This recipe for Baked Turkey Legs is a simple way to enjoy turkey without having to cook a whole bird. Our foolproof method makes the dark meat inside juicy and tender, and the skin outside crispy.
When I think of baked turkey legs, Thanksgiving and Disney come to mind. How was I surprised to find them at the park on our last Disneyland trip. So, it’s a year round indulgence that is so delicious!.
When cooking turkey legs, not only are we pleasing those family members who are dark meat lovers. Because let’s be honest, we all have mostly those. We’re also making easy dinners for the week any time of the year. And don’t forget about Game Day!
And if you’re like me and only have a few people over for Thanksgiving, you probably don’t need to roast a whole turkey.
If you choose to roast a turkey breast or make this turkey drumstick recipe, the pros are that the bird will taste better and take less time to roast.
Truly, when you cook a whole turkey, the white meat dries out quickly while you wait for the dark meat to finish. I always have turkey breast left over, which I shred and use to make turkey quesadillas or turkey noodle soup.
That being said, we both agree that this turkey leg recipe is great because it has dark meat and crispy skin. Bam!.
Cooking turkey legs in a convection oven is a great way to enjoy this popular appetizer or entrée. With the convection oven’s hot air circulation turkey legs become perfectly browned and crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender on the inside. But to get the best results it’s important to follow proper guidelines on temperature, cook times, and doneness.
How a Convection Oven Works
A convection oven has some advantages over a standard oven when cooking turkey legs:
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Hot air circulates around the food, promoting even browning and cooking. This allows the turkey skin to get crispy and golden brown.
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Food cooks faster, reducing cook times by about 25% compared to regular ovens. This saves time when cooking turkey legs.
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The circulating air helps seal in juices, keeping the turkey meat tender and preventing it from drying out
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Heat gets distributed evenly throughout the oven, preventing hot and cold spots. Turkey legs cook uniformly
Recommended Cook Times and Temperatures
Most recipes recommend cooking turkey legs in a convection oven at 350°F. At this temperature, they will need 35-45 minutes to fully cook. But cook times can vary based on the size of the drumsticks, as larger legs may require more time.
Here are some general convection oven turkey leg cook times based on weight:
- Turkey legs under 1 lb: 30-35 minutes
- Turkey legs 1-2 lbs: 35-45 minutes
- Turkey legs over 2 lbs: 50-60 minutes
To ensure turkey legs cook through, it’s best to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If using a lower temperature like 325°F, extend cook times by about 10 minutes. Higher temperatures around 375-400°F will shorten cook times slightly.
Seasoning and Preparation Tips
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Pat turkey legs dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere properly.
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Coat legs evenly with olive oil or melted butter before applying seasonings.
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For added flavor, try injecting turkey legs with a marinade using an injector syringe.
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Rub legs with a dry spice mix or herb blend. Cajun seasoning gives great flavor.
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For a smoky taste, sprinkle on smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Bake turkey legs on a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately test temperature; legs are done at 165°F.
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Let turkey legs rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked convection oven turkey legs:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Pat 1-2 lb turkey legs dry with paper towels. Brush evenly with oil or melted butter.
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Apply your choice of rub or seasonings evenly on all sides of the legs.
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Place legs on the baking sheet without overlapping or crowding.
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Roast for 35-45 minutes until 165°F internally on a meat thermometer.
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Remove from oven and tent legs loosely with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
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Serve warm turkey legs with desired sauces or side dishes.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Legs
Frozen pre-cooked turkey legs can also be finished nicely in a convection oven:
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Increase temperature to 375°F.
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Place frozen turkey legs in a single layer on a foil-lined pan.
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Roast for 25-35 minutes until heated through (165°F).
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The convection fan helps evenly distribute heat for thorough reheating and browning.
Convection Oven Tips
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Arrange turkey legs so air can circulate around each one. Avoid overcrowding.
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Use a meat thermometer to test doneness instead of cook times.
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Let turkey legs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking if possible.
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Start checking temperature about 10 minutes before recommended cook time.
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Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for your specific convection oven model.
Best Side Dishes to Serve
Roasted turkey legs pair well with these flavorful side dishes:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Rice pilaf or corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts
- Fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Warm rolls or biscuits
- Cranberry sauce or gravy
With proper cook times, temperatures and seasoning, convection ovens deliver incredibly moist, delicious turkey drumsticks the whole family will love. Following these convection cooking guidelines helps ensure perfect results every time. Enjoy!
How Do I Know When Turkey Legs are Done?
This is the question that everyone wants to know when they want to cook any kind of meat, but especially turkey drumsticks with the bone still in them. Everyone wants juicy meat that is not dry!.
The best way to check your meat is to use an instant read thermometer! Stick the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, and check that internal temperature has reached a minimum of 160 degrees F.
As your turkey rests outside of the oven, it will continue to cook and reach the optimal 165 degrees F. You will notice the juices run clear as well. And according to the USDA, your turkey legs are safe to eat then. 165 F is the magic number when it comes to cooked meats.
- Size of turkey legs: Turkey legs that are bigger or smaller will change how long they take to cook. For even baking, try to get drumsticks that are all the same size. I talk about this in more depth above and below.
- A digital meat thermometer is the best way to make sure that the internal temperature of your turkey legs is 165 degrees F, which is the right level.
- Dry the drumsticks with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning and oil stick to them and also helps the skin get crispy in the oven.
- Do not have a rack? You can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line a baking sheet if you do not have one. A baking dish or roasting pan that can go in the oven might also work.
- Rest the meat. Don’t skip this step; it makes the meat even more juicy.
- Keep the drumstick bones; I use them to make tasty turkey stock by cooking them with vegetables and cold water. I use this Instant Pot beef bone broth recipe.
How to Cook Turkey Legs in the Oven
One great thing about this baked turkey leg recipe is that you don’t have to brine or baste it! Follow these steps to cook turkey legs the right way, and then let me know how you liked them!
First, heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Then, put a cooling rack (a wire rack) on a baking sheet with a rim and spray it with cooking spray.
The skin will be crispy if you roast the turkey legs at a high temperature. They’re also ready in just over an hour.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together. You can also just sprinkle different spices on raw meat if you’re not in the mood to cook.
- Spread turkey legs out on a large plate. Use paper towels to dry them off and a brush to coat them with oil. To get the oil to stick, make sure the legs are dry first. Then, use our homemade turkey spice rub. Sprinkle a spice mix all over, but don’t rub or touch it afterward.
- Place the turkey legs in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been prepared. Roast the legs for 30 minutes without covering them. Then, loosely cover with foil and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes. If you stick them with a knife and the juices come out clean, they are ready. You can also put an instant read thermometer in the leg where it is thickest, making sure to avoid the bone of the drumstick. You can go if it reads 160 degrees F.
- Rest: Take the turkey legs out of the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. That’s when they get even more juicy! I wouldn’t cover them now because I don’t want to lose the crispy skin, which would be terrible.
How To Bake Turkey Legs
FAQ
Should turkey be 325 or 350 in a convection oven?
What temperature should turkey legs be cooked at?
How long to cook turkey in a convection oven per pound?
Why are my baked turkey legs tough?