Air Fryer Turkey Legs: A Quick, Easy Treat?

Turkey legs are a delicious treat, often enjoyed at fairs and carnivals, but they can also be cooked at home in an air fryer. The air fryer is a convenient way to cook turkey legs, as it requires little oil and produces a crispy outer layer with a juicy, tender inside. The cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey leg and the model of the air fryer, but generally, it takes around 25-40 minutes to cook at a temperature of 380-400°F. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a small Thanksgiving gathering.

Turkey leg prep

Next, you will want to prepare the turkey legs. Pat the legs dry with a paper towel and set aside. Then, make your seasoning or rub. You can use a combination of olive oil, poultry seasoning, parsley, salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, dried thyme, rosemary, and Herbs de Provence. Mix these together in a small bowl and brush the mixture onto the turkey legs, making sure to get under the skin.

Finally, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap, as this will impact the crispiness of the skin. Set the air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F and cook for 20 minutes. Flip the turkey legs and cook for an additional 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the legs, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

There you have it! A perfectly crispy and juicy turkey leg cooked in an air fryer.

Air fryer temperature

Different air fryer models have varying maximum temperatures, with many common fryers in the UK not exceeding 390°F (200°C). It is important to consult your air fryer's instructions to determine its maximum temperature and adjust your cooking temperature accordingly. If your air fryer runs hot, consider using a lower temperature, and vice versa.

When cooking turkey legs, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 390°F and 400°F. Then, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch or overlap, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook the turkey legs for 20 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and the specific air fryer model. For smaller turkey legs, adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey legs. The legs are safely cooked when the temperature reaches 165°F. If the temperature hasn't reached 165°F, return the legs to the air fryer and cook in 5 to 10-minute intervals until the desired temperature is achieved.

After cooking, let the turkey legs rest for 5 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and juicy meat. Additionally, consider brining the turkey legs by soaking them in salted water before cooking to further enhance juiciness.

Cooking time

The cooking time for turkey legs in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size of the turkey legs, the power of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey leg reaches 165°F (74°C) to make sure it is safe to eat. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes at 380°F, but the cooking time can be longer for larger turkey legs or if you are cooking multiple legs at once.

Different air fryers will require different cooking times, so it is important to adjust accordingly. If you are using a high-wattage air fryer, it is a good idea to check on the turkey legs halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed. For lean turkey legs, you may need to reduce the cooking time. If you are cooking frozen turkey legs, you will need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes, and it is recommended to thaw them before cooking.

To achieve the desired level of crispiness, you can pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning. If the turkey legs are browning too quickly or starting to burn, you can reduce the temperature of the air fryer to 325°F. This allows the inside to continue cooking without further darkening the outside.

It is also important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the turkey legs in batches. Make sure to flip the turkey legs halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

Oil and seasoning

Before seasoning, pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly. This will help the oil and seasoning stick to the turkey legs. If you are using butter, this step will also make it easier to spread the butter.

For the seasoning, you can use a combination of olive oil, poultry seasoning, parsley, salt, paprika, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together in a small bowl until evenly combined. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil. If you want to add more flavour, coat the turkey legs with a liberal amount of oil.

Another seasoning option is to use a combination of salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, herbs de Provence, and black pepper. You can also add brown sugar to this mixture. Mix the seasoning and then rub it all over the turkey legs, making sure to get under the skin as well.

If you want to use butter, you can make a butter rub by mixing together salted butter, olive oil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sea salt flakes. Spread the butter under the turkey skin and all over the legs. You can also use unsalted butter, but make sure to add a little extra salt to the mixture.

Once you have seasoned the turkey legs, place them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them if possible.

Serving suggestions

Turkey legs cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Holiday Dinner

Air fryer turkey legs can be a perfect centrepiece for a holiday dinner. Whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas, these juicy and crispy turkey legs will be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with traditional sides such as macaroni cheese, freshly baked biscuits, green bean casserole, and gravy. Don't forget to add a classic dessert like French silk pie!

Game Day Party

Turkey legs are also great for a fun and casual get-together, like a Game Day party. They can be a delicious handheld treat, perfect for enjoying while watching the game. No utensils needed! You can even serve them with some dipping sauces on the side, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.

Weeknight Dinner

Air fryer turkey legs are a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner any time of the year. Serve them with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty and balanced meal. If you're looking for a lighter option, pair them with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach. A simple green salad or colslaw can also add a fresh crunch to your plate.

Freezing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can easily freeze or store them for future meals. Wrap the cooked turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, use your air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy skin. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, but the skin may not stay as crispy.

Frequently asked questions