Go Back
–+ servings
Crispy-skinned air fryer turkey legs on a white plate, golden brown with juicy meat inside, served alongside fresh rosemary sprigs.

Juicy and Flavorful Air Fryer Turkey Legs

DailyYum.com
These perfectly roasted air fryer turkey legs are mouthwatering and crispy on the outside with tender juicy meat.
Turkey legs are especially great for air frying, as the skin gets crisp while the meat stays juicy. The air fryer cooks turkey legs faster than traditional methods, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 850 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 turkey legs, thawed You can cook 4 or more. Just double the ingredients
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry rosemary

Brine:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 Tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar white, brown, or Monk fruit sweetener.
  • 1 Lemon Juice of 1 lemon. Plus dump the squeezed lemon into the brine
  • 1/2 medium onion raw onion
  • 2 Bay leaf
  • 1 spring fresh rosemary
  • 4 springs fresh thyme

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, add water, salt, sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Add lemon juice, plus dump the lemon. Add onion, bay leaf, rosemary and thyme. Add turkey legs, ensuring they are completely submerged in water. Cover and put in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or best overnight.
    Brine for turkey legs
  • Preheat the air fryer to 380F/195C.
  • Drain and discard the brine. Rinse lightly under cool water. Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
    In a small bowl combine oil and seasoning blend for the turkey rub.
    Using your hands or a food basting brush, rub the oil and seasoning mix all over the turkey legs, rubbing under the skin, if possible.
    Place turkey legs directly onto an air fryer rack, basket, or tray.
    Cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway. That is 15 minutes per side.
    Air Fryer Turkey Legs recipe

Notes

If your turkey legs are extra large, they may require more cooking time. After 30 minutes cover them with foil (to prevent burning of the skin) and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes. Until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 850kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 120gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 381mgSodium: 510mgPotassium: 1913mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 61IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 12mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
Keyword air fryer turkey, Air fryer turkey legs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!