If you're looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort, Air Fryer Turkey Legs are the perfect choice. Air frying delivers crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat in a fraction of the time compared to traditional roasting. Whether you're preparing Thanksgiving family dinner or simply craving a taste of a giant turkey leg, this recipe is an amazing option.
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Table of Contents
Brandi's Key Ingredients
- Turkey Legs
- Olive Oil
- Creole Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Pepper
Where to Buy Turkey Legs and How to Shop
Some standard grocers will keep brands like Butterball and Jenni-O on hand year-round. Major supermarkets like Walmart, Kroger, Publix, or Safeway carry turkey legs, especially around holidays like Thanksgiving. Check the poultry section, and they might have fresh or frozen options.
Your local butcher shop often has higher-quality cuts, including fresh turkey legs. You may also be able to request organic or free-range options.
Look for turkey legs with the skin on for a crispier result. The skin locks in moisture and adds texture. Turkey legs can vary in size. If you're serving multiple people, ensure the legs are large enough to meet your needs. Typically, one large turkey leg serves one person generously.
The meat should have a pinkish hue, and the skin should look moist, not dry or discolored. Avoid any legs that look gray or have a slimy texture, as these can indicate spoilage. Ensure that the packaging is intact and free from tears or leaks. Check the sell-by date or expiration date to ensure you're getting the freshest product possible.
How to Defrost
You can defrost them in the fridge overnight. This is the safest and most convenient method, but it requires some advance planning. Allow approximately 24 hours of defrosting time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
You can also defrost them in cold water. Place the turkey legs in a leak-proof bag. Fill a large bowl or container with cold water. Submerge the turkey legs in the water. Make sure the legs are in an airtight bag to prevent contamination. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. This helps ensure that the turkey legs defrost evenly and maintain a safe temperature.
How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Pat the drumsticks dry and rub both sides with olive oil and spices.
- Place the legs in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry.
Air Fryer Temperature
I use 370 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook the drumsticks for about 35 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
How to Tell When Turkey is Done
- Internal Temperature: You will need to use a meat thermometer. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of one the turkey legs without touching the bone. According to the USDA, Poultry must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Golden, Crispy Skin: The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Juices Run Clear: When you cut into the turkey leg, the juices should run clear. If they are still pink or reddish, the turkey leg needs more time in the air fryer.
- Tender Meat: The meat should be tender and pull away easily from the bone. If it is still tough or rubbery, it hasn’t cooked long enough.
How Do You Keep them From Drying Out
Overcooking is a common cause of dry turkey legs. Use a meat thermometer to check when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove the legs as soon as they hit that temperature to keep them juicy. After removing the turkey legs from the air fryer, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more moist and flavorful.
Texture
The texture is a lot similar to fried chicken wings. These have crispy skin. If you are looking for wings that fall off the bone, try my Slow Cooker Turkey Legs, Baked Turkey Legs, or Smothered Turkey Wings recipes.
Can You Use Chicken Wings?
Check out my Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe.
More Ideas on How to Season Them
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Can You Make Them Ahead/How to Store
Cooked turkey legs can be stored in the fridge tightly covered for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees until crispy and warm.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftover drumsticks tightly covered and sealed. For best taste, they will last up to 3 months. Defrost the legs overnight in the fridge and reheat.
What to Pair with the Dish
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
More Turkey Recipes
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Baked Turkey Wings
Smoked Turkey Legs
Grilled Turkey Legs
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey
Leftover Turkey Nachos
Turkey Bone Broth Recipe
Check out a full list of Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes here. Pair these with our Turkey Graving From Drippings or Yellow Gravy Without Drippings recipes.
Watch step by step instructions on how to make this recipe on Youtube.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
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Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds turkey legs Mine weighed about ¾ of a pound each for a total of 4 turkey legs.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Creole Seasoned Wings (Option 1)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Standard Turkey Seasoning Wing (Option 2)
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the turkey legs dry and rub both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the spices throughout. Rub the spices into both sides of the legs. Ensure the spices completely cover both sides of the drumsticks. Add more spices if necessary.
- Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket. Do not stack, Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry on 370 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Open the air fryer and flip the drumsticks. Air fry for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the internal temperature (at the thickest part of the wing) has reached 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. Also air fry until the wings have reached your desired level of crisp. Add additional time if necessary.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- I provided my 2 favorite ways to season these wings. Pick a method or you can also use your favorite store-bought chicken or poultry rub.
- Cook time will vary based on the air fryer brand and model you use. Always cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- If your legs don't fit your basket, cook in batches and do not stack. 4 turkey legs fit easily in my 5.8-quart air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Tammy T says
I air fried some turkey legs and wings with above recipe option 2 seasoning the only thing I changed in the seasoning was that I replaced ground oregano with dried crushed rosemary. Then I put them in the refrigerator over night after air frying them night before and then placed in them in the crockpot the next morning and made smothered turkey wings and legs and it was sooo good. Thanks for the recipe of air fryer turkey wings and legs.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Perris says
I absolutely love this recipe! It was so easy to follow as her recipes always are. You can use this as a base and change up the seasoning as well. I used this as part of my meal planning this weekend. I need to get a new Air Fryer though because I could only cook 2 at a time. But again, thank you!!
staysnatched says
Great! Such an easy one to switch up!
Adairea Morris says
I was craving a Stare Fair turkey leg and immediately thought about this Air Fryer turkey leg. First thing first I love how easy this website is for me to search what I’m looking for!!
I used the creole seasoning option and it came out so delicious! I thought the air fryer would dry it out but nope it was still juicy and seasoned good! Following the cook instructions are crucial when it comes to air fryer recipes!
Definitely will be making again! 10/10
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed these
PJ says
I want to give it 6 stars! I don’t like regular turkey too much, but decided to do turkey legs for thanksgiving instead… best decision! I only made two, my air fryer was a little too small for them to fit perfectly like hers, but it still worked out fine. So crisp and still juicy. Tastes similar to fried turkey. It’s just so good,.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it.
Stuart K Goldman says
I HAVE MADE THESE SEVERAL TIMES, IN MY KALORIC MAXX 26 QT AIR FRYER IT'S HUGE, TWO DOOR OPENING, ALLOWING LARGER QUANTITY, EASIER CLEANING, BUT LET'S GET TO THE GOOD STUFF, THE LEGS WERE AWESOME! I ADDED SOME WARM BRUSH ON BUTTER, SALTED, TO MAKE THEN CRISPIER! I'M GOING TO TRY THE SMOTHERED LEGS AND WINGS, SEPARATELY. AND THE ASIR FRYER WINGS, THE SAME WAY I ENJOYED THE LEGS! YUMMY! I USUALLY PLAY WITH MY SPICES, WITH PREPARED AND SOMETHING NEW!
I LOVE YOUR RECIPES! AND TELL MY FRIENDS, THE JUST GO ONLINE AND TYPE IN EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE4 COOKING, ANY THEY GET MANY TIPS AND YOURS HAVE PROVEN EXCELLENT!
THANK YOU
STU
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Sabrina G says
These came out perfect!! I couldn’t find legs but I found turkey thighs and used those instead. I don’t even like turkey but cooking it this way is a game changer. They stayed moist (yup I said the m word) and the outside was super crispy. DELICIOUS!
staysnatched says
Glad you enjoyed them!