Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I was listening to the radio recently and heard that so many people in the U.S. feel nervous about cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving.
I completely understand that feeling. Having learned to cook as an adult, I know very well that turkey can be less forgiving than chicken, and it often feels like the whole meal depends on getting it just right.
If you are in that camp, starting with turkey legs in the air fryer is such a helpful way to build confidence. You still get juicy, perfectly seasoned turkey, without the pressure of a full bird. It is a great option for a smaller holiday gathering, and it is also a fun alternative to chicken on game day when you want to treat the meat lovers in your life.
If you prefer the TLDR version, here is what stood out while I was testing this recipe:
- Shorter cooking time: Using the air fryer reduces the overall cooking time compared to the oven, typically keeping it under an hour. Just remember that the size of your drumsticks will affect the exact cook time, so use the timing as a guide rather than a strict rule. A digital thermometer is your best bet here.
- Fresh or previously frozen, both work: You can use fresh turkey legs or thawed ones from frozen. For the best result, let them sit at room temperature for a short time so they are not ice cold. This makes it easier to coat them evenly with butter or oil and helps them cook more evenly. If you like using pre-smoked turkey legs, I included directions for those as well.
- Butter or olive oil for crisp skin: Rubbing the legs with softened butter helps the skin turn wonderfully crisp in the air fryer. If you prefer, olive oil works well too (though not as flavorful as butter), and it still provides a nice texture.
- Flexible seasoning: I kept the base seasoning simple, so you can easily make it your own with whatever you have in your spice drawer, whether you prefer a smoky, slightly spicy, or more herb-forward flavor.
Ingredients
The magic of the air fryer is that it provides that crispy, mouthwatering outer layer and does that without having to use much oil. The rest of the simple ingredients in this delicious recipe parallel my Turkey Drumstick Recipe, but we’ve cut back on the oil.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the turkey drumsticks, I used two 12-ounce drumsticks. Drumsticks tend to be more widely available around the holidays, so you can purchase some and freeze them for later if your local grocery store or local butcher doesn’t carry them year-round (just make sure to thaw frozen drumsticks before cooking). You can buy smaller drumsticks or even larger ones, but keep in mind that larger turkey legs may not fit in your air fryer (it depends on the size of your air fryer, too). We used giant turkey legs when first testing this recipe, which ended up burning in the air fryer because they were so large that they touched the top of the basket.
- To make the air fryer turkey rub, gather unsalted butter (or olive oil), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (or smoked paprika), kosher salt, and black pepper.
Substitutions and Seasoning Ideas
The seasonings in this recipe are a classic, foolproof combination of spices, but feel free to get creative or swap ingredients to create your variations if needed. For instance, if you’re a fan of fair food, you can make your own spice combination to recreate a turkey leg you had at your local fair or amusement park. To get you started, here are a few substitutions and seasoning combos to try:
- Oil: I used a little bit of butter here, inspired by my Compound Butter for Turkey recipe, because it helps the skin crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Olive oil works well, too. You can skip the fat if you prefer, but the skin will not get quite as crisp without it.
- Roasted garlic butter: If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ll absolutely love my Roasted Garlic Butter recipe for a great alternative to the butter in this recipe. Substitute roasted garlic butter for extra caramelized, roasted garlic flavor. You’ll need about a tablespoon of garlic butter for two turkey legs. You can still combine it with other spices, but you’ll probably need to omit the garlic and salt since those are already included in the garlic butter recipe.
- Turkey seasoning mix: For an alternative seasoning, try my delicious Turkey Rub Recipe. This dry rub combines a number of yummy seasonings that perfectly complement the flavors of turkey.
- Paprika: You can change up the flavor profile of this easy air fryer turkey legs recipe by using smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand, as it’s bound to be delicious either way! You can also add in some chili powder for an extra kick of spice.
- Poultry Seasoning: If you are short on time and just want to get to air frying, you can also use your favorite poultry seasoning as a substitute for the spices that I used in this recipe.
How to Cook Turkey Legs in Air Fryer
It’s amazing how easy it is to achieve fair-style, crispy air fryer turkey legs- right from the comfort of your own home! With your handy air fryer, they are ready in no time.
I tested this recipe with drumsticks in different sizes, and the method below worked well across the board. As long as they fit in your air fryer without touching the top, you should get foolproof results.
