Air Fryer Turkey Legs

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If you’re craving juicy meat with crispy golden skin, Air Fryer Turkey Legs are the way to go. This recipe locks in flavor, cooks in under an hour, and doesn’t require babysitting a giant roasting pan. The smoky-savory spice mix hits every note just right, and once you try them, you’ll realize turkey legs aren’t just for Thanksgiving… they deserve a spot at your regular dinner table too.

Ingredient Notes + Variations

You don’t need anything fancy here. Just big, meaty turkey legs, a drizzle of oil, and the perfect mix of pantry spices. Everything works together to give you that golden skin and flavorful, juicy meat.

• Turkey legs (drumsticks) – Use large, skin-on legs so they stay moist while crisping up in the air fryer.
• Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.
• Kosher salt – Brings out the natural flavor of the turkey.
• Garlic powder & onion powder – For depth and savory flavor.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a touch of color and smoky warmth.
• Dried oregano – A little earthy balance to the spice mix.
• Black pepper – Rounds out the seasoning with subtle heat.
• Brown sugar – Don’t skip it. It caramelizes the skin beautifully.

How to Make Air Fried Turkey Legs

Making turkey legs in the air fryer couldn’t be easier. A quick spice rub, a little time in the basket, and dinner is ready with barely any effort. For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to 350° F so it’s ready to crisp.

Step 2: Prep the Turkey Legs

pat the legs dry with paper towels, then rub well with olive oil

Step 3: Season Generously

mix spices in a small bowl

rub spices all over oiled turkey legs

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

cook legs until internal temperature is between 170-175° F flipping over halfway

skin should be golden brown and crispy

Step 5: Rest & Serve

let the legs rest for 5 minutes before digging in so the juices settle

Tips for Success

• Patting the skin dry is key for that crispy finish.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave room for air circulation.
• Flip the legs halfway for even browning.
• If the skin starts browning too fast, drop the temperature to 330° F for the last 10 minutes.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Turkey Legs

These air fryer turkey legs are quick, flavorful, and so easy. Once you try them, you’ll be adding turkey legs to your dinner rotation on repeat. The printable recipe is below. Have a great day, friends!

Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Katie Cooksey

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these Air Fryer Turkey Legs cook up with golden, crispy skin and tender meat in under an hour. A simple, foolproof way to bring big flavor to the table with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Thanksgiving

Servings 2 large turkey legs

Calories 1052 kcal

Instructions 

• Preheat air fryer to 350° F.

• Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.

• Rub the legs all over with olive oil, coating thoroughly.

• In a small bowl or on a small plate, combine all the spices: salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and brown sugar.

• Sprinkle and rub the seasoning mix all over the oiled turkey legs, ensuring an even coat.

• Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket.

• Air fry for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 170–175° F.

• If the skin is browning too quickly, reduce the temperature to 330°F (165°C) for the final 10 minutes.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat- Reheat in the air fryer at 350° F for 6–8 minutes until warmed through.

Freeze- Once the turkey legs are completely cooled, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
To Reheat- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until heated through.

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 1052kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 133gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 481mgSodium: 2248mgPotassium: 1903mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 518IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 12mg

Keyword air fried turkey legs, air fryer turkey legs, turkey legs

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little kick.
• Swap oregano with thyme for a different herby note.
• Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes for a smoky twist.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.