Air Fryer Turkey Legs

You will love making these air fryer turkey legs! They are so crispy on the outside, while tender and juicy on the inside. Each bite is full of flavor and cooked to perfection in the air fryer!

With this turkey drumstick recipe, you end up with juicy meat and crispy skin. Easy to make, they just need a light coating with butter and a few of our favorite poultry seasoning favorites.

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

I love making these turkey legs because they are just like our favorite fair food, but even easier to make! They only require a small list of ingredients to make them so flavorful, and they don’t need to be deep fried to have that crispy golden outside.

These turkey legs are also a great meal! They can go with almost any side dish. They can be served with sides like these air fryer potatoes, and Air Fryer Baked Potato or Air Fryer Butternut Squash, for a delicious complete meal!

If you are looking for more air fryer delicious dinner recipes, you will love Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, or Air Fryer Empanadas.

INGREDIENTS 

• Turkey Legs – You can get them at the local grocery store or from a local butcher
• Unsalted butter – Make sure that it’s melted butter. If you are using salted butter, then you will want to use a little less salt for seasoning.
• Paprika – You can use smoked paprika as well if you want to try and have more of a smoked turkey legs flavor
• Salt – To taste
• Thyme 
• Rosemary – Fresh rosemary is a great way to enhance the taste
• Sage 
• Black pepper 

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1
In a small bowl, combine the seasonings with the melted butter.

STEP 2
Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with a paper towel, then brush the butter and completely coat the turkey legs on both sides.

STEP 3
Once seasoned, place turkey legs in a single layer, in the air fryer basket. Leave enough space so they don’t touch or overlap, so the air can flow around them.

STEP 4
Air fry turkey legs at 400 degrees F for 25-30 minutes cook time, turning halfway
through air frying. Confirm doneness using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.

STEP 5
Let the turkey rest for about 5-7 minutes before eating. Serve this amazing dish with your favorite sides. 

I make this recipe in my Cosori Air Fryer. Because air fryer wattages can vary, cooking time may need to be adjusted by 1-2 minutes.

VARIATIONS

Because these drumsticks are so versatile, you can use almost any blend of alternative seasonings. By all means, use your favorite flavors of seasonings, like McCormick spices, or for a sweet or smoky flavor, dip in barbecue sauce or you can use a turkey brine. 

Try switching flavors with these simple flavors: 

Add chili powder – Spicy air-fried turkey legs sound really great! If you like heat, you can just sprinkle some on, but remember, just a little bit will go a long way to add heat!

Use seasoned butter rub – What a simple way to change up the flavor while not worrying about drying out the turkey. 

Use onion powder – Onion powder and garlic powder are always a good addition.

Add some brown sugar – There’s nothing wrong with adding a little sweetness to this air fryer turkey legs recipe! Because brown sugar crisps when it cooks, it will also add that sweet crunch flavor!

Use olive oil and a dry rub – If you want to keep it easy, you can put this mixture on the outside of these easy air fryer turkey legs for some fun flavor.

These turkey legs can basically be a holiday meal! And why not use this air fryer turkey leg recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas meal? After all, the air fryer is the best way to offer a unique and delicious complete meal.

EXPERT TIPS

Be sure to the turkey legs rest for at least 5-10 minutes after air frying. This allows the juices to settle into the meat, and it will be juicier when you slice or bite into them.

Marinate in your favorite sauce or seasonings to allow the legs to infuse the flavors before air frying.

When making meat air fryer recipes, it’s important to make sure the internal temperature reaches the safe zone. Because of this, you will want to stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.  

STORING AND REHEATING

If you have leftovers, let the turkey cool down to room temperature, and then place leftovers inside an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Keep them chilled in the fridge. For the best results, eat within 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the turkey legs by adding them to a freezer-safe bag or wrapping in plastic wrap, and then wrapping in foil, and storing them in the freezer for 1-2 months. To unthaw, move them to the fridge and then reheat them in the air fryer or microwave.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH TURKEY

These turkey legs are delicious with sides like Air Fryer Artichokes, Air Fryer Broccoli, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, or even just a nice salad topped with Air Fryer Croutons.

FAQ’s

MORE AIR FRYER TURKEY RECIPES

Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Turkey Cheese Melt

Dinner

Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

Breakfast

Air Fryer Turkey Bacon

Dinner

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

I love making these air fryer turkey legs for an easy and fun meal! Give it a try and your family will love it too!