When you think of turkey legs, you might remember getting a big one at the state fair as a kid. Or maybe it’s just the fun of eating something that has a handle on it! With this air fryer turkey legs recipe, you don’t have to wait for fair season to enjoy the crispy skin and juicy meat.
This air fryer makes it easy to cook turkey legs at home, and it takes a lot less time than you might think. This recipe is all about big flavor with minimal effort, so let’s get cooking!.
The holidays often leave us with a bounty of leftover turkey. While turkey meat is versatile for sandwiches, casseroles and soups many of us find ourselves wondering what to do with the leftovers turkey legs. These large, meaty legs can seem intimidating to store and reheat. Fortunately, reheating them to crispy perfection is easy with an air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Reheating Turkey Legs
Air fryers have quickly become one of the most popular kitchen appliances thanks to their ability to make fried foods with little to no oil. Beyond frying, air fryers are also excellent for reheating leftovers, especially meats. Here are some of the benefits of using an air fryer for reheating turkey legs:
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Crispy skin – The high heat and air circulation mimics deep frying to help recreate that coveted crispy skin
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Moist meat – The rapid reheating helps lock in moisture. While the skin crisps up, the meat inside steams gently.
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Food safety – The air fryer heats food fast, limiting bacterial growth opportunities.
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Even heating – Hot air surrounds the food for consistent reheating. No cold spots here!
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Speed – With no preheating necessary, leftovers reheat in just minutes.
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Convenience – Simple cleanup with minimal added oil or mess.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for reheating succulent turkey legs with crispy skin using your air fryer:
1. Properly Store the Leftover Turkey Legs
- Allow turkey legs to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store legs in a sealed container or bag to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days for best quality.
2. Remove Turkey Legs from Fridge and Let Sit
- Take turkey legs out of fridge about 20 minutes before reheating.
- Letting them sit at room temp helps them cook more evenly later.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Most air fryers don’t technically need preheating.
- However, preheating helps recover some of the crispy skin.
- Set air fryer to 350°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
4. Prep the Turkey Legs
- Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
- Brush or spray lightly with oil to encourage browning.
- Sprinkle with any seasoning or herbs.
5. Cook Turkey Legs in Air Fryer
- Place legs in air fryer basket in a single layer without crowding.
- Cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip legs halfway through and brush with a little more oil if needed.
6. Check Internal Temperature
- Test temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part.
- Turkey legs are safe to eat once internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If needed, cook 1-2 minutes more until 165°F is reached.
7. Allow to Rest and Serve
- Remove turkey legs from the air fryer and let rest 5 minutes.
- The resting time allows juices to redistribute evenly.
- Serve your crispy, juicy turkey legs and enjoy!
Troubleshooting Less-Than-Perfect Results
Minor tweaks to the reheating process can help troubleshoot any issues:
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Not crispy enough? Brush legs with a little more oil before cooking. Cook a minute or two longer.
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Overly dried out? Don’t overcook. Reheat only until 165°F. Tent with foil while resting.
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Undercooked? Double check internal temp with a meat thermometer. Cook longer if needed.
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Skin too dark? Lower air fryer temp by 25 degrees next time.
With the right techniques, an air fryer can reheat those leftover turkey legs to crispy, juicy perfection. By following proper food safety practices and monitoring the temperature, you can enjoy your holiday turkey even days later. Adjust the time and temperature as needed to suit your specific air fryer model and size of turkey legs. In just minutes, your kitchen can be filled with the inviting aromas of crispy, reheated turkey once again.
Why This Recipe Is Fantastic
- Crispy skin without deep frying!
- Juicy, flavorful turkey meat in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasions.
- A fun meal that everyone can enjoy (no utensils needed!).
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- 2 Pounds Turkey Legs (About 2 Pieces)
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Dried Thyme
- 1/4 tsp. Dried Rosemary
- 1/2 tsp. Smoked Paprika
Optional Turkey Leg Brine Recipe
This step is not necessary but does make the turkey legs (and chicken) even juicier. Here’s my go-to brine recipe if you want to take this extra step before cooking.
Brine Recipe:
- 1/4 Cup Salt
- 1 Quart Water
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar (Optional)
To brine: Mix the salt, water, and sugar (if using) until dissolved. Submerge the turkey legs in the brine and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. Remove from the brine, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can you reheat turkey legs?
FAQ
How do you reheat a cooked turkey leg?
Can I reheat turkey in an air fryer?
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Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?