Air-Fried Turkey Legs: A Quick, Tasty Treat

Turkey legs are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and with an air fryer, you can achieve crispy, juicy meat in no time. In this article, we will explore the simple steps to cooking delicious air fryer turkey legs, including how to season and cook the meat to perfection. We will also provide tips on how to avoid overcrowding the air fryer and ensure even cooking. So, whether you're a first-time air fryer user or a seasoned pro, read on to discover the secrets to mouth-watering turkey legs.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

If you notice that the turkey legs are browning too quickly or starting to burn, reduce the temperature to 325°F. This will allow the inside to continue cooking without further darkening the outside. Different air fryers can vary in heat intensity, so if you're using a high-wattage air fryer, check the turkey legs halfway through the cooking time and adjust the temperature as needed.

Pat the turkey legs dry

To cook turkey legs in an air fryer, you should first pat the turkey legs dry. This is an important step as it helps to ensure the skin is extra crispy. Use paper towels to pat the turkey legs dry and then set them aside.

It's important to make sure the turkey legs are completely dry before you move on to the next step, which is to make a rub. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You want to make sure the entire leg is evenly coated in the rub, so be generous with your application.

Once the turkey legs are coated, you can place them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time, and you're good to go!

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the size of your turkey legs and the type of air fryer you have. Always check the turkey legs halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Apply oil and seasoning

To cook turkey legs in an air fryer, you'll need to apply oil and seasoning to the meat. This will ensure the meat is juicy and full of flavour.

First, pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This will help the oil and seasoning stick to the meat. Next, make a rub by combining butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can adjust the measurements of each ingredient to your taste. Apply the rub to the turkey meat, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly.

If you don't have time to make a rub, you can simply sprinkle salt and pepper over the turkey legs, or use a store-bought spice rub. Generously season the turkey legs, ensuring they're fully covered. You can also lightly spray the turkey legs with cooking oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure the skin is crispy.

Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket

When placing the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, make sure they don't overlap or touch the top of the air fryer, or they may burn. Ensure there is space around each turkey leg for even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the legs in batches.

Before placing the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, pat them dry with paper towels and apply a seasoned butter rub to the meat, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly. You can also lightly spray the legs with cooking oil.

If you are using a high-wattage air fryer, check the turkey legs halfway through the cooking time and adjust the temperature as needed.

Cook for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes

Cooking a turkey leg in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. After seasoning the turkey legs, place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap and that there is space around each leg for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, flip the turkey legs and cook for another 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the meat is cooked evenly on both sides. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey legs and whether you are using fresh or smoked legs. For smaller turkey legs, reduce the cooking time by 5-8 minutes, and for larger turkey legs, add 5-10 minutes.

To achieve extra-crispy skin, pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning. If you notice that the turkey legs are browning too quickly or starting to burn, reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F. This will allow the inside to continue cooking without further darkening the outside.

Frequently asked questions