Air Fryer Turkey Leg Recipe

This Air Fryer Turkey Leg is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey with a crispy, flavorful skin. Using a blend of simple herbs and spices, the turkey legs are perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection in just about an hour. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — thanks to the air fryer, you get that perfect crispy skin and tender meat.

• Easy and quick — the air fryer makes cooking turkey legs fast and efficient.

• Full of flavor — the seasoning mix creates a mouthwatering, savory taste.

• Perfect for any occasion — whether it’s a holiday or a weeknight dinner, this turkey leg is sure to be a hit.

ingredients

(Tip: You can adjust the quantities using the scale if you want to make more servings.)

• 2 lb turkey legs

• 2½ tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• Salt & pepper to taste (black pepper is optional)

instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat the air fryer to 355°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix:

   • In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, thyme, parsley, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

   • Mix well to combine. Set aside about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix for later use.

3. Prepare the Turkey Legs:

   • Pat the turkey legs dry with a kitchen paper towel.

   • Use your finger or the back of a spoon to carefully loosen the skin on the turkey legs.

   • Brush the seasoning mix on one side of the turkey leg, making sure to get some under the skin.

4. Air Fry the Turkey Legs:

   • Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil.

   • Place the seasoned side of the turkey leg in the air fryer basket.

   • Brush the remaining marinade on top of the turkey leg.

5. Cook the Turkey Legs:

   • Air fry the turkey legs at 355°F (180°C) for 15 minutes.

   • After 15 minutes, flip the turkey legs, brush with the reserved marinade, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

   • Reduce the temperature to 320°F (165°C) and cook for another 10 minutes on each side, basting the turkey with any juices in the air fryer basket, until the turkey is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and Serve:

   • Remove the turkey from the air fryer and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.

7. Serve:

   • Serve your perfectly cooked, juicy, crispy turkey legs and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 50 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Notes

• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time if you’re using smaller turkey legs. Smaller turkey legs typically cook in 30-40 minutes at 355°F (180°C).

• Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the turkey legs overnight and cook them the next day.

• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it’s fully cooked. It should read 165°F (74°C), but cooking it to 170°F (76°C) will give you perfectly tender meat near the bone.

Storage

• Leftovers: Store leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the turkey legs in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore the crispiness.

Nutrition

• Calories: 355 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 1g

• Protein: 37g

• Fat: 21g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 134mg

• Sodium: 140mg

• Potassium: 540mg

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sugar: 0.04g

• Vitamin A: 24 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.5mg

• Calcium: 39mg

• Iron: 3mg

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in turkey legs?

Yes, you can use bone-in turkey legs. The cooking time may slightly vary depending on the size of the turkey leg. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

2. Can I use other seasonings for the turkey legs?

Yes! Feel free to use any seasoning mix you prefer, such as Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs, for a different flavor.

3. Can I cook two turkey legs at once?

Yes, you can cook two turkey legs at once in the air fryer. If using a larger air fryer, ensure there’s enough space for proper air circulation. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly if they’re crowded in the basket.

4. Can I make this recipe without olive oil?

If you prefer to avoid olive oil, you can use cooking spray or even some melted butter in place of the oil.

5. What can I serve with this turkey leg?

This air fryer turkey leg pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Turkey Leg recipe is a quick, flavorful, and juicy way to prepare turkey legs. The crispy, seasoned skin and tender, moist meat will make this your go-to recipe for a simple, satisfying meal. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner, this air fryer turkey leg is sure to impress!

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