Easy Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Golden brown on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, these easy Air Fryer Turkey Legs are perfectly rubbed with a smoky seasoned butter and air fried in no time! Yielding tender, juicy and crispy skinned turkey legs.

I just love using air fryer recipes for new and interesting ways to make weeknight dinners. And there are so many delicious recipes you can include with this juicy turkey leg entrée. For a complete meal, make Air Fryer Steak Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. And finish off the meal with this recipe for Easy Air Fryer Apple Crisp and a hearty scoop of ice cream too!

There are always the traditional recipes we all love for the holidays, like Homemade Turkey Gravy, perfect over this juicy meat. Add a side dish of Corn Casserole, some Broccoli Au Gratin, and some Easy Yeast Rolls, and you have a classic Thanksgiving dinner made easily for any night of the week.

Simple Ingredients

• Turkey Legs/Drumsticks | I use about 2-3 lbs of dark meat turkey legs for this recipe.
• Butter | Softened butter is mixed with the seasonings for the rub, for a delicious herbed butter rub. We’ll reserve a bit and melt for basting the drumsticks.
• Smoked Paprika | For a smoky, great flavor, just like the theme parks or the Renaissance fair.
• Seasoning Salt | Use seasoning salt to taste to make the skin so delicious and savory.
• Garlic Powder | Garlic powder is perfectly blended into the butter mixture.
• Brown Sugar | Crispy turkey legs being the goal, the brown sugar crisps up so nicely and balances the savory, smoky flavors.
• Black Pepper | Use as much or as little as you would like.
• Thyme | Dried thyme or fresh thyme can be used here.
• Italian Seasoning | Italian seasoning should be a staple in every kitchen. It is just the right blend of herbs for this meal.

How to Make Air Fryer Turkey Drumsticks

Step 1 | Make the Seasoned Butter Rub

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with smoked paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed in.

*Important | Remove one tablespoon of the herb butter for basting; melt in the microwave, set aside.

Step 2 | Prepare the Turkey

I am not sure about you, but I like to rinse turkey before I begin cooking. Take the turkey legs out of the packaging and give them a good rinse. 

Then, with paper towels, pat the turkey legs completely dry so the rub will stick. Then rub the herb butter all over the turkey legs, distribute the smokey herb butter all over the legs, including under the skin where you are able.

Step 3 | Get Ready to Air Fry Turkey Legs and Thighs

If you have not already, preheat the air fryer as directed on the recipe card below.

Now you are ready to place the seasoned legs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching so all the sides get nice and crispy.

Step 4 | Cook Your Turkey

In the preheated air fryer (400 degrees F), place turkey legs in basket without crowding and cook for the first 20 minutes. Then open the fryer and flip the turkey legs over, basting with 1 tablespoon of the reserved melted herb butter.

Now, close the air fryer and resume cooking for 20 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F with a meat thermometer.

Some larger legs may take a little longer.

Then, if they are browning too quickly, loosely tent the legs with aluminum foil and continue cooking until the correct temperature is reached.

Step 5 | Remove and Rest

Yes, you can rest too, but I am talking about resting the meat to retain all the juices. Carefully remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and allow the meat to rest on a plate or cutting board tented with foil for 5-10 minutes while you get the rest of the meal to the table.

How to Reheat Turkey Leg in Air Fryer

Remove the leftover turkey legs from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and place turkey legs in the basket. Air fry for about 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Ta-da, that’s how to reheat turkey leg in the air fryer.

How to Quick Thaw Frozen Turkey Legs

Without removing the packaging, submerge frozen turkey legs in room temperature water for 2-3 hours. Remember to change the water if needed and keep it cold. Or remove them from the freezer and place the sealed package in the fridge overnight.

How to Roast Turkey Legs in Oven

I get it, you might not have an air fryer yet, but when you do give it a try, until then here are the instructions to roast turkey legs in the oven.

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees and for easier clean-up, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place an oven safe rack on top.
• Place turkey legs (with butter rub) on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until skin starts to brown. (If not using butter, be sure to spray the legs and rack with spray oil. I like Avocado spray oil for its high heat tolerance.
• Cover loosely with foil to avoid over-browning and continue roasting for another 30 or so minutes. Turkey legs are done when instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F (make sure it isn’t touching the bone), and when pierced juices run clear.
• Remove from oven and allow to sit, covered, resting for 10 minutes. Don’t jump in too quickly, this will ensure that your turkey is tender, juicy and moist.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy Free | If you prefer not to use butter, make a dry rub and combine all the dry spices rubbing all over the dried turkey legs, then spray with some avocado oil or olive oil before air frying. That way, you still get that crispy skin on the outside and keep the meat juicy!
• Seasoning Mix | Out of Italian Seasoning? Switch it up for Herbs de Provence. You can also use poultry seasoning for this delicious recipe.
• Whole Turkey | Want to do the entire turkey? Go ahead and put the parts of the turkey in, as the size of your air fryer basket dictates. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to directions. and remember, turkey wings will take less time.

Storage Tips

Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer will last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep them stored in a zippered bag or an airtight container.

Cool turkey legs completely, wrap well with foil or plastic wrap and then store in air tight freezer baggie. Freeze up to 3 months

More Turkey Recipes

• Juicy Turkey Air Fryer Turkey Breast
• Easy Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
• Best Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe
• Simple Tender Tasty Turkey
• Easy Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
• Turkey Roasting Guide + Turkey Printable

I hope you loved this air fryer turkey leg recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!