Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Air fryer turkey legs are great for a quick protein packed low carb dinner. During the holidays it’s perfect when there are only a few of you at home. Air fryer recipesuccess tonight.

I mean you may want that classic dish on your table but don’t want to buy a whole bird because that would be WAY too much. Just two legs would be perfect for y’all, leaving just a bit to make a leftover recipe the next day. If you make this in a Foodi you will use the lid that is attached and the air crisp button.

Last week we shared how to cook air fryer turkey leg quarters and we just couldn’t stop there. It turned out so good I wanted to show something else you could make for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This is especially great if you only have two people in the home during the holidays.

Ok so I was in the grocery store looking for what to cook next, and these were staring right back at me. I hadn’t experimented much with them so I thought “why not”. At around $4 for 2 large pieces I kinda’ couldn’t go wrong, so I bought 2 packages to experiment with.

I only needed this one set because they came out great the first time around! First with this crispy crunchy method and then tested it with baked turkey legs. Loved that too.

These aren’t much different than chicken legs, just take longer. You can soak in buttermilk and coat with breadcrumbs or just season the outsides like we did here. Set inside the basket, flipped halfway until it reaches 165 F. With the right rub you can make air fry everythingperfectly and make it come out amazingly out of this world.

Ingredient Notes

You can typically fit about 2 turkey legs in your air fryer basket at a time. If you have a larger family just make in batches and keep warm the ones that are done, or eat in rotations.

The key to keeping the skin crispy is Olive oil spray. Another tip for this golden brown step is to dry the skins first with a few paper towels. Both steps are key to the best crunchy outcome.

As far as seasonings go I will use Kosher Sea salt, a bit of Chili powder or more if you wanted to make them spicy. Garlic powder is a great one, Paprika and I am a big fan of Basil too for a bit of an Italian kick.

Dry Rub

There wasn’t really a question as to how I was going to season these babies. I made this turkey dry rub a while back and it’s always been SO popular, so I just halved that recipe (made for the whole bird). I have made with just some salt, pepper and Old Bay too though, it’s my favorite secret ingredient for “all the things”

How Long to Cook Turkey Legs in Air Fryer

21 minutes is about right. You do need to check with a thermometer because they all are different thicknesses and may need more time to reach 165F. We have made this as an easy Ninja Foodi recipe as well as making them in our Cosori air fryer too.

How Long to Cook Frozen Turkey Legs in Air Fryer

Can you cook from frozen?? I mean I do this all the time with Frozen Chicken Legs in Air Fryer so these wouldn’t be much different other than the cook time. That is when the digital thermometer will come in handy. It would take another 10 minutes or so but with a lower temp. you’d be surprised at how good they turn out right out of the freezer.

What temp should turkey legs be cooked to?

Remove from heat source and use a meat thermometer to check. Place into thickest part of meat and when it reaches 165 degrees F you’re safe. Remember what it will continue to increase by 10 degrees as it rests. You should allow them to sit for at least 5 minutes to stay moist and reach a safe temp. to eat.

How do you know when turkey legs are done?

When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear, they’re done. If you don’t have a meat thermometer you can check them by slicing it, there should not be any pink left. Another thing, the meat on the end will pull away from the bone which is a positive sign of them being done and ready to eat.

If you have a smaller one with a round basket you may have to do one at a time. I thought I may need to flip them halfway through like I do with our dry rub air fryer wingsbut no need.

Other Leg Recipes You’ll Love

Love trying new things? You can make smoked turkey legs or the whole bird as well, it’s one of our favorite methods too. If you love how quick this 30 minute meal is, you’ll also get a kick out of making sheet pan turkey. The whole bird is done in just about an hour! Want to make slow cooker chicken legs? Those are great too. BUT our air fryer chicken leg quarters may be our favorite.