Air Fryer Turkey Legs: How Long To Fry?

Turkey legs cooked in an air fryer are a delicious, juicy, and convenient meal. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small Thanksgiving gathering. The air fryer's hot circulating air gives the legs a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the size of the legs and your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 25-40 minutes to cook turkey legs in an air fryer.

How to season turkey legs

Ingredients

To season your turkey legs, you will need the following ingredients:

• Turkey legs (fresh or fully thawed)
• Olive oil, or unsalted butter
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Seasoned salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Poultry seasoning
• Dried parsley flakes

Method

First, remove the turkey legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside.

Next, make your rub by combining the butter or olive oil with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to include. You can also add in some chili powder for an extra kick of spice. Apply this rub to the turkey meat, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly and get under the skin as well.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it's heated, place the turkey legs inside, 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 10-20 minutes, depending on their size. You can check if they're done by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg; it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to cook turkey legs in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 large turkey legs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar
• Seasoned salt
• Optional: rosemary, onion powder, poultry seasoning, unsalted butter, garlic salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, avocado oil, canola oil

Method

• Combine your seasonings in a small bowl. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a typical combination includes salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
• Pat dry your turkey legs.
• Rub your spice mixture all over your turkey legs, making sure to get under the skin.
• Lightly spray or brush your turkey legs with oil.
• Place the turkey legs in your air fryer basket.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Air fry the turkey legs for 15-20 minutes.
• Flip the turkey legs and lightly spray or brush with oil again.
• Air fry for another 15-20 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the turkey legs with a meat thermometer. They are done when they have reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips

• If you have time, take your turkey legs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking to let them come up to room temperature. This will make it easier to apply the seasoning rub.
• If your turkey legs are frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your turkey legs, you may need to cook them in batches.
• For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning.
• If your turkey legs are browning too quickly or burning, reduce the temperature of your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you are cooking pre-cooked turkey legs, you will only need to air fry them for about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Barbecue sauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Salad

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating your turkey legs correctly is crucial to preserving their flavour and texture. Here is a detailed guide to help you do it right:

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the cooked turkey legs cool down to room temperature.
• Place the leftover turkey legs in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, wrap the turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or brush with a small amount of oil.
• Place the leftover turkey legs in the air fryer.
• Reheat for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Alternative Reheating Methods:

• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the turkey legs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat for 10 minutes per pound of meat.
• Stovetop: Place the turkey legs in a skillet or pan with broth, cover, and simmer until heated through. For crispier skin, remove the broth, add oil, and cook for 3-5 minutes.

Tips for Moist and Juicy Leftovers:

• Before storing, wrap the turkey legs in foil or plastic wrap to retain moisture.
• When reheating, use broth, stock, butter, gravy, or other fluids to baste the turkey legs and prevent them from drying out.
• Let the turkey legs come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before reheating.

How to cook smoked turkey legs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 smoked turkey legs
• 1 teaspoon of oil for every two legs (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
• Lightly spray or coat each turkey leg with oil (optional).
• Arrange the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch the top of the air fryer.
• Air fry the smoked turkey legs for about 10 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey legs.
• Check for doneness by inserting a quick-read thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey legs. Ensure they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

• This method is for pre-cooked, pre-smoked turkey legs only. Ensure your turkey legs are pre-cooked before air frying.
• If your turkey legs are frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the turkey legs in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels before placing them in the air fryer.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your turkey legs, so adjust accordingly.

What to serve turkey legs with

Turkey legs are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with turkey legs:

Potato Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Crispy potato wedges
• Roasted garlic smashed potatoes
• Cheddar-herb roasted potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Smashed potatoes
• Hasselback potatoes with chives and butter

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Roasted or grilled vegetables (e.g. asparagus, carrots, green beans)
• Maple-roasted Brussels sprouts
• Roasted root vegetables
• Roasted vegetable medley
• Smoked broccoli
• Smoked carrots in brown butter
• Smoked garlic bread
• Smoked mac and cheese
• Collard greens
• Smoked mashed potatoes with bacon and cheese
• Cornbread
• Smoked corn bread

Salads

• Green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Apple and feta salad
• Orange and cranberry salad
• Butternut squash salad
• Beet and arugula salad with maple balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted carrot and chickpea salad
• Fall salad with pumpkin and beets

Other Side Dishes

• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Soup (e.g. pumpkin sweet potato soup)
• Rolls
• Sauteed green beans with shallots
• Turkey rub
• Smoked garlic

Desserts

• Pumpkin pie
• Apple pie
• Banana cream pie cups
• Chocolate-dipped orange slices
• Pumpkin pie bars

So, whether you're serving turkey legs for a weeknight meal, Thanksgiving dinner, or a potluck, there are plenty of side dish options to choose from to create a memorable and tasty meal.

Frequently asked questions