Are you tired of the same old boring turkey recipes? Bland and dry turkey can be a real letdown, especially when you’re trying to impress your dinner guests or family members.
But – I have some good news! Today I will show you how to make the perfect air fryer turkey legs!
These crispy, juicy turkey legs are so easy to make in the air fryer, and they are packed with flavor thanks to a simple seasoning blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
With just a few simple steps, you can have restaurant-quality turkey legs right in your own kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? try my turkey legs in air fryer recipe today!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
-These air fryer turkey legs are the perfect combination of juicy, tender, and flavorful.
– Very easy to make with minimal ingredients and short cooking time.
– Great for meal prep and parties.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Turkey Legs Ingredients
For this turkey leg air fryer recipe you will need these ingredients:
- 2 Turkey Legs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
⭐ Making Turkey Legs In Air Fryer
Easily make turkey legs in the air fryer! Follow this simple recipe:
Step 1
Mix these seasonings in a mixing bowl- smoked paprika, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2
Pat dry the turkey legs and then rub them with the seasoning mixture.
Step 3
Place them in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 400F for 18-20 minutes. Flip them and air fry them for 15 more minutes.
That’s it! Enjoy these tasty air fryer turkey legs!
💡 Tips
Use a Meat Thermometer
It’s important to make sure the turkey legs are cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F.
The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey legs and your air fryer, so using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure they are cooked through.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone.
Add a Sweet Glaze
For a sweeter twist, you can add a glaze made of honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce to the turkey legs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Brush the glaze onto the legs and let it cook until caramelized and sticky.
Serve with a Side Dish
Air fryer turkey legs make a delicious and satisfying main course, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes.
Try serving them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as cranberry sauce or gravy.
Try Different Seasonings
While the seasoning mixture in the recipe is delicious, you can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.
For example, try adding some cumin, chili powder, and lime zest for a Mexican-inspired twist. I really like adding smoked paprika to my recipes – it added an amazing smokey flavor to any dish.
Brine the Turkey Legs
Brining the turkey legs before cooking them can help to make them more tender and juicy.
To brine the legs, mix together 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and any other seasonings you like.
Soak the turkey legs in the brine for about 3 hours, or even overnight if possible, before patting them dry and seasoning them.
Use a Marinade
Another way to add more flavor to your turkey legs is to marinate them before air frying.
Simply mix together your favorite marinade ingredients, such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, and let the turkey legs soak in the mixture for at least 2 hours before air frying.
I hope you liked my air fryer turkey legs recipe. It’s so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious!
The air fryer gives the turkey legs a nice crispy outer layer and a juicy, tender inside. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any mess or smoke in the kitchen.
If you tried this turkey leg air fryer recipe- let me know how it went in the comments below!
Make sure to check out other tasty air fryer recipes on my blog.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- 2 Turkey Legs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Mix these seasonings in a mixing bowl- smoked paprika, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pat dry the turkey legs and then rub them with the seasoning mixture.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 400F for 18-20 minutes. Flip them and air fry them for 15 more minutes.
