A guide to tucking in turkey wings for the most even cooking possible.

Here’s a simple way to prepare your turkey like a pro before roasting: Tuck the wings to enhance the presentation while ensuring even cooking.

Securing the wings behind and close to the body enhances the appearance, but it also prevents them from overcooking or burning in the oven or on the grill. This method is especially useful when roasting or grilling because it helps the turkey cook more evenly, allowing all parts of the bird to reach the ideal temperature without any risk of carbonization.

Related: 19 Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for Every Type of Gathering

Necessary tools and materials

Before you start tucking in your turkey wings and prepping your bird, you’ll need some essential tools and materials on hand:

• Roasting dish: A sturdy pan with high sides will help catch any cooking juices from the turkey and provide a stable base for the bird.

• Kitchen twine: Used to tie legs and wings to hold them in place while cooking.

• Scissors: For cutting kitchen twine.

• Turkey: The star of the show! THE turkey size doesn’t matter here, this method will work for any size bird.

• Oven or grill: Whatever method you prefer to cook your turkey.

How to Prepare Your Turkey for Cooking

Now that you’re ready to get started, here’s a simple guide to help you make the most breathtaking turkey:

• Step 1. Prepare the turkey: Before you begin, make sure your turkey is completely thawed if it was frozen. We have some recommendations for how to best defrost your bird before cooking. Remove the giblets and any packaging from the turkey cavity and dry the turkey thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

• Step 2. Locate and tuck in the wings: Locate the joint where each wing meets the turkey’s body by gently lifting the wings. Now imagine that you are lying on the grass with your arms folded behind your head. You’ll need to treat the wings the same way: gently fold them behind the bird’s body so that the tips are tucked underneath, hiding them beneath the bird.

• Step 3. Attach the bird: Although optional, you may want to use twine to further secure the bird’s wings and legs before cooking to keep them in place. Cut a piece of kitchen twine and tie the legs together at the ends of the drumsticks. Take another piece of string, pass it under the bird’s body over the folded wings and tie it securely. Check that all the twine is secure, cutting off some of the excess twine if necessary.

Troubleshooting Turkey Farms

Using kitchen twine

If you folded the bird’s wings but didn’t use string, reconsider your decision. It is best to tie a piece of string around the bird to hold the wings in place. If you don’t have string, use metal or bamboo skewers to pin them in place, or unwaxed dental floss to get the job done.

Use a roasting rack

A roasting rack inside your roaster lifts the bird to promote air circulation for the most even cooking possible.

Related: What to use if you don’t have a roasting pan

Tent with film

If the wings or part of the bird are still taking on too much color in the oven, cover them loosely with foil to slow the browning process while the rest of the bird finishes cooking.

What to do with turkey wings after roasting

When plating your turkey, whether or not to include the wings in the platter is a matter of personal preference. If you serve your bird whole and carve it at the table, folding the wings creates a neat and compact presentation: show it off!

If you are carving the bird before serving, you may prefer to serve only the breast, thighs and drumsticks. You can then use the wings in other dishes like soups, stews or salads.

Related: 23 Leftover Turkey Recipes for the Days After Thanksgiving