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.
Combine soft butter with smoked paprika, seasoned salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, thyme and Italian seasoning until mixed. Remove one tablespoon of herb butter for basting and melt.
With paper towels pat the turkey legs completely dry. Rub the smokey herb butter all over the legs including under the skin where you are able.
Preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to 400 degrees F. Place legs in the air fryer basket, without touching. Air Fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Flip turkey legs and baste with 1 tablespoon melted herb butter. Cook for 20 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F. Some larger legs will take a little longer, if browning too quickly, loosely tent legs with foil and continue cooking until correct temperature.
Remove from the air fryer and allow the turkey legs to rest (tented with foil) for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
If using a countertop air fryer, turkey will often brown too quickly before cooking all the way through. Lower the basket to the middle-lower portion of the air fryer and if needed tent with foil towards the end.
How to reheat turkey legs in air fryer | Remove the turkey legs from the fridge and let come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees and place legs in the basket, air fry for about 10 minutes, turning them over half way through.
How to quick thaw frozen turkey legs | Without removing packaging, submerge frozen turkey legs in room temperature water for 2-3 hours. Or remove them from the freezer and place in the fridge overnight.
Can I air fry frozen turkey legs? | If you want to try and air fry frozen turkey legs, reduce the temperature to 360 degrees F and rub legs all over with half the butter mixture. Roast for 25 minutes, then flip and baste with remaining butter mixture (melted) air frying for another 20-30 minutes. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
Remember that all air fryers heat and cook a little differently, start with a little less time and use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey legs. Legs should be cooked to 165 degrees F.
Do I need to brine my turkey legs? Nope, the air fryer with its quick and cooking heat, keeps the breasts nice and moist.
Lean turkey legs will need less time to cook, start by cooking for 10 minutes per side, check the temperature and adjust as needed.
Variations | Omit butter and make dry rub; combine all of the dry spices. Rubbing all over the dried turkey legs, then spray with some avocado oil or olive oil before air frying.Storage
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, cooled completely first.
Cool turkey legs completely, wrap well with foil or plastic wrap and then store in air tight freezer baggie. Freeze up to 3 months