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Air Fryer Turkey Leg Recipe (Quick, Easy & Delicious!)
Air Fryer Turkey Legs – discover the secret to perfectly cooked and delicious turkey legs using an air fryer. With a crispy skin and succulent juicy meat, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 635 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 turkey drumsticks (2 pounds / 900g each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- sea salt flakes and pepper to season
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise , full fat
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Take the turkey legs out of the fridge at least half an hour before cooking. Pat dry using paper towels, brush with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the mayonnaise, mustard, honey, paprika, sugar, Cajun and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Loosen the skin from the legs and spread some of the flavored mayo under the skin.
- Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes at 350°F / 180°C. Place turkey legs to the basket, spaced slightly apart if possible to allow for best air circulation. Cook for 10 minutes per side and then start basting the legs with the remaining flavored mayo.
- Continue to cook for a further 10-15 minutes or until the legs are a deep golden brown and the internal temperature is at least 165°F / 75°C when checked at the thickest part with a meat thermometer (I swear by my Thermapen). Please note that the cook times will vary between air fryer models and the size / weight of your turkey legs.
- Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and place on a platter, covered loosely with aluminum foil. For perfectly tender meat, make sure to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute through the turkey legs.
- Serve with mash, roast potatoes, mac and cheese and all your favorite side dishes.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- How do you know if a turkey leg is fully cooked? A meat thermometer is the safest and best way to check but you can also do some visual checks. The meat should be piping hot all the way through and the juices should run clear when you pierce the turkey leg with a carving fork. There should be no pink meat when you slice into the the turkey leg.
- Is turkey done at 165°F (75°C)? The guidelines recommend that turkey is cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) HOWEVER dark turkey meat can be cooked until it reaches a higher temperature of 180°F (82°C). Do keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise slightly while the meat rests.
Nutrition Information
Calories
635kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
67g
(134%)
Fat
36g
(55%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
13g
Monounsaturated Fat
11g
Trans Fat
0.03g
Cholesterol
246mg
(82%)
Sodium
343mg
(14%)
Potassium
977mg
(28%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
775IU
(16%)
Vitamin C
0.1mg
(0%)
Calcium
78mg
(8%)
Iron
7mg
(39%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 635
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 635kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 67g | 134% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g | 76% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 0.03g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 246mg | 82% |
| Sodium | 343mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 977mg | 21% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 775IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 78mg | 8% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.