Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish

Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve for dinner. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish that everyone will love, air fryer pre-cooked turkey legs are a great option.

Air fryer turkey legs are cooked in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them in the oven, and they come out perfectly juicy and flavorful. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even a beginner cook can do it.

To make air fryer pre-cooked turkey legs, simply preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the skin is crispy.

Serve the turkey legs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. Your family and friends will love this delicious and easy Thanksgiving side dish!

Ingredients Instructions Cook Time
  • 2 pre-cooked turkey legs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  1. Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush turkey legs with the spice mixture.
  5. Place turkey legs in the air fryer basket.
  6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
15-20 minutes

What are pre-cooked turkey legs?

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a convenient and easy-to-cook option for busy families or anyone who doesn’t have time to cook a whole turkey. They are typically sold in the frozen section of grocery stores and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer.

Benefits of using pre-cooked turkey legs

There are a number of benefits to using pre-cooked turkey legs, including:

* Convenience: Pre-cooked turkey legs are a quick and easy way to cook a delicious and healthy meal. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, and they don’t require any special preparation.
* Ease of cooking: Pre-cooked turkey legs are very easy to cook. They can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer. Simply follow the package directions, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
* Healthfulness: Pre-cooked turkey legs are a healthy option for a quick and easy meal. They are a good source of protein, and they are also low in fat and calories.

How to choose the best pre-cooked turkey legs

When choosing pre-cooked turkey legs, there are a few things to keep in mind:

* Brand: There are a number of different brands of pre-cooked turkey legs available on the market. Choose a brand that you trust and that has a good reputation.
* Size: Pre-cooked turkey legs come in a variety of sizes. Choose a size that is appropriate for the number of people you are feeding.
* Price: Pre-cooked turkey legs can vary in price. Choose a price that is within your budget.
* Ingredients: Read the ingredient list carefully to make sure that the pre-cooked turkey legs are made with high-quality ingredients. Avoid products that contain a lot of sodium or other unhealthy ingredients.

How to cook pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer

Cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal. Here are the steps involved:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the pre-cooked turkey legs in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the turkey legs are heated through and cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Baste the turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sauce or marinade, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through.

Tips for cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer:

* To make the turkey legs more flavorful, marinate them in your favorite barbecue sauce or marinade before cooking.
* For a crispy skin, brush the turkey legs with oil before cooking.
* To prevent the turkey legs from drying out, baste them with your favorite barbecue sauce or marinade halfway through cooking.
* Cook the turkey legs until they are heated through and cooked to your desired doneness.

Common mistakes to avoid when cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer

When cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer, it is important to avoid making these common mistakes:

* Not preheating the air fryer. Preheating the air fryer will help to ensure that the turkey legs cook evenly.
* Overcooking the turkey legs. The turkey legs should be cooked until they are heated through and cooked to your desired doneness. Overcooking the turkey legs will make them dry and tough.
* Not basting the turkey legs. Basting the turkey legs with your favorite barbecue sauce or marinade will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
* Not checking the turkey legs for doneness. It is important to check the turkey legs for doneness before serving them. The turkey legs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a convenient and easy-to-cook option for busy families or anyone who doesn’t have time to cook a whole turkey. They are a healthy and flavorful option that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer. By following the tips in this guide, you can cook perfectly cooked pre-cooked turkey legs in your air fryer every time.

3. Recipes for cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy turkey without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Air frying is a great way to cook pre-cooked turkey legs because it is quick, easy, and produces a crispy, flavorful result.

Here are four delicious recipes for cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer:

Recipe 1: Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

* 4 pre-cooked turkey legs
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the turkey legs with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Air fry the turkey legs for 10 minutes per side, or until heated through and browned.
5. Serve immediately.

Recipe 2: Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs with Honey Sriracha Glaze

Ingredients:

* 4 pre-cooked turkey legs
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
3. Brush the turkey legs with the glaze.
4. Air fry the turkey legs for 10 minutes per side, or until heated through and glazed.
5. Serve immediately.

Recipe 3: Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs with Buffalo Sauce

Ingredients:

* 4 pre-cooked turkey legs
* 1 cup Buffalo sauce
* 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the Buffalo sauce and butter.
3. Brush the turkey legs with the Buffalo sauce mixture.
4. Air fry the turkey legs for 10 minutes per side, or until heated through and coated in the Buffalo sauce.
5. Serve immediately.

Recipe 4: Air Fryer Pre-Cooked Turkey Legs with Teriyaki Sauce

Ingredients:

* 4 pre-cooked turkey legs
* 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, and vegetable oil.
3. Brush the turkey legs with the teriyaki sauce mixture.
4. Air fry the turkey legs for 10 minutes per side, or until heated through and glazed.
5. Serve immediately.

4. FAQs about cooking pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer

Q: Can I cook frozen pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer. However, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 50%.

Q: How long do I cook pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

The cooking time for pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer will vary depending on the size of the legs and the desired doneness. For small legs, cook for 5-7 minutes per side. For large legs, cook for 7-9 minutes per side.

Q: What temperature do I cook pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

The recommended cooking temperature for pre-cooked turkey legs in an air fryer is 375 degrees F.

Q: What are some side dishes to serve with pre-cooked turkey legs?

There are many delicious side dishes that you can serve with pre-cooked turkey legs. Some popular options include:

* Mashed potatoes
* Sweet potato fries
* Coleslaw
* Corn on the cob
* Green beans
* Salad

Pre-cooked turkey legs are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy turkey without having to spend hours

Q: Can I cook pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey legs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.

Q: How long do I cook pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: Pre cooked turkey legs will take 5-7 minutes per side to cook in an air fryer.

Q: What temperature should I cook pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: You should cook pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What do I do if my pre cooked turkey legs are dry?

A: If your pre cooked turkey legs are dry, you can add a little bit of oil to them before cooking them in the air fryer. You can also cook them for a shorter amount of time.

Q: What can I serve with pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: You can serve pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Q: How do I store pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: You can store pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I reheat pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer?

A: To reheat pre cooked turkey legs in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the turkey legs for 3-5 minutes per side, or until heated through.

pre-cooked turkey legs are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Air frying is a great way to cook pre-cooked turkey legs because it is quick, easy, and produces a crispy, flavorful result. Be sure to follow the tips in this article to ensure that your pre-cooked turkey legs turn out perfectly.

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!