Easy to make Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Seasoned to perfection, crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. These air fryer turkey legs are easy to make and delicious to eat.

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As we move into Fall, I'm excited to bring a series of fun and yummy Fall recipes. Due to the pandemic, sadly state fairs and carnivals have been canceled. My favorite feature of the fair is the food (are you surprised?!). So, I thought it would be fun to show you how to get your fair foodie fix at home. This month I'll be sharing carnival inspired recipes.

Every time I go to the fair I must get a smoked turkey leg. They are so delicious and filling. Today we're capturing that same vibe with these air fryer turkey legs.

Are Air fryer turkey legs healthy?

Air fryer turkey legs are much healthier than the deep fried ones. These turkey legs are healthy because there is very little oil used. Yet, the air fryer gets them crisp and tender. We're seasoning them up well, so they are full of flavor. I'm a firm believer that you can enjoy healthy food without skimping on flavor.

I use this spray bottle for my air fryer. Aerosol sprays can ruin your air fryer, so it's recommended that you use an oil sprayer or you can drizzle the oil on yourself.

Where do you find turkey legs?

You can find turkey legs and wings in the poultry section of most grocery stores. Most packages include 2-3 turkey legs. The legs are big enough for one adult to eat. My children who are 5 and 8-years old generally split a turkey leg.

Should I season turkey the night before?

I don't season my turkey legs the night before. However, you could brine them the night before. Brining helps them to stay moist. But, the air fryer does a great job of keeping the turkey legs moist, so I really don't think brining them is necessary.

How do you make air fryer turkey legs?

Yield: 3

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

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Air fryer turkey legs. Seasoned to perfection, crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Air fried turkey legs are easy to make.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 turkey legs
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Cajun season
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Olive oil for spraying

Instructions

1. Remove turkey legs from packaging and rinse.
2. Pat turkey legs dry with a paper towel.
3. Season both sides of turkey legs generously
4. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place turkey legs in the basket.
5. Spray turkey legs with oil.
6. Set air fryer to 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
7. Flip turkey legs and spray with olive oil. Set air fryer for another 15 minutes.
8. Use a cooking thermometer to check internal temperature. Turkey legs should be 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Remove legs from air fryer and enjoy!  

What temp should turkey legs be?

We're cooking these turkey legs at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer. This recipe can be made in an oven, however, you may have to adjust the cooking time and cook legs longer.

How do I know when turkey legs are done?

Always check your poultry with a meat thermometer. Your turkey legs should be 180 degrees Fahrenheit before eating.

Please keep in mind each brand of air fryer is different, so you may have to cook your turkey legs longer than the recipe indicates.

How do you keep turkey legs moist?

If you have leftovers, or want to cook ahead to serve later, once your turkey leg cools, wrap them in foil or store in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge to enjoy the next day.

Reheat turkey legs in the air fryer?

I like to reheat my turkey legs in the air fryer for 10 minutes to keep the skin crispy. I find that it comes out much better this way, than when I warm them in the microwave.

Enjoy these air fryer turkey legs with your favorite side salad, or any side dish really. Be sure to check out some of my other carnival inspired recipes in this series.

If you make this recipe be sure to post it on Instagram and Facebook and tag @mochasandmimosas!

For recipe and cocktail ideas check out my Brunch E-book that is filled with hosting tips and delicious, easy to create recipes.

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