Marianne Martinez
Turkey legs are a great option for a quick, tasty, and juicy meal. They can be cooked in an air fryer in under 45 minutes, making them a convenient choice for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering. The air fryer gives the turkey legs a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside. The cooking time and temperature settings may vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and the type of air fryer being used. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking turkey legs in an air fryer, including tips on seasoning and achieving the perfect crispiness.
How to cook turkey legs in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 25-45 minutes |
| Temperature | 325°F-400°F |
| Turkey leg weight | 10-12 oz |
| Turkey leg number | 2-3 |
| Turkey type | Fresh or fully thawed |
| Skin | Crispy |
| Meat | Juicy |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, parsley, brown sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter |
| Meat thermometer temperature | 165°F-180°F |
| Reheating temperature | 350°F |
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$156.83 $179.99
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right turkey legs
Freshness and Size:
Opt for fresh or fully thawed turkey legs, as they will cook more evenly and yield a crispier texture in the air fryer. You can typically find them in the poultry section of your local grocery store, usually sold in packs of two or three. The standard size is around 10–12 ounces each, but you can also find smaller or larger drumsticks. Keep in mind that bigger legs may not fit in your air fryer, so choose a size that suits your appliance.
Purpose and Quantity:
Consider how many people you plan to serve and the purpose of your meal. Turkey legs are a great option for small gatherings or weeknight dinners, as they are economical and feed four to six people. If you're cooking for a larger group, you might need to cook in batches or adjust the recipe accordingly.
Personal Preference:
Decide if you prefer white or dark meat. Turkey legs are known for their juicy dark meat, but if you prefer white meat, consider alternative cuts like a turkey crown or turkey roll. Additionally, some people prefer the convenience of lean turkey legs, which have a shorter cooking time.
Availability:
Turkey legs tend to be more readily available around holidays, so plan your purchase accordingly. If you can't find them year-round, buy extra during the holidays and freeze them for later use. Just remember to thaw frozen drumsticks before cooking.
Ethical Considerations:
If ethical sourcing is important to you, research the origin of the turkey legs. Some sources suggest that the treatment of turkeys, especially those sourced for larger legs, may raise ethical concerns. Consider the welfare of the birds and make choices that align with your values.
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Preparing the legs
Next, remove the legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy skin. If you've bought frozen turkey legs, make sure to fully thaw them before this step.
Now it's time to make the rub. In a small bowl, combine butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, or oregano for extra flavour. Mix the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
Once the rub is ready, it's time to apply it to the turkey legs. Coat the legs generously, ensuring the entire leg is evenly covered. Don't forget to get under the skin! This step will ensure that the flavour permeates the meat.
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Making the rub
Firstly, you'll want to gather your ingredients. A common spice rub includes garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary. You can also add brown sugar and thyme for extra flavour. If you want to get creative, try using Cajun seasoning, BBQ rubs, or lemon pepper instead of the standard spices.
Once you have your spices, it's time to mix them together. Combine equal parts of each spice in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to your taste preferences. For example, if you like your food spicy, add a little extra pepper or paprika.
If you want to make a wet rub, you can add butter or olive oil to the spice mixture. This will create a paste-like consistency and help the rub adhere to the turkey legs. Simply add a few tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil to the spice mixture and stir until well combined.
You can also brine the turkey legs before applying the rub. Brining helps to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. To brine, simply soak the turkey legs in a mixture of water and salt for a few hours before cooking.
Finally, apply the rub generously to the turkey legs, ensuring they are fully coated. Use your hands or a brush to rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If using a wet rub, you can use a spoon or your hands to apply the paste to the meat.
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Cooking the legs
First, remove the turkey legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside. Next, make the rub by combining butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a small bowl. You can also add olive oil, brown sugar, and thyme to the mixture. Apply the seasoned butter rub to the turkey meat, ensuring that the entire leg is evenly coated. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can remove the skin, but the crispy skin adds flavour and texture to the dish.
Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the seasoned turkey legs into the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap or touch the top of the air fryer to prevent burning. Leave some space around each turkey leg in the basket for even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the legs in batches.
Cook the turkey legs for 20 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 8-15 minutes. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the legs and whether they are fresh or smoked. For smaller legs, reduce the cooking time by 5-8 minutes, and for larger legs, add 5-10 minutes. If you are using smoked turkey legs, reduce the total cooking time by 10 minutes as they are usually pre-cooked. The legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165-180°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the leg.
Your air fryer turkey legs are now ready to be served! They should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Enjoy!
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Storing and reheating
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the cooked turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen turkey legs again, simply reheat them in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop if you prefer.
Reheating in the air fryer is a great option as it helps maintain the crispy skin and juicy meat texture that makes air-fried turkey legs so delicious. It's a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers, and you can have them ready in less than 10 minutes.
Additionally, if you're short on time and need to cook frozen turkey legs, you can do so in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes, and always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 28-30 minutes at 380°F to cook turkey legs in an air fryer, depending on their size. You should cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
To get the skin of the turkey legs crispy, pat them dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning. You can also try reducing the temperature to 325°F if the skin is browning too quickly.
You can season turkey legs with a dry rub made of garlic powder, garlic salt, seasoned pepper, brown sugar, rosemary, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also add olive oil to this mixture.