Here’s how to cook turkey drumsticks in an air fryer:
- Pat dry the drumsticks: Remove your turkey legs from the packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Make the rub: In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Apply the rub: Apply the seasoned butter rub to the turkey meat, making sure to coat the entire leg evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F. I used my Instant Pot 6 Qt Vortex Air Fryer, which took about 5 minutes to preheat; however, timing may vary depending on the brand.
- Add the turkey legs: Place turkey legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t hit the top of the air fryer (or they may burn). Additionally, be sure to give the turkey legs a little space in the air fryer basket so air can circulate. This helps them crisp evenly.
- Cook: Air fry the turkey legs for 20 minutes, flip and rotate, and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until one air fried turkey leg registers 165 degrees F. I use this thermometer and it is very reliable.
- Rest and serve: Carefully remove them from the air fryer, cover them with foil, and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. Serve.
Cook Time By Turkey Leg Size (A Quick Guide)
I get it, we all want an exact cook time, but turkey legs really do vary in size, and that makes a big difference in how long they need in the air fryer. Here is a quick guide based on the sizes I tested in my kitchen.
| Turkey Drumstick Size | Temperature | Approximate Air Frying Time |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10 oz. | 400°F (205°C) | 25-30 minutes |
| 10-12 oz. | 400°F (205°C) | 30-40 minutes |
| 14-16 oz. | 400°F (205°C) | 40-50 minutes |
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Whether you plan to make this recipe ahead of time in anticipation of a big holiday feast or simply have leftovers you’d like to enjoy the next day, you can rest assured that it’s easy to store and reheat these air fried turkey legs. Here are some tips:
- Store: After air frying your turkey legs, let them cool to room temperature. Once they have cooled, place leftover turkey legs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F and lightly spray the basket with oil spray or brush with a little oil. Place turkey drumsticks in air fryer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in Air Fryer?
Have you ever wondered how to make air fried smoked turkey legs? This method works for pre-cooked, pre-smoked turkey legs only, so ensure that your turkey is pre-cooked before proceeding.
Here’s how to cook pre-smoked turkey legs in an air fryer in only 10 minutes:
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Place the smoked turkey legs in air fryer: Lightly spray or coat each turkey leg with oil, using about 1 teaspoon of oil for every two legs. Arrange them in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t hit the top of the air fryer (or they may burn).
- Cook smoked turkey legs in air fryer: Air fry smoked turkey legs for about 10 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even cooking. You may need more or less time, depending on the size of your turkey legs. To check for doneness, insert a quick read thermometer into the thickest part of the air fryer smoked turkey legs and ensure they register 165 degrees F.
What to Serve Them With?
This easy recipe is incredibly versatile, takes minimal effort, and is sure to be a crowd favorite for any occasion. Make them for a fun handheld treat at a Game Day party, a sophisticated recipe to serve as the main dish for a small Thanksgiving gathering (with any of our Vegetable Sides), or a family-favorite weeknight dinner. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- For an Easy Game Day dinner: Everyone knows that game day food shouldn’t require a fork and knife! What’s more fun (and delicious) than a handheld turkey leg for a game-day party? To complete the spread, serve these crispy turkey legs with some chips and dip, like my Guacamole or No Sour Cream Blue Cheese Dip. Keep your air fryer on and make my Air Fryer Mexican Corn, or try my Mexican Corn Salad for a cold option.
- Enjoy for a small Thanksgiving: If you’re having a small Thanksgiving dinner and don’t want to prepare an entire turkey but still want Thanksgiving turkey, make this easy recipe instead! Turkey and stuffing is a classic combo, so why not whip up my Wild Rice Stuffing or Mushroom Stuffing? Or, for a rich, classic side dish, serve my Garlic Rosemary Mashed Potatoes or Smashed Fingerling Potatoes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, make my festive Butternut Squash Salad to balance everything out.
- Add to your weeknight meal rotation: You don’t need a party or special occasion to make these yummy, air-fried turkey legs. For quick weeknight dinners, throw them in the air fryer and serve them alongside one of my hand-picked Fall Salad Recipes for a complete meal. If a roasted veggie is more your thing, you can also serve this recipe with one of my many Vegetable Side Dishes. Some of my favorites are Maple Roasted Carrots, this Easy Green Bean Recipe, and Asparagus and Mushroom Saute.
