Cody Casey
Turkey legs are a fun and tasty meal that can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 45 minutes. The air fryer is the perfect way to cook crispy turkey legs with a juicy, tender inside. The magic of the air fryer is that it provides a crispy outer layer without using much oil. This is a simple recipe that can be served with a variety of side dishes for a full-on meal.
How to Cook Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Turkey Legs | Fresh or fully thawed |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasonings | Smoked paprika, brown sugar, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, pepper, poultry seasoning, Herbs de Provence |
| Pat Dry | Use paper towels |
| Rub | Combine butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes, flip and rotate, and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
| Reheating | Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 5-8 minutes |
Explore related products
$116.99 $179.99
What You'll Learn
Choosing the turkey legs
Choosing the right turkey legs is an important step in the cooking process. Here are some tips to help you select the best ones for your air fryer:
First, decide on the size of the turkey legs you want to cook. They typically come in packs of two or three and weigh around 10-12 ounces each. If you're cooking for a smaller household, consider buying smaller drumsticks. However, if you're feeding a larger crowd, you might opt for larger turkey legs. Just keep in mind that larger legs may not fit in your air fryer, depending on its size.
Next, consider the type of turkey legs you want. You can choose between fresh or fully thawed turkey legs. Fresh legs will provide more even cooking and a crispier texture in the air fryer. If you opt for frozen turkey legs, be sure to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. It's also recommended to thaw frozen turkey legs before cooking for the best results.
When selecting your turkey legs, look for ones that are lean. Lean turkey legs will cook faster, so you'll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. You can also opt to brine your turkey legs, but this is not necessary when using an air fryer, as it does a great job of keeping the meat moist and tender.
Finally, don't overcrowd your air fryer. Make sure there is enough space around each turkey leg in the basket for proper air circulation, which is key to achieving that crispy texture. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the turkey legs in batches.
Air Fryer Pancakes: A Quick, Easy Breakfast Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the seasoning
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to mix them together in a small bowl. Combine your chosen spices with your olive oil or melted butter and mix until you have a smooth, even consistency. You can also add some of the oil or butter to the mixture after coating the turkey legs, to add an extra layer of flavour.
Before applying the seasoning to the turkey legs, it's important to pat the legs dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure a crispier skin. Once the turkey legs are dry, use your hands or a brush to thoroughly coat each leg with the seasoning mixture. Make sure to get under the skin, as this will add more flavour to the meat.
If you're using a dry rub, you can also spray the turkey legs with olive oil before applying the seasoning. This will help the spices stick to the meat and add a bit of extra moisture. It's important to ensure the turkey legs are fully covered in the seasoning mixture, so don't be shy about using your hands to really work it in.
Air Frying Chicken: Flour Coating, a Good Idea?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Applying the seasoning
There are several ways to season turkey legs before cooking them in an air fryer. One option is to use a dry rub. Combine garlic powder, garlic salt, seasoned pepper, brown sugar, and rosemary in a small bowl. Spray the turkey legs on both sides with olive oil and evenly coat them with the dry rub. You can also add onion powder to the dry rub for extra flavor.
Another option is to use a wet rub or butter rub. Combine butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Apply the seasoned butter rub to the turkey meat, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly and get under the skin as well. You can also use olive oil, poultry seasoning, parsley, salt, paprika, and pepper for your wet rub. Brush half of the oil mixture on all sides of the turkey legs, then place them in the air fryer basket.
If you want to reduce the fat content, you can remove the skin before applying the seasoning. However, the skin of the turkey legs will become crispy and flavorful when cooked in the air fryer, so leaving it on is recommended.
Make sure to pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels before applying the seasoning. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure that the skin gets crispy.
Air-Frying Fillet Steak: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cooking the turkey legs
First, remove the turkey legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside. Next, make your rub by combining butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also add dried thyme, poultry seasoning, Herbs de Provence, and rosemary to the mix. Apply the rub to the turkey meat, ensuring the entire leg is evenly coated. Try to get the rub under the skin as well for extra flavour.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch the top of the air fryer or overlap, as this may cause burning. Make sure there is space around each turkey leg in the basket for even cooking.
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 the leg reaches 165 degrees F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey legs and your air fryer, so adjust accordingly. If you are cooking lean turkey legs, you may need to reduce the cooking time. If you notice the turkey legs browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F.
Once the turkey legs are cooked, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Air-Fryer Beer-Batter Cod: A Quick, Crispy Treat!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Storing and reheating
Storing:
When storing your leftover turkey legs, use airtight containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. You can store leftover turkey legs in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you don't plan to eat them within this time frame, freezing is an option. Wrap the turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
There are several appliances and techniques you can use to reheat your turkey legs, including an air fryer, oven, microwave, grill, or slow cooker. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:
Air Fryer:
Reheat your turkey legs in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey legs from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 10-30 minutes. Carve the legs into more manageable pieces, if desired, and place them on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of broth or stock, and cover with aluminium foil to retain moisture. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Microwave:
Unwrap your turkey legs and place them in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring they don't touch. Cover loosely with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard. Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes per leg, depending on size and thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Slow Cooker:
Place your turkey legs in a slow cooker with some vegetables and broth. Add your favourite seasonings, cover, and cook on low for a few hours until heated through.
Grill:
Although specific instructions are not available, you can reheat your turkey legs on a grill, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Some additional tips for reheating:
- It is best to reheat turkey legs with the bone still in to retain moisture.
- Reheat only what you will eat to avoid wasting food or risking your health.
- Reheat your turkey legs only once to minimise the risk of bacterial growth.
Air-Frying Poached Eggs: A Quick, Easy Breakfast
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes about 28-40 minutes to cook turkey legs in an air fryer, depending on the size of the legs and your air fryer.
Set your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. If you notice the turkey legs browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F.
For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning. Make sure there is space around each turkey leg in the air fryer for even cooking.
The turkey legs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the leg.
