Tillie Doyle
Cooking turkey drumsticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy, and juicy turkey legs. The air fryer's hot circulating air ensures that the outside is crispy and golden, while the inside remains tender and moist. The cooking time depends on the size of the drumsticks and your air fryer, but it typically takes around 35-40 minutes for the internal temperature to reach 160-165°F. You can season your drumsticks with a variety of spices, herbs, and butter to add extra flavour to your meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 25 minutes on one side, then 10 minutes on the other side, or 35-40 minutes in total |
| Temperature | 370-400° F (205° C) |
| Internal temperature | 160-165° F, or 163° F |
| Prep | Pat dry, rub with olive oil and spices, or a seasoned butter rub |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey drumstick prep
Air-fried turkey drumsticks are a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under an hour. The air fryer's hot circulating air ensures that the outside is crispy, while the inside remains moist and juicy. This method is healthier than traditional frying as it uses less oil, and it's faster than oven roasting.
Shopping
Turkey drumsticks can usually be found at your local grocery store or butcher, especially around the holidays. Look for dark meat turkey legs, which typically come in packs of 2-3 and weigh around 2-3 lbs. If you can only find larger drumsticks, keep in mind that they may not fit in your air fryer, depending on its size. You can always freeze drumsticks for later if you can't cook them right away—just remember to thaw them before cooking.
Seasoning
For seasoning, you can use a blend of garlic, pepper, and rosemary or smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. First, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then rub both sides with olive oil and your chosen spices. Make sure the spices completely cover the meat, and don't be afraid to add more if needed. You can also try a seasoned butter rub, getting under the skin where you can.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 370-400° F (205° C) for 2-3 minutes. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, being careful not to let them touch. Cook for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through. If you're using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160-165° F when done. Some air fryers may require an additional 10-25 minutes to reach this temperature. If the drumsticks are browning too quickly, loosely tent them with foil and continue cooking until they reach the correct temperature.
Storage
Cooked turkey drumsticks can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350° F until crispy and warm.
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Air fryer temperature
Air fryer turkey drumsticks are a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy and juicy turkey legs. The air fryer's hot circulating air ensures a consistent cook, with a crispy outside and moist inside.
The air fryer temperature you use is important to get right to ensure the turkey is properly cooked and is safe to eat. Preheat your air fryer to around 400° F (205° C). This will take about 2-3 minutes. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. The ideal temperature for cooking turkey drumsticks is 370° F. The drumsticks should be cooked for around 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through. The internal temperature of the drumsticks should reach 160-165° F when they are done. You can check this with a meat thermometer. If the meat is not done, cook for another 10 minutes and check again. Some larger drumsticks may take a little longer to reach the correct temperature.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the size of your air fryer. Larger drumsticks may take longer to cook, and you should ensure they fit in your air fryer before purchasing. Always ensure your turkey drumsticks are fully defrosted before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for turkey drumsticks in an air fryer depends on the size of the drumsticks and the air fryer model. A typical air fryer turkey drumstick recipe suggests cooking the drumsticks for about 35 to 40 minutes at 370-400°F (205°C), turning them halfway through. The drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160-165°F. Some recipes suggest brushing the drumsticks with oil and spices before placing them in the air fryer, which can add to the cooking time.
It's important to note that larger drumsticks may take longer to cook, and if they are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil and continue cooking until they reach the correct internal temperature. Additionally, if you are cooking lean turkey legs, you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. You can start by cutting the suggested cooking time in half and then cooking longer if needed. An instant thermometer should read 165°F when the turkey legs are done.
The air fryer's hot circulating air ensures that the drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a delicious and quick option for a weeknight dinner or a small holiday gathering. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the drumsticks, so it's always good to keep an eye on them during cooking.
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F until crispy and warm. You can also freeze leftover drumsticks for up to 3 months.
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Internal temperature
The internal temperature of the turkey drumsticks is an important factor in determining how long to cook them in an air fryer. The target internal temperature for cooked turkey drumsticks is 160-165°F, although some sources recommend a slightly higher temperature of 163°F. This temperature ensures that the meat is cooked properly and is safe to eat.
To achieve the desired internal temperature, it is recommended to cook the turkey drumsticks in the air fryer for about 35-40 minutes. However, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the specific air fryer being used. Larger turkey legs may take longer to reach the desired internal temperature.
It is crucial to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks during the cooking process. By inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, you can accurately determine its temperature. If the desired temperature has not been reached, the drumsticks should be cooked for a few minutes longer until they reach the safe internal temperature.
Additionally, the type of turkey drumstick can impact the cooking time. Lean turkey legs, for example, may require a shorter cooking time to prevent them from drying out. By starting with a shorter cooking time and adjusting as needed, you can ensure that lean turkey legs remain moist and juicy.
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Storage and reheating
Storing and reheating your air-fried turkey drumsticks is a straightforward process. To store your cooked drumsticks, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay good in the fridge for 3–4 days.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze leftover drumsticks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, depending on the source.
When you are ready to enjoy your drumsticks again, simply reheat them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until they are heated through and have reached your desired level of crispiness. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, but they may lose some of their crispy texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time varies depending on the size of the drumsticks and your air fryer, but most recipes recommend cooking for around 40 minutes.
The temperature depends on the seasoning and oil used. Some recipes recommend cooking at 370° F (187° C) or 400° F (205° C). The ideal internal temperature of the drumsticks is 165° F (74° C).
You can season your drumsticks with a variety of spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, poultry seasoning, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. You can also use olive oil or butter to help the spices stick to the meat and ensure a crispy skin.
Your turkey drumsticks are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165° F (74° C). You can also check by looking at the bone; the meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.
Yes, you can store cooked turkey drumsticks in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350° F (177° C) until crispy and warm.
