Moist, tender turkey legs made in the air fryer are the perfect main dish for a small holiday gathering.
Does your meal require turkey but you don’t have enough guests to justify roasting a whole bird? Maybe even a turkey breast seems like a little too much meat?
In these cases, I opt for turkey legs. They are a budget-friendly option that won’t result in any waste.
Though I’m fond of smoking turkey legs, cooking them in the air fryer is quicker, easier, and doesn’t require any brining. I dare say they turn out juicer as well!
Ingredients
- Turkey legs – Supermarkets usually sell these fresh around Thanksgiving and Christmas time. You can also sometimes find them at Costco and likely year round at your local butcher.
- Herbs – You can use a store-bought seasoning mix. This one or herbs de Provence are my two favorites. If you have a well-stocked spice cabinet, use my blend in the recipe below.
- Salt – I’m using diamond crystal. If you’re using table salt, be sure to reduce the amount as noted in the recipe.
- Oil – Any neutral tasting oil, like avocado or canola oil.
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How to make
Step 1
Pat each turkey leg dry with a paper towel, then brush them with oil.
Step 2
Sprinkle each leg with seasoning, then gently rub it all over.
Step 3
Place raw turkey legs in the air fryer. Cook for 30 minutes at 400°F. Flip half way through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4
Use an instant thermometer to see if they are ready. Turkey legs are done when golden brown and internal temperature 165°F at the thickest part.
If yours aren’t done, cook another 5 minutes and check again.
Tips
- Avoid purchasing “jumbo” turkey legs as they may not fit in your air fryer.
- Experiment with different seasonings. Cajun and lemon pepper are both good choices for poultry.
- Stock up on turkey legs when they go on sale around the holidays so you can make them year-round.
- For the juiciest meat, allow them to rest covered in foil for 10-15 minutes after cooking.
Leftovers
How to store
Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to three days.
How to reheat
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the leftover turkey leg in the basket and heat 6-8 minutes, until heated through.
What to serve it with
Turkey legs are great when served with any kind of potatoes. We’re fond of having them with twice baked potato casserole and funeral potatoes.
If you want to keep it simple and balanced, serve them with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Or, lean in to the comfort food aspect and have Instant Pot mac & cheese or fried apples.
For bread, Hawaiian rolls or air fried garlic bread are hard to beat!
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Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 2 turkey legs
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon diamond crystal salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Pat turkey legs dry and brush with oil.
- Sprinkle on the seasoning and rub all over the legs.
- Place in your air fryer and cook for 15 minutes at 400°F. Flip and cook another 15 minutes.
- Using a digital thermometer, ensure that the thickest part of the turkey leg is at least 165°F. If not, cook another 5 minutes and check again. Repeat as necessary.
- Allow turkey legs to rest at least 10 minutes after cooking, then serve with desired sides.
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