and slow finishing on the flat cooktop, these turkey wings turn crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with rich smoky flavor. Whether you're serving them as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe guarantees bold taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large Florida turkey wings
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Hickory wood chunks for smoking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
- Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
- Light the paper and allow the fire to establish. The grill will be ready for cooking in about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Turkey Wings
- In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and brown sugar.
- Pat the turkey wings dry with a paper towel.
- Brush the wings with melted butter, ensuring they're well coated.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the turkey wings.
Step 3: Sear the Turkey Wings
- Once the Arteflame grill reaches cooking temperature, place the turkey wings on the center grill grate for a hard sear.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until beautifully caramelized.
Step 4: Slow Cook on the Flat Cooktop
- Move the seared turkey wings to the flat cooktop, positioning them closer to the outer edges for gentler heat.
- Add hickory wood chunks to the fire for added smoky flavor.
- Cook the wings for about 45-50 minutes, flipping occasionally and ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Remove the turkey wings from the grill when they reach 150°F (they will continue cooking after removal).
- Let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite dips or side dishes.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, baste the turkey wings with melted butter every 15 minutes.
- Keep the hickory wood chunks replenished for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperatures.
- Adjust the heat on the flat cooktop by moving the wings closer or farther from the center.
Variations
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Sweet and Spicy: Add honey and extra cayenne to the rub for a delicious sweet heat combination.
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Citrus Herb: Mix lemon zest, orange zest, and rosemary into the spice rub for a fresh citrus kick.
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Caribbean Jerk: Replace the rub with a jerk seasoning blend for a bold and spicy twist.
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BBQ Maple Glaze: Brush with a maple BBQ glaze in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Garlic Butter Parmesan: Toss the cooked wings in a garlic butter sauce and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Conclusion
These hickory-smoked Florida turkey wings showcase crispy skin, luscious tenderness, and iconic smokiness from the Arteflame grill. Mastering the combination of a high-heat sear and slow griddle cooking ensures every bite is full of juicy, smoky perfection. Try different variations and pair them with classic sides for an unforgettable meal.
Best Pairings
- Grilled corn on the Arteflame cooktop
- Smoky baked beans
- Coleslaw with citrus dressing
- Sweet potato fries
- Garlic butter bread toasted on the flat cooktop