Whether you’re dreaming of a theme park or fair snack, or just hosting a smaller Thanksgiving get together, these air fryer turkey legs are the perfect solution! They cook in a fraction of time compared to a whole bird, and come out juicy and delicious thanks to air fryer magic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer turkey legs are a comfort food favorite with a modern twist, offering that classic giant turkey legs from the fairground or theme park vibe right from your own kitchen! One of the biggest reasons I love them is the texture – the air fryer locks in juicy meat while delivering extra crispy skin, all without the need for deep frying or excessive oil.
You get the satisfying crunch you’d expect from roasted or grilled turkey, but with less time and mess. You can season them simply with salt, pepper, and garlic for a traditional flavor, or go bold with BBQ rubs, Cajun spices, or even a sticky glaze for a holiday-worthy presentation.
Turkey legs in the air fryer are perfect for smaller gatherings where roasting a whole bird isn’t practical, making them a great option for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or even a unique Halloween or Renaissance fair–style party dish!
A single turkey leg feels like its own meal, offering a fun hand-held experience that’s both rustic and satisfying and sure to bring a smile to the table! Plus, these drumsticks are naturally gluten free (so long as you check your seasonings) so they work for a variety of diets.
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Ingredients List
- 1 ½ -2 pounds turkey legs (usually 2-3 legs depending on size)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or similar)
- 1 Tbsp chicken BBQ dry rub (or similar – see notes)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use butter (salted or unsalted) instead of olive oil. Feel free to substitute another high smoke point oil (like avocado) as well if preferred
- Any seasoning you like is fine here! I use a poultry BBQ seasoning, but you can try Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning blends, or a DIY mix of salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Good options include: paprika, garlic powder, parsley, brown sugar, honey, maple, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, cumin, or cayenne for some heat!
Step By Step Instructions
- Pat your turkey legs dry with a paper towel, then rub with the oil to coat
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub evenly over all sides (get some under the skin as well if you can) until it’s well seasoned. If you make your own blend, mix everything together in a small bowl before rubbing so you get an even distribution
- Place the turkey legs in your air fryer basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. Cook in batches if needed
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the legs, then cook an additional 10-15 minutes (depending on size), until juices are clear and the temperature inside (near but not touching the bone) reaches 165°F
- Rest for about 10 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts balance the richness. Try my Air Fryer Beets and Sweet Potatoes!
- Cornbread or Biscuits – A hearty, Southern-inspired side. My Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing is a perfect choice!
- Mac & Cheese – Comfort food heaven alongside juicy turkey legs
- Coleslaw or Fresh Salad – A lighter, crunchy counterpoint to the meat
- Cranberry Sauce – tart, vibrant, and a perfect contrast to the hearty meat. Try my homemade Microwave Cranberry Sauce for a quick option!
Desserts
- Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie – Perfect for autumn meals!
- Apple Crisp or Caramel Apples – Sweet, seasonal treats that pair with smoky turkey. Did you know you can make Air Fryer Apple Crisp too?
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars – Nutty, gooey desserts to complement the savory flavors!
Drink Pairings
- Beer – A malty amber ale or lager pairs beautifully with roasted turkey
- Red Wine – Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to match the smoky, hearty flavor
- Cocktails – Old Fashioned, whiskey sour, or a spiced apple cider cocktail work wonderfully. Try my Crownberry Apple, Cranberry Vodka Sour, or Maple Old Fashioned for some perfect seasonal pairings!
- Mocktails – Sparkling apple cider or cranberry spritzers keep things festive without alcohol!
Recipe FAQs
How To Tell When The Turkey Legs Are Fully Cooked?
Turkey legs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy, and make sure the juices run clear, not pink.
How Long Does it Take to Cook A Turkey Leg In The Air Fryer?
Most turkey legs take 20–30 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer, depending on their size (and your specific air fryer). Always check doneness with a thermometer rather than just time.
Is It Better To Bake Or Air Fry A Turkey?
Air frying is faster and gives turkey legs crispier skin with less oil, while baking works well for larger portions like a whole bird. For smaller cuts like legs, the air fryer usually delivers better texture and convenience.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Cooking times can vary based on the size of your turkey legs, as well as your specific air fryer (the size and how fast it comes to full temperature). My times are based on a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and my turkey legs were about ⅔ pound each – check with a meat thermometer and adjust as needed for your specific setup!
- I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe (but if yours takes a long time, feel free to). Make sure to flip halfway through to promote even cooking and avoid cool spots!
- For a darker brown exterior, you can add 3-5 extra minutes (or as desired). Dark meat turkey is very forgiving – it will still be insanely juicy!
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2–3 months
- Reheating in Air Fryer: To bring back the crispy skin, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, or until warmed through
- Oven Reheating: Place in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 325°F for about 15 minutes to keep them juicy
- Microwave (Quick Option): Use short bursts at medium heat to avoid drying them out, but note the skin won’t stay crispy
Presentation Tips
- Rustic Plating: Serve turkey legs on a wooden board or large platter lined with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a hearty, medieval-style presentation
- Drizzle & Garnish: Add a light drizzle of honey-butter glaze or cranberry reduction over the legs, then sprinkle with chopped parsley or orange zest for color!
- Themed Presentation: For holidays like Thanksgiving, surround the turkey legs with roasted root veggies or mini pumpkins. For casual gatherings, serve them with dipping sauces (BBQ, honey mustard, or garlic aioli) in small ramekins
- Individual Servings: Wrap the bone end of each turkey leg in parchment or foil “handles” to make them easier (and less messy) for guests to hold
- Paired Plating: Present with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cornbread muffins on the same plate for a complete, inviting meal
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Final Thoughts
These air fryer turkey legs are such an easy recipe that they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but delicious enough for Thanksgiving, entertaining, or any other special occasion! Plus, they’re naturally gluten free, so they work for different diets flawlessly.
It takes minimal effort and a handful of ingredients to make these delicious turkey drumsticks. I also love that you can customize them just to your liking! A chicken-focused BBQ rub or Cajun seasoning are my two favorites, but you can experiment with different flavors too.
For more great options and different cuts to try, check out all of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for delicious choices, or head over to my Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes collection for apps, sides, desserts, and more to complete your meal.
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Legs (Drumsticks)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds turkey legs (usually 2-3 legs depending on size)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or similar)
- 1 Tbsp chicken BBQ dry rub or similar – see notes (or to taste)
Instructions
- Pat your turkey legs dry with a paper towel, then rub with the oil to coat1 ½ – 2 pounds turkey legs, 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub evenly over all sides (get some under the skin as well if you can) until it’s well seasoned. If you make your own blend, mix everything together before rubbing so you get an even distribution1 Tbsp chicken BBQ dry rub or similar – see notes
- Place the turkey legs in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer, allowing air space between each one. Don't overcrowd; cook in batches if needed
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the legs, then cook an additional 10-15 minutes (depending on size), until juices are clear and the temperature inside (near but not touching the bone) reaches 165°F. Times will vary based on exact size of legs, browning preferences, and your specific air fryer, so adjust as needed
- Rest for about 10 minutes, then serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use butter (salted or unsalted) instead of olive oil. Feel free to substitute another high smoke point oil (like avocado) as well if preferred
- Any seasoning you like is fine here! I use a poultry BBQ seasoning, but you can try Cajun seasoning or poultry seasoning blends (make sure they have salt in them or add some), or a DIY mix of salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Good options include: paprika, garlic powder, parsley, brown sugar, honey, maple, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, sage, rosemary, cumin, or cayenne for heat!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
