Crispy, spicy, and dripping with sticky hot honey, these deep-fried turkey breast strips are a crowd-pleaser. onX Ambassador Jenn Homa takes the classic fried chicken idea and turns it up a notch, using wild turkey breast marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in crushed cornflakes for crunch, and finished with a buttery-sweet heat that keeps you reaching for more.
“If you’re trying one new wild turkey recipe this year, let it be this one.”
Jenn Homa, onX Hunt Ambassador
- 1 wild turkey breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon Frank’s RedHot
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- Cooking oil spray or frying oil (for deep frying)
- Ranch, for serving (optional)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot
-
½-1 teaspoon chili flakes
- Cut wild turkey breast into strips. Lightly tenderize using a meat mallet.
- Add strips to a large bowl with a lid or ziplock bag. Add in seasonings and mix well. Pour in buttermilk and Frank’s RedHot. Mix until the turkey strips are well coated. Allow to marinate for 4-12 hours.
- After the marinade time is up, dredge the marinated turkey tenders directly into the crushed cornflakes until well coated.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray, then place the turkey tenders into the basket, leaving room between each tender to allow the air to circulate. Spray the tenders with a little more oil spray. Air fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. The turkey tenders should be golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Deep Fry Method: Heat oil in a large deep cast iron skillet or deep fryer until it reaches 350°F. For best results, fry the turkey strips in batches until they reach exactly 165°F.
- While the turkey pieces are in the air fryer, melt the butter for the hot honey sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, mix in honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. Stir until well combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for one minute.
- Toss the wild turkey strips into the hot honey sauce and serve with ranch for dipping if desired.
FAQs
For wild turkey, lean muscle means quick, hot cooking is best to preserve juiciness. You can pan-fry, grill, air fry, or deep fry it—but avoid overcooking. Internal temperature is key: Always cook wild turkey breast to 165°F.
Wild turkey nuggets or strips cook fast. They’re usually ready after 2–3 minutes per side in oil heated to 350°F, or until they reach 165°F internally. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady, ensuring an even crunch. Overcrowding the pan cools the oil, which can make the coating soggy instead of crisp.