Air-Fryer Turkey Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Turkey legs are a fun and versatile dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, such as Thanksgiving, and can be paired with a variety of sides. The air fryer ensures that the turkey legs have a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. The cooking time is relatively short, taking around 30 minutes, and the process is simple, requiring minimal preparation and easy clean-up.

Turkey leg prep and seasoning

Turkey legs are a great option for a small Thanksgiving gathering, a fun handheld snack for a game-day party, or a quick weeknight dinner. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare and season your turkey legs for the air fryer:

Prepping the Turkey Legs:

• Remove the turkey legs from their packaging and place them on a plate or clean surface.
• Use paper towels to pat the turkey legs dry. Remove any excess moisture to ensure the seasoning sticks properly and the skin crisps up nicely.
• If your turkey legs are frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking.
• If you have the time, take the turkey legs out of the fridge about 15 minutes beforehand to let them warm up slightly. This will make it easier to apply the seasoning or butter rub.

Seasoning the Turkey Legs:

• For the seasoning, you can use a combination of unsalted butter or olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. You can also add in some chili powder for an extra kick.
• If you want to achieve extra crispy skin, consider using butter instead of oil. However, if you prefer to skip the fat altogether, that is also an option.
• In a small bowl, mix the seasoning ingredients until they are well combined and form a paste-like consistency.
• Carefully spread the seasoning mixture over each turkey drumstick, making sure to coat all sides evenly and get under the skin without tearing it.
• If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different seasoning combinations, such as roasted garlic butter, turkey seasoning mix, or poultry seasoning.

Air Frying the Turkey Legs:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the seasoned turkey legs into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch the top of the air fryer to prevent burning.
• Cook the turkey legs for 20 minutes, then flip and rotate them.
• Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of a turkey leg reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit when checked with a meat thermometer.
• Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and cover them loosely with foil to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy air-fried turkey legs!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The temperature and cooking time for making turkey legs in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and the type of air fryer being used.

For a 4.7L air fryer, one source recommends cooking the turkey legs in two parts, cooking the drumstick and thigh separately. The source suggests cooking each part for 30 minutes at 190°C/375°F, then turning them over and cooking for a further 15 minutes at 200°C/390°F. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey leg should reach 165°F when done.

For a 3.8L air fryer, another source recommends cooking the turkey legs whole. They suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F/200°C and cooking the turkey legs for 25 minutes. Then, brush the tops of the legs with oil, flip them over, and cook for another 10 minutes. The turkey is done when it is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F/74°C.

Other sources provide a range of cooking times and temperatures for different air fryer models. Some recommend cooking at 400°F/200°C for 15-20 minutes, flipping the legs, and cooking for another 15-20 minutes. Another source suggests cooking at 390°F/200°C for 30 minutes, 15 minutes per side.

It is important to note that different air fryers will require different cooking times and temperatures, and adjustments may be needed depending on the size and model of the air fryer. It is recommended to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

Storing and reheating turkey legs

Storing Turkey Legs:

• Leftover turkey legs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
• For refrigerator storage, place the turkey legs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Limit air exposure to prevent the meat from drying out. Properly stored, turkey legs will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
• For longer-term storage, you can freeze turkey legs. Wrap each leg tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen turkey legs will stay good for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Turkey Legs:

• The best way to reheat turkey legs is in the air fryer or oven. You can also use a microwave, grill, or slow cooker.
• If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F and lightly spray or coat the basket with oil. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
• For the oven method, preheat the oven to 300-350°F. Place the turkey legs in a baking dish and add a small amount of chicken or turkey stock, broth, or gravy. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• When reheating in the microwave, unwrap the turkey legs and place them on a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they are not touching. Cover the dish loosely and microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes per leg. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving.
• If using a grill, prepare the grill for medium indirect heat. Place the turkey legs on the cool side of the grill, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the last 1-2 minutes, move the legs directly over the heat to add grill marks and crispy skin.
• For a slow cooker, place the turkey legs in the pot with 1/2 cup of turkey broth, water, or wine. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until heated through (165°F).

Defrosting frozen turkey legs

Step 1: Submerge in Cold Water

The first method is to submerge the frozen turkey legs in cold water. Ensure that you do not remove the turkey legs from their original packaging before submerging them. This method typically takes around 2-4 hours, depending on the size and number of turkey legs.

Step 2: Overnight Thawing

If you're planning ahead, you can also defrost turkey legs by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. This method ensures a slow and safe thawing process.

Step 3: Air Fryer Adjustment

When using the air fryer, it's important to note that cooking frozen turkey legs will require a slight adjustment to your cooking time. Simply follow your chosen recipe, but add an additional 5-6 minutes to the total cook time. This ensures that the internal temperature of the turkey legs reaches the recommended 165°F.

Step 4: Temperature Check

Regardless of the defrosting method you choose, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey legs before serving. This ensures that your meat is properly cooked and safe to eat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Lean Turkey Legs

If you're working with lean turkey legs, remember to adjust your cooking time to prevent overcooking. Start by halving the recommended cooking time and then cook for longer if needed. Use your meat thermometer to check when they're done.

By following these steps, you'll be able to defrost and cook your frozen turkey legs safely and effectively in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious and crispy meal.

Should you brine turkey legs before air frying?

Brining is a great way to infuse your turkey legs with flavour and moisture, leading to tender and juicy meat. However, it is not necessary to brine turkey legs before air frying. Air fryers are excellent at keeping the inside of the turkey moist and tender, and with the help of a seasoning or butter rub, your turkey legs will be juicy and full of flavour.

If you do decide to brine your turkey legs, you can make a simple brine with water and salt, or a salt and sugar brine with a bit of lemon juice. Make sure the turkey legs are completely submerged in the brine and leave them to soak for at least two hours or overnight. After brining, be sure to pat the turkey legs dry before air frying, and let the turkey legs absorb your chosen rub or seasoning for at least an hour.

Frequently asked questions