Turkey legs in the air fryer are going to become a recipe fave! If you are looking for more air fryer recipes, check out this Air Fryer Chicken Breast, the juiciest chicken recipe that pairs perfectly with Air Fryer Dinner Rolls and Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini.
Turkey Legs for Dinner
The first time I had a smoked turkey leg was at a Renaissance Fair (or Ren Fair for you seasoned goers) and it was one of the most scrumptious things I had ever eaten. Full of smokey flavor, super juicy, and oh so tender. Those turkey legs are seriously craveable.
Luckily, we got Disney turkey legs not too long ago. We have also found them at the county fair, as well as our local pumpkin patch. We all love these turkey legs so much, I knew I had to start making them at home.
And when I do make them for dinner or even as a snack, it makes my whole family happy! It is just too easy cooking turkey legs in the air fryer.
I love that this recipe is completely kid friendly. My kids love eating these “caveman pops,” as we like to call them. They run around acting like cavemen and munching on these giant turkey legs like Vikings with little bits smeared across their faces.
Air Fried Turkey Legs
These crispy air fryer turkey legs add a fun spin at Thanksgiving, you can make them alongside your traditional oven cooked turkey to feed more people or with an air fryer turkey breast if you are planning a smaller holiday meal.
Roasted turkey legs are perfect for a Thanksgiving for two. There is no need to make an entire turkey when you can make turkey legs in an air fryer.
This recipe is easy and delicious enough to make as a munchie for football parties or get togethers. There is something so fun about eating these turkey legs and you are kind of allowed to get messy. Bring them to potlucks or picnics.
Why You’ll love this Recipe
- These cook faster in the air fryer than in the oven.
- Makes a smaller portion for smaller dinners.
- Makes a delicious dinner or holiday meal.
- There are only a few ingredients required for this turkey leg recipe.
- You get to use your air fryer for yet another amazing recipe!
Are Turkey Legs Healthy?
Since turkey is a lean protein, it is a healthier option to eating beef. But, the breast meat of the turkey is going to be a bit leaner than eating the dark meat (like the turkey legs). The legs are a little higher in calories and fat. If you are looking to cut calories you can always eat the leg meat without the skin on it, this will help reduce calories.
Of course, the reduction in calories really isn’t that drastically different and if you love eating dark meat, I say just go for it (especially during the holidays).
Where to Buy Turkey Legs?
Turkey legs are often found in your local supermarket, in the meat department. If you aren’t sure ask the butcher there. There are a couple stores around me that I was unable to find turkey legs. If you are unable to find turkey legs, you should be able to locate them at your local butcher.
Some may have the thigh still attached or you may find the drumsticks by themselves. Either one of these will work, but the legs with the thigh attached will need to cook longer and may not fit in the air fryer.
How to Eat a Turkey Leg?
We like to hold these in our hands by the bone and dig right in taking big bites out of the leg. You could be more dainty about it, I guess, and cut off pieces with a knife and fork. We find it fun to eat it like cavemen.
What to Serve with Turkey Legs?
Turkey legs can be eaten year ’round and not just around the holidays. They pair nicely with many different side dishes. Here are some great sides for air fryer turkey.
- Potatoes. Potatoes pair so well with turkey, especially salt and vinegar smashed potatoes or these amazing cheesy garlic mashed potatoes.
- Grains. Try turkey legs with our absolute favorite rice side dish lemon butter rice, garlic buttered noodles, or this spicy pasta salad.
- Breads. Bread is a must to have to complete a turkey dinner. Make these dinner rolls in the air fryer or make your own homemade French bread. You can make dressing (or stuffing)
- Vegetables. Gotta get those veggies in to make it a healthy meal. Try out these air fryer zucchini and squash, roasted asparagus, or brown sugar carrots.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs Ingredients
- Turkey Leg: Also known as turkey drumsticks, you want to get a smaller one that will not hit the top of the air fryer. The turkey leg should be raw but it can be smoked. If the turkey leg skin becomes burned in the air fryer just peel it off.
- Butter
- Seasonings: You will want to use smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Here are the basic step by step instructions of how to make air fryer turkey legs. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Leg Tips
- May need more or less cook time. Since all air fryers cook a little differently and turkey legs are all different sizes, they may need to be cooked longer or for less time.
- Cook it longer. If you have larger turkey legs or legs with the thigh still attached, they will need to cook for longer.
- Meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Make more turkey legs in batches. If you have more people to feed, you can cook these turkey legs in batches.
Variations
- After roasting turkey legs in air fryer, you can coat them in barbecue sauce.
- Try a pre-made marinade to coat the air fryer turkey legs.
- Use your favorite herbs or spices instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does turkey take in the air fryer? It really depends on the size of the turkey legs you are using. The recipe card below will be a good starting point for how long to cook the turkey.
What temp to cook turkey legs to? You want to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. When it is fully cooked it should read 165°F. Keep in mind that the turkey legs will continue to raise in temperature as it sits.
How do I know when turkey legs are cooked? When cooking turkey legs in an air fryer, you want to make sure that you check the temperature of the cooked meat with a meat thermometer. That is the best way to know if they are cooked through.
Storage Instructions
- How to Refrigerate Turkey Legs: Let the turkey legs cool and put them into an airtight container. They should last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- How to Freeze Turkey Legs: Let the turkey legs cool off completely before putting into an airtight container. Make sure to label with the recipe name and date. They should last about 3 months in the freezer.
- How to Thaw: Thaw the frozen turkey legs on a plate in the refrigerator overnight. Let the come up to room temperature before using.
- How to Reheat Turkey Leg in Air Fryer: Reheat cold turkey legs in an air fryer heated to 350 degrees f until heated through
Try these other dinner recipes!
- Air Fryer Ham Steaks
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Turkey Burgers in the Air Fryer
- Brats in the Air Fryer
NEVER MISS A RECIPE!
Follow me on social for more recipe ideas & inspiration!
PINTEREST / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 1 large raw turkey leg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Combine together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Melt the butter in a small microwave safe bowl. Brush all over the turkey leg.
- Sprinkle the whole leg with the seasoning.
- Place the turkey leg into the preheated air fryer. Cook for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time will be dependent upon size of turkey leg, cook until internal temperature is 165°F. If turkey leg skin starts getting too dark, wrap it in aluminum foil.
Recipe Notes
- May need more or less cook time. Since all air fryers cook a little differently and turkey legs are all different sizes, they may need to be cooked longer or for less time.
- Cook it longer. If you have larger turkey legs or legs with the thigh still attached, they will need to cook for longer.
- Meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Make more turkey legs in batches. If you have more people to feed, you can cook these turkey legs in batches.
Nutrition Information
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out!
If you’ve tried this or any other of my recipes, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and leave me a comment. I love hearing from you! Share a picture on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookedharvest.
Leave a Reply