Air fryer turkey neck is killer! Want to cook all the pieces and not waste? Maybe you want to give it to your dog for protein, this is how to cook it in a Ninja Foodi or Cosori just right.
There are several ways to cook this item, other than just throwing it away. Many people boil it and use the meat in their gravy, another option. Whether this is going to be a treat for your pup or you want to see what all the hype is yourself for a bite, we will explain how do do air fryer recipes here. (affiliate links present)
We have shared how to cook all parts of this bird, this was the final one. From air fryer turkey thighs, to turkey legs in air fryer and more this hot air method is by far our favorite. You can of course use any brand of machine you might have on your countertop. Since you’ll likely have only one of these, it will fit in most.
Now let’s talk about this part specifically for a minute shall we? There isn’t a whole lot of meat on it, let’s be honest BUT what there is holds a ton of flavor and many pet owners like to use it as a treat. If you only want to cook it and stay really soft I would suggest boiling in a pot of hot water until it reaches a safe temp. But this will get it crispy.
Tips: My Favorite models are the Cosori or making Ninja Foodi recipes with the lid that is attached.
It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. This is how to preheat air fryer first before adding your food so it becomes as crispy as possible. For best results, here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
with Dry Rub
You do not have to use our turkey dry rub or just salt, pepper and garlic powder to the outside. Though I suggest that you do, it will still get crisp without it with the olive oil. Of course you always want to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meat reaches a safe internal temp before consuming, for these it is right about 170 F.
Brined
To really “marinate” it with flavor you could also try leaving it overnight in our turkey brine which makes all pieces of this bird absolutely delicious. I have a printable recipe at the bottom of this post but here is a quick step by step;
How to Make Gravy with the Meat
If you want to make turkey neck gravy you just need it long enough to pull it off the bone, boiling is better for this though.
Air Fryer Turkey Neck Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1-2 turkey necks, defrosted
- 1/4 tsp old bay
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375 (or 380 if yours only has even #s) for 5 minutes.
- Dry neck and rub with olive oil all over. (if feeding meat to your dog do not add any seasonings) If for yourself, sprinkle on seasonings until coated.
- Lay inside basket and air fry for 10-15 minutes depending on how crispy you want the outside to be. Longer will get it crispier but the meat will become a bit more dry. Meat temp should reach 170 F to be safe to eat.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Whether you’re baking the whole bird or cutting up a raw turkey you’ll likely only have one on hand. Some grocery stores might have a bag of them frozen but that is harder to find. If this is the case for you then you may have a few on hand, it is better if they are defrosted ahead of time so remember that.
If you want to fry these in oil you’ll want to coat in a flour mixture first. Make up a bowl of flour with seasonings and toss together. Then dip to coat the whole outside and place into a pan on the stovetop that has hot oil in it and already hot. Fry for 4 minutes on each side or deep fry for about 6 minutes.
Beyond health reasons I really don’t do well with my food submerged in oil. My tummy doesn’t like it and neither does my cholesterol levels. That is why I love this method of roasting so much. You get the same crisp texture you love but without the calories and/or fat you’d get otherwise.
It really doesn’t need to be in ther very long and the cook time will vary according to how large yours is of course. Longer will get it crispier but the meat will become a bit more dry. You can enjoy as is, in turkey soup or stews too.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey Necks?
Yes!! Not only is the meat great for them but they will love you for it. Each one offers many nutritional benefits including: tons of protein, glucosamine and chondroitin as well as some calcium. Two important things to remember are that you need to only give them the meat and do not add salt to the outside.
Sodium can make animals sick and the neck bones inside can fragment and get lodged in their throats. SO with that said you need to just coat with a small amount of olive oil when cooking and when done pull the meat off for them. DO NOT just give them the whole thing.
Just break it up into small pieces and add it to their regular or homemade dog food, believe me they will love you for it.
Other turkey recipes you’ll love
Air fryer turkey wings left whole or in two parts are great, just as good as chicken wings you have likely already tried. Boiled turkey necks turned out fall off the bone delicious this way too. And of course you can cook turkey breast in air fryer too this way.
Now it’s time to try this goodness! Find a turkey you love, organic is always our recommendation, defrost it and get going!! Yes you could bake frozen wings in oven this way if necessary but they are better thawed. We are working on other methods too for these so stay tuned.
Thanks for recipes for hungry chihauhau! Although the seasoned o e looks good for people