Smoked turkey drumsticks make a wonderfully nutritious addition to any meal. Technically, the smoking process fully cooks the meat, so while you dont have to cook it yourself, youll need to know how to properly reheat them.
Reheating turkey drumsticks is pretty simple, and the best way to do it is in the oven at a roasting temperature. You want to be careful not to use high heat, or your turkey legs will come out tough and dry.
Fortunately, cooking smoked turkey legs to tender, juicy perfect isnt difficult — it just involves a little patience and a few simple rules.
Turkey, whether youre cooking it at home or it comes pre-cooked and smoked, is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, per the USDA.
You can reheat smoked turkey legs in your oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6 to 8 minutes per pound for a tender, juicy result.
Smoked turkey legs are a delicious, flavorful treat, but eating them straight from the package can lead to dry, chewy meat. Cooking smoked turkey legs in the oven is an easy way to transform them into a mouthwatering main dish or appetizer. With the right techniques, you can achieve tender, juicy turkey perfection right from your own oven.
Benefits of Oven-Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs
There are several advantages to cooking smoked turkey legs in the oven rather than eating them straight from the package
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Maximizes flavor – Oven cooking allows the smoked flavor to permeate through the meat fully. The dry oven heat intensifies the smoky taste.
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Makes the meat juicy – Smoked turkey legs can often be dry. Baking them in the oven helps lock in moisture and prevents the meat from drying out.
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Renders fat – Slow oven cooking renders the fat properly, keeping the turkey legs nice and moist
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Crisps the skin – The oven’s dry heat crisps up the skin nicely, giving you delicious crackling.
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Adds extra flavor – Oven cooking allows you to add seasoning, glazes, or sauces to complement the smoky taste.
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Safe to eat – Heating to 165°F eliminates any harmful bacteria, making them safe to consume.
Oven cooking is clearly the way to go for enjoying smoked turkey legs to their full potential. Let’s look at how to do it right.
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven
Cooking smoked turkey legs in the oven is simple but follows a precise method for best results. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Smoked turkey legs, rinsed & patted dry
- Olive oil or cooking oil
- Seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). This relatively low temperature prevents the exterior from overcooking before the inside is done.
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Coat turkey legs with oil. Lightly brush legs with olive oil or vegetable oil. This helps the skin get crispy and adds moisture.
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Season the turkey legs. Sprinkle seasoning generously over the legs to complement the smoky flavor. Get creative with spices!
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Place legs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Arrange legs so they aren’t touching for even cooking.
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Roast for 45-60 minutes. Cook time varies based on size. Turkey legs are fully cooked once internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Baste halfway through. Brush legs with oil/drippings to prevent drying out.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to settle for super tender meat.
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Enjoy your juicy smoked turkey! Dig into your flavorful oven-roasted turkey legs.
Extra Tips
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When reheating leftovers, bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
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For extra flavor, glaze legs with barbecue sauce last 10 minutes of baking.
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You can also grill smoked turkey legs for a char-grilled taste.
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Cook frozen smoked legs thoroughly until 165°F, with extra baking time.
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Store leftovers for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for up to 3 months.
With this simple oven roasting method, you can transform smoked turkey legs into a mouthwatering dish. Adjust cooking times as needed to reach a safe internal temperature. Feel free to add your own unique spin with creative glazes and seasonings. In no time, you’ll be sinking your teeth into tender, smoky-flavored turkey perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs
Can you cook a smoked turkey leg from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen smoked turkey legs in the oven. Thaw first in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Roast at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which will take roughly 1-1.5 hours for a 1 lb frozen leg. Cook times vary based on size.
What is the best oil to use for roasted turkey legs?
The best oils for roasting turkey legs are olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil. Their high smoke points allow them to withstand oven temperatures. Olive oil provides excellent flavor.
How long does it take to cook turkey legs in the oven?
At 325°F, smoked turkey legs take 45-60 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time varies based on the size and thickness of the legs. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Can you cook raw turkey legs the same way?
Yes, raw turkey legs can be cooked similarly. Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Roast for 60-90 minutes until 165°F. Raw legs may also be brined first for extra moisture and flavor.
What temperature should smoked turkey legs be when done?
For food safety, smoked turkey legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F once finished cooking. At this temperature, any potential harmful bacteria are killed off.
Can you overcook smoked turkey legs in the oven?
It is possible to overcook smoked turkey legs if baked for too long at too high of a temperature. This can lead to dried out, chewy meat. Stick to 325°F and use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
What wood is best for smoking turkey legs?
Hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, and mesquite wood chips all pair well with turkey. Hickory provides the classic bold barbecue flavor. Sweeter fruit woods like apple and cherry provide a milder smoke.
How long do cooked smoked turkey legs last in the fridge?
Cooked smoked turkey legs will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Be sure to store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze cooked turkey for 2-3 months.
Reheating roasted smoked turkey legs in the oven revitalizes the flavor and yields tender meat you can savor. With the proper method, getting perfect results is easy. Experiment with different seasonings and glazes until you find your ideal oven-roasted turkey legs.
Are Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs Fully Cooked?
Its important to eat meat that is cooked thoroughly to lessen the chance of getting a foodborne illness. Virtually all pre-smoked turkey legs are fully cooked, so its almost certain youll only need to reheat them before eating, not cook them from scratch, as you would with fresh turkey.
Smoked turkey legs are pre-cooked in a smoker, which gives the meat a distinctly smokey flavor and darker color compared to fresh turkey legs. Smoked turkey is typically more expensive, too, because its pre-cooked.
That said, its still vital to check the label on the smoked turkey legs you buy, as there may be some exceptions to this rule.
Even though smoked turkey meat looks pink, its still safe to eat, according to the USDA.
The color is from the nitrites found in cured and smoked meats, so you should judge the safety of the meat by internal temperature rather than color.
Other Ways to Cook Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
It doesnt get much more convenient than putting your cooked smoked turkey drumsticks in the air fryer for a perfectly crispy outside and wonderfully tender inside.
Heres how to use your air fryer to cook smoked turkey legs:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 F.
- Place the smoked turkey legs in the air fryer basket.
- Air-fry the turkey legs for about 5 minutes, then open the air fryer to turn the legs so they heat through evenly.
- Cook the turkey legs for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispness.
Another way you can heat up smoked turkey drumsticks is putting them in the slow cooker with some liquid, which will help the meat come out tender and juicy. Heres how:
- Place your smoked turkey drumsticks in the slow cooker.
- Add just enough water or broth to cover the turkey legs and place the lid on the slow cooker. enough liquid of your choice, like chicken stock, to the slow cooker, just enough to cover the turkey legs.
- Set the slow cooker on low and cook your smoked turkey legs for 45 minutes, or until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 F.
- Remove the smoked turkey legs from the slow cooker and allow to cool before serving.