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Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs That Will Transform Your Dinner Game

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Learn how to make delicious Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Legs. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 large turkey legs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for richness and crispness)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds that cozy, smoky hint reminiscent of campfire nights)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (a nod to Mama Lu’s kitchen staples)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for a subtle earthiness, like the herbs growing in our mountain garden)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a gentle kick that warms you like a porch swing breeze)
  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil for the air fryer basket

Substitution suggestions: If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a pinch of cumin works well. For the oil, avocado or vegetable oil can stand in if olive oil isn’t handy. And if fresh herbs are calling your name, toss in a sprig of rosemary or sage when cooking for an extra mountain-homestead touch.

Instructions

  1. Start by patting your turkey legs dry with paper towels. This step is key—Mama Lu always said moisture was the enemy of crispiness.
  2. Rub the turkey legs all over with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the seasoning stick and gives you that golden crust.
  3. Mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a small bowl.
  4. Generously coat each turkey leg with the spice mix, pressing it into the skin so it clings well. Don’t be shy here; the seasoning is what brings the soul to this dish.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. While it warms, lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Place the turkey legs in the basket, making sure they have a little space between them for the air to circulate. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
  7. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The skin should be deep golden and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  8. If you want extra crispy skin, give the legs an additional 3-5 minutes at 400°F (204°C), watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to settle—just like Mama Lu’s Sunday roasts, this step makes all the difference.

From my experience, the magic is in the flip and the rest. Don’t skip these. I remember the first time I tried turkey legs in the air fryer; I rushed to dig in and the juices ran everywhere. Waiting just a few minutes brought that perfect tenderness back, and I’ve never looked back.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/crispy-air-fryer-turkey-legs/