Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs
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Air Fryer Turkey Legs are tender and juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside and are ready in just 30 minutes! They make a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
I’m guessing turkey legs arenโt something you cook on a routine basis. Most of the time when I think about these, county fairs and Thanksgiving dinner come to mind first. While I love them, sometime I just donโt remember to make them.
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We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
But I actually had a craving the other week and decided I would try making turkey legs in the air fryer. And they were so tasty.
So I will not be forgetting to make these delicious turkey drumsticks anytime soon. I guess my mind was on fair food, because I also whipped up some Mexican Street Corn.
Most local grocery stores have turkey legs in stock year round. You can find them in the poultry section, usually in packages of two or three.
These would also be great served with an easy sausage stuffing recipe for a smaller holiday dinner. Or if your kids only eat the drumsticks and you have more kids than legs on a turkey (just me?).
New to air frying? Get the low down on maximizing your usage of this amazing small appliance, including easy clean up tips, with our best air fryer tips for beginners.
Air Fried Turkey Legs Ingredients
- turkey legs
- spray oil
Homemade Asada Seasoning Ingredients:
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cumin
- cayenne powder
- salt
- black pepper
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl while the air fryer preheats to 380 degrees F.
Rinse and pat dry the turkey legs.
Coat the legs in the seasoning mixture so they are covered evenly.
Place a parchment paper liner in the basket or spray the basket with a little oil and add the turkey legs. Spritz drumsticks with oil (an oil mister works great for this task).
Air fry for 20 minutes (or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F), flipping the legs at the halfway mark. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Remove from air fryer and allow them to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Unsure which oil to use? Check out our handy guide to the Best Oil for Air Fryers.
Tips for Making Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer
- When you are shopping for turkey legs, make sure they will fit in your air fryer basket.
- Make sure to pat the turkey legs completely dry. This is what helps the skin to get extra crispy.
- Donโt overcrowd the basket – leave room for air to circulate between the pieces.
- Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to cook in batches.
- To fit more turkey legs in the basket, alternate the direction the bones are facing.
- Cook times may vary a bit due to the size of the turkey legs. Just check the internal temperature before serving.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Drumsticks
Store leftovers in the frig in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 7-8 minutes at 350 degrees F, stirring at the halfway point.
Use up leftovers by shredding the turkey meat for soup, turkey pies or turkey salad.
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
Grab the free guide to Air Fryer Cooking Times Cheat Sheet & say goodbye to the guesswork.
Best Side Dishes for Turkey
We love serving this meal with country style potato salad or classic green bean casserole. Since the cooked legs have to rest for 10 minutes, you can use your air fryer again to make a quick batch of kale chips or frozen tater tots.
Can You Cook Frozen Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer?
If you are referring to store bought, yes you can. However, if you want to make your own using my seasoning, be sure to thaw them out first. This enables you to dry the legs so the seasoning will stick and the skin gets crispy.
MORE EASY
Main Course Air Fryer Recipes
This recipe was featured on Tuesday Turn About and Senior Salon Pit Stop.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 2 turkey legs
- oil , avocado, canola or vegetable
Asada Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Make asada blend by placing all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stirring to combine. Set aside.
- Rinse turkey legs and pat dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey legs with the asada seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use a parchment liner. Place turkey legs in the air fryer basket and spritz them with oil.
- Cook for 10 minutes, turn and continue cooking for 10 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐ F at the thickest part of the meat (use a meat thermometer).
- Remove drumsticks from air fryer and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the turkey legs you buy will fit in your air fryer basket.
- You may need to cook the legs one at a time if you have a smaller fryer basket.
- Cook times may vary based on the size of the turkey legs. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat in the air fryer: cook at 350 degrees F for 7-8 minutes, turning at the halfway point.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
Great seasoning and love doing it in the AF
Saw your post at The Answer is Chocolate: BFF Open House.
My entries this week are numbered #87+88
Hope you will join SSPS
Thanks, Esme!
I gotta try this in my air fryer! Thanks so much for joining us at this last week’s SSPS. I hope to see you again next week, I will be featuring your recipe.
It’s a game changer for sure, especially if you have multiple kids who’ll only eat the legs! Thanks for featuring my recipe, Estelle.
What an incredible, awesome AF version of Turkey legs. Love it and bookmarked it to try out.
Saw your post at The Hearth and Soul Link Party
I hope you like it, Esme! It’s perfect if you’re making a smaller meal or are limited on oven space.