Expert Tips For Success
Whether you’re an air fryer newbie or a seasoned pro, these helpful tips and tricks will help you achieve that crispy skin and juicy meat you’re aiming to achieve. Here’s what you need to know:
- Remove from the fridge in advance: We tested this recipe both ways, but if you do have the time, take your turkey legs out of the fridge about 15 minutes before you plan to cook them. This will allow them to warm up a little, making your job easier when applying the butter rub. If you forgot to take them out of the fridge in advance, you can use olive oil instead of butter, which will be easier to spread. Either way works, but we found that it is easier to spread the seasoned butter on a not-so-cold turkey leg.
- Size matters: There is a direct correlation between the size of the turkey legs and cooking time. Smaller drumsticks, also called lean turkey legs, will have a shorter cook time than large turkey legs. Avoid purchasing really large drumsticks, as they may not fit in your air fryer basket. When we first tried air frying turkey legs, we ended up burning them because they were so large that they were touching the top of the air fryer. Before you begin, check to ensure your turkey legs fit inside the basket properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: As with all air fryer recipes, it’s essential not to overcrowd your basket, as this can prolong the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked food. For best results, depending on the size of your turkey legs, you may need to air fry them in batches.
- Pat dry: Ensure each drumstick is thoroughly dry before applying the rub. This will ensure you’ll get that sought-after, crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Check internal temperature: Take the guesswork out of cooking these air fryer turkey drumsticks by using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature after cooking. I use and love this one. After cooking, check that the thickest part of the turkey leg registers 165 degrees F.
- Let them rest: Don’t skip this step! Once the turkey legs are cooked, cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This will give them time to reabsorb any lost liquid, resulting in a juicy turkey leg instead of dry turkey legs.
FAQs
Yes, you can cook frozen turkey legs in air fryer. Simply follow this recipe but add 5-6 additional minutes of cook time, checking to make sure the internal temperature of each air fry turkey leg registers 165 degrees F.
It doesn’t take long to air fry turkey legs. To air fry turkey legs at 400 degrees F, it can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. Larger drumsticks need more time, while smaller ones need less time.
To reheat a turkey leg in air fryer, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F and lightly spray or coat the basket with oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
No you do not need to brine them before air frying. Air frying keeps the meat juicy on its own, especially when coated with butter or a little oil.
Yes, you can. Use this recipe as a starting point, and adjust it based on what you have on hand or the flavor profile you are after.
They could potentially burn if they are smaller than the ones I am using (and you are air frying them longer than you should) or if they are too large for the air fryer and come into contact with the heating element.
Other Recipes You Might Like
More Turkey Recipes:
- Herb Roasted Turkey – This is my go-to whole turkey recipe when I am serving a crowd
- Baked Turkey Wings – Southern-style turkey wings is a great alternative to chicken wings.
- Turkey Tenderloin Recipe – This is a great weeknight turkey dinner option if you’re looking for a good alternative to chicken.
Other Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fried Turkey Bacon – It is a quicker alternative to cooking in the oven.
- Cornish Hens in The Air Fryer – A quick dinner with perfectly portioned chicken.
- Air Fried Chicken Legs – Perfectly seasoned chicken legs ready in less than 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Turkey Drumsticks, approximately 12 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the turkey legs: Remove turkey legs from their packaging onto a plate and pat dry with paper towels as much as you can. Set them aside.
- Make the rub: Mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Apply the rub: Spread each turkey drumstick with the butter mixture on all sides and under the skin while being careful to not tear the skin.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully remove the air fryer basket and place the turkey legs.
- Air fry: Air fry the drumsticks for 20 minutes, rotate and flip, and then air fry for another 10-15 minutes* or until the internal temperature of one of the turkey legs registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted with a meat thermometer.
- Rest and serve: Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer, cover them loosely with foil, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook time: There’s a direct correlation between the size of the turkey leg and its cook time. Keep an eye on your turkey legs while cooking, especially the smaller ones because they cook faster. They’re done when the internal temperature of the turkey legs reaches 165 degrees F.
- Turkey legs and thighs: You can air fry turkey legs and thighs together using this recipe. The cooking temperature would still be the same. The timing would depend on the size of your turkey thighs and drumsticks. However, as long as they are similar (approximately 12 ounces) in size, it should be around 35 to 40 minutes of air frying time. Be sure to flip them halfway through and air fry them until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.
- Store: After air frying your turkey legs, let them cool to room temperature. Once they have cooled, place leftover turkey legs in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: To reheat them in the air fryer, set your air fryer to 350 degrees F and lightly spray or coat the basket with oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
