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Home » Blog

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

By Laurie
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Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air Fryer Turkey Legs are tender, juicy, and oh-so flavorful! Coated in tasty cajun seasoning, they’re great for holidays, get-togethers, and an easy weeknight meal.

Air Fryer Turkey Legs On Plate

Air Turkey Leg Recipe

Yummy! Nothing like a good Air Fryer Turkey Leg for dinner. I mean, who doesn’t love turkey legs? They are one of the easiest and tastiest dinners you will ever make, and they are also kid-friendly.

This turkey leg recipe is a real show-stopper. It used to be that you could only get some giant turkey drumsticks at festivals, fairs, and other large gatherings, but nowadays, you can pick them up at your local grocery store.

If you are in the mood for other tasty turkey recipes, give my Air Fryer Ground Turkey, Air Fryer Turkey Meatloaf, Turkey Meatballs, and Air Fryer Turkey Tetrazzini a try.

There is nothing better than this cajun turkey leg recipe! Let’s get started so you can whip up your own.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Leg Recipe

  • It’s fun to eat turkey drumsticks
  • Can be served any time of year
  • Great for parties
  • Everyone loves them
  • Perfect amount of cajun flavors

Ingredients Needed For This Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Ingredients Needed For This Air Fryer Turkey Legs
  • Turkey Legs
  • Pickle Juice: For some added flavor and zest!
  • Seasonings and Spices: Thyme, Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, Sea Salt, Paprika, and Peppercorns!

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Step 1: Prep the turkey drumsticks

Place turkey legs into a casserole dish and pour pickle juice inside. Let brine for 3 hours

Step 2: Air Fry Turkey Legs

Preheat the air fryer to 370* for 5 minutes. Remove the turkey from the brine. In a small ramekin, combine thyme, brown sugar, paprika, and black pepper. Rub all sides of the turkey legs with seasoning. *The skin of Turkey helps to create a delicious crunch on the outside and keeps the meat inside tender and juicy. For a low-fat option, remove the skin before seasoning. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the Turkey legs and if the skin is removed, so use a meat thermometer for the next step*

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Step 3: Serve

Place turkey legs into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the Turkey legs, if they have reached 165* they are ready! If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temp has reached 165*. Larger Turkey legs will take longer, and smaller ones will take less time. This is why it is important to check the temp while cooking so they are not overcooked. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to do multiple batches.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Legs

How to Serve Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Do not wait for Thanksgiving to make these, although if you are only cooking for one, this makes a great alternative to a full-size turkey.

They go great with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, french fries, salads, and roasted veggies.

How to Store Leftovers

I will often make more than I plan on serving that night; turkey legs make an amazing leftover lunch. Just place the leftovers in an airtight container where they will stay good for about 3 days. To reheat, pop them into the microwave or back in the air fryer.

How Do I Know When Turkey Is Done?

The only way to tell if the air fryer turkey leg is done is by testing the internal temperature. It should be 180 degrees F. Try this Habor Digital Meat Thermometer to ensure you get an accurate temperature reading.

Here are some other easy air fryer turkey recipes

  • Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
  • Grilled Turkey Burgers
  • Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cutlets

Don’t Forget to Pin:

Air Fryer Turkey Legs
5 from 1 vote
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
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Cajun Turkey Leg Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Brine Time
3 hrs
Total Time
35 mins
 

Air Frye Turkey Legs are tender, juicy, and oh so flavorful! Coated in tasty cajun seasoning, it's great for holidays or weeknights!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer turkey leg, cajun turkey legs
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 1011 kcal
Author: ForkToSpoon.com
Ingredients
  • 4 turkey legs
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • 3 teaspoons thyme
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cracked peppercorn
Instructions
  1. Place turkey legs into a casserole dish and pour pickle juice inside. Let brine for 3 hours

  2. Preheat the air fryer to 370* for 5 minutes

  3. Remove the turkey from the brine. In a small ramekin, combine thyme, brown sugar, paprika, and black pepper. Rub all sides of the turkey legs with seasoning. *The skin of Turkey helps to create a delicious crunch on the outside and keeps the meat inside tender and juicy. For a low-fat option, remove the skin before seasoning. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the Turkey legs and if the skin is removed, so use a meat thermometer for the next step*

  4. Place turkey legs into the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. Flip over and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Check the temperature of the Turkey legs, if they have reached 165* they are ready! If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temp has reached 165*. Larger Turkey legs will take longer, and smaller will take less time. This is why it is important to check the temp while cooking so they are not over cooked. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to do multiple batches.

  5. Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with thyme and serve with your favorite veggies. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Cajun Turkey Leg Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 1011 Calories from Fat 414
% Daily Value*
Fat 46g71%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12g
Monounsaturated Fat 14g
Cholesterol 481mg160%
Sodium 1971mg86%
Potassium 1888mg54%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 133g266%
Vitamin A 136IU3%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 130mg13%
Iron 12mg67%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Hello, I’m Laurie!

I’m a mom and a wife who loves to cook. I love to share what I learn. I work hard on using my appliances, Air Fryer and Instant Pot, to make my life easier, and hopefully, in return, your lives easier.

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