Air Fryer Turkey Legs Recipe: Quick, Flavorful, and Perfectly Seasoned

These Air Fryer Turkey Legs are roasted in the Air Fryer and are nice and crisp on the outside while perfectly juicy on the inside. Take a trip to your favorite fair with this easy recipe. 

 

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Full Recipe/Instructions can be found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card after the helpful tips and tricks in the post.

I’ve been thinking a ton about the Fair. It’s been a while since I’ve gone, but whenever I go, I always seek out the booth that sells the giant turkey legs. Holding a huge turkey leg while walking through the Fair brings back great memories. Forget the rides, forget the prizes; it’s all about the food. 

These roasted turkey legs would be perfect for a weeknight meal or even if you wanted to serve them up for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I cook them in the Air Fryer as it keeps the turkey leg nice and crispy on the outside and nice and moist on the inside. 

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Turkey Legs – Choose fresh or fully thawed turkey legs, as these will cook more evenly and crisp better in the air fryer. Typically, grocery stores carry them in packs of two or three, and they are often around 10–12 ounces each.
• Oil and Seasonings – Olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, seasoned salt, and garlic powder

How to Air Fry Turkey Legs

First, combine your seasonings. I use salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar. 

Pat dry your turkey legs, then rub your spice mixture all over your turkey legs. I make sure to rub the seasoning under the skin as well to get that flavor all over the meat. 

Then place the turkey legs in your Air Fryer basket. Lightly spray your turkey leg with a mist of cooking oil. I use my handy dandy oil spray bottle. I discuss more on why you should invest in a spray bottle in my 10 Air Fryer Tips and Tricks. 

 Cook on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. Flip your turkey leg and lightly spray again and cook for another 15-20 minutes. 

Remove your turkey leg. Use a quick read thermometer to ensure that your turkey leg is done. 

Serve and enjoy your delicious and juicy turkey leg 🙂

Notes on Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Legs

• You should be able to find turkey legs in your local grocery store in the poultry section. They usually sell them in packs of 2 or 3. If you pick up a pack of lean turkey legs, adjust the cooking time. 
• Different air fryers will require different cook times. Adjust your cook times accordingly. 
• I don’t brine the turkey legs when making them in the Air Fryer. However, if you choose to brine, just make sure to pat the turkey legs dry before air frying.
• Lean turkey legs will cook in less time. Cut cooking times in half.

Make Ahead Tips, Storage, and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked turkey legs by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy skin. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, though the skin may be less crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Meal Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
• Sauce Pairings: Try pairing with cranberry sauce, gravy, or a barbecue sauce for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there is space around each turkey leg in the air fryer for even cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, cook in batches.
• Skin Crispiness: For extra-crispy skin, pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly before applying oil and seasoning.
• Reduce Temperature: If you notice the turkey legs are browning too quickly or starting to burn, reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F. This allows the inside to cook without further darkening the outside. Different air fryers can vary in heat intensity. If you’re using a high-wattage air fryer, check the turkey legs halfway through the cooking time and adjust as needed.

Looking for more Air Fryer Recipes? Try these out:

• Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Air Fryer Turkey Wings
• Fried Chicken
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs
• Creamy Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

 This post was originally published on June 27, 2019. It has been updated with new information.