Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
2 -4 servings
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Calories
433 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Description
This recipe involves rubbing turkey legs that are dried well with a mixture of softened butter and spices such as smoked paprika, seasoning salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Some of the butter mixture is reserved melted for basting during cooking.
The turkey legs are cooked in a preheated air fryer at 400°F, turning and basting halfway through about 40 minutes total, until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. If browning occurs too fast, foil can be tented over to slow coloring while the legs finish cooking. Resting the turkey legs for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute.
Instructions are provided for air frying frozen turkey legs and tips on thawing. Butter can be omitted for a dry rub version with the same spices, applied before spraying with oil. The method keeps the meat moist and yields crisp skin without traditional oven roasting.
Leftover air fried turkey legs store well in the refrigerator for several days and may be reheated in the air fryer for convenience. Adjustments in air fryer type and size may necessitate minor cooking time variations.
Ingredients
- 2 - 3 pounds turkey legs (about 2 large turkey legs), rinsed, dried well with paper towels
- 6 tablespoons butter softened, salted or unsalted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt like Lawry's
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar light or dark
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme or fresh thyme, chopped, 1 tablespoon, dried
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Poultry seasoning or Herbs de Provence
Instructions
- Combine soft butter with smoked paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, thyme and Italian seasoning until mixed. Remove one tablespoon of herb butter for basting and melt.
- With paper towels pat the turkey legs completely dry. Rub the smokey herb butter all over the legs including under the skin where you are able.
- Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to 400° F (205° C). Place legs in the air fryer basket, without touching. Air Fry for a total of 40 minutes, turning half way through abd basting with 1 tablespoon melted herb butter. Cook until internal temperature reaches 160-165° F. Some larger legs will take a little longer, if browning too quickly, loosely tent legs with foil and continue cooking until correct temperature.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow the turkey legs to rest (tented with foil) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Lower the basket level in the air fryer and tent with foil if turkey legs brown too quickly before cooking through.
- Allow turkey legs to come to room temperature before air frying for even cooking.
- Frozen turkey legs can be thawed by submerging in room temperature water for 2-3 hours or refrigerated overnight.
- For cooking frozen legs directly, reduce air fryer temperature and adjust time, tenting with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
- Butter can be omitted for a dry spice rub; apply with oil spray before air frying.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to verify internal temperature of 165°F for doneness.
- Leftover turkey legs can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in airtight containers or frozen up to 3 months.
- Reheat turkey legs in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes, turning halfway.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2-4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 433 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 433kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 179mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 857mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 558mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 919IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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