How to Cook Juicy, Tender Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer

How to Cook Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed year-round. They’re also a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas. But if you don’t have a lot of time to cook, you can still enjoy perfectly roasted turkey legs in your air fryer.

Air frying is a quick and easy way to cook turkey legs without having to turn on your oven. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook turkey legs in an air fryer so that they come out juicy and flavorful.

We’ll also share some tips for getting the best results, and answer some common questions about air frying turkey legs. So whether you’re looking for a new way to cook turkey legs or you’re just short on time, read on for all the information you need!

| Step | Instructions | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees F. | |
| 2 | Rinse and pat dry turkey legs. | |
| 3 | Season turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. | |
| 4 | Place turkey legs in the air fryer basket. | |
| 5 | Cook turkey legs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. | |
| 6 | Let turkey legs rest for 5 minutes before serving. | |

Introduction

Turkey legs are a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year. They are also a great option for people who are looking for a healthier way to cook turkey. Air frying turkey legs is a great way to get all of the flavor of roasted turkey without the added fat and calories.

Air fryers are a relatively new kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. This method of cooking is healthier than traditional frying because it uses less oil. Air fryers also cook food quickly, so you can have your turkey legs on the table in no time.

This guide will show you how to cook turkey legs in an air fryer. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions and tips for making the best possible turkey legs.

Preparing the Turkey Legs

The first step is to prepare the turkey legs. This involves thawing the turkey legs, patting them dry, and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

To thaw the turkey legs, you can either place them in the refrigerator overnight or in a sink full of cold water. Once the turkey legs are thawed, pat them dry with paper towels.

Season the turkey legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can use a dry rub, a wet marinade, or a combination of both.

Cooking the Turkey Legs

The next step is to cook the turkey legs in the air fryer. This is a very simple process.

First, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Next, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket.

Cook the turkey legs for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Checking the Internal Temperature

The best way to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving the Turkey Legs

Once the turkey legs are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Serve the turkey legs immediately. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer

Here are a few tips for cooking turkey legs in an air fryer:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes after they are cooked. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.
* Serve the turkey legs immediately. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Air frying turkey legs is a great way to get all of the flavor of roasted turkey without the added fat and calories. This method of cooking is quick and easy, and it produces perfectly cooked turkey legs every time.

Here are the steps for cooking turkey legs in an air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook the turkey legs for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

How to Cook Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer

Air frying is a great way to cook turkey legs because it is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy turkey dinner. This method also helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy.

To cook turkey legs in an air fryer, you will need:

* 2 turkey legs
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey legs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey legs.
5. Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer

* For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on turkey legs. The skin will get crispy and the meat will be juicy and flavorful.
* If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook turkey legs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the turkey legs for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Be sure to let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy.
* Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.

Resting the Turkey Legs

After cooking the turkey legs, it is important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help to keep the meat moist and juicy.

To rest the turkey legs, simply remove them from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board. Cover the turkey legs with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Tips for Resting Turkey Legs

* The longer you let the turkey legs rest, the more moist and juicy they will be.
* If you are in a hurry, you can skip the resting period. However, the turkey legs will not be as moist and juicy.
* You can also rest the turkey legs in a preheated oven. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and place the turkey legs on a baking sheet. Cover the turkey legs with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.

Serving the Turkey Legs

Once the turkey legs have rested, they are ready to be served. Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or corn on the cob.

Tips for Serving Turkey Legs

* Turkey legs are a great main dish for a holiday dinner or special occasion.
* You can also serve turkey legs as part of a buffet or potluck.
* Turkey legs can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.
* Leftover turkey legs can be made into sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Air frying is a great way to cook turkey legs because it is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, crispy turkey dinner. This method also helps to keep the turkey moist and juicy.

To cook turkey legs in an air fryer, you will need:

* 2 turkey legs
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey legs and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey legs.
5

How long do I cook turkey legs in an air fryer?

Turkey legs should be cooked for 20-25 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F.

What temperature should I cook turkey legs in an air fryer?

Turkey legs should be cooked at 350 degrees F.

Can I cook frozen turkey legs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs in an air fryer. However, they will take longer to cook than thawed turkey legs.

What if my turkey legs are too big for my air fryer?

If your turkey legs are too big for your air fryer, you can cut them in half or quarters. You can also cook them in batches.

What should I do if my turkey legs are dry?

If your turkey legs are dry, you can baste them with olive oil or butter while they cook. You can also cook them at a lower temperature for a longer period of time.

What should I serve with turkey legs?

Turkey legs are a great main dish for a holiday meal. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. You can also serve them with a variety of sauces, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, or barbecue sauce.

cooking turkey legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. By following the steps in this guide, you can cook perfectly cooked turkey legs that are juicy and flavorful. Be sure to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your favorite combination. And don’t forget to share your creations with your friends and family!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!