This Thanksgiving, I’m sharing my favorite go-to turkey recipe, Smoked Turkey Legs. Instead of frying a whole bird in my own backyard, this easy giant turkey leg recipe comes together in my smoker.
A sweet and salty overnight brine ensures the giant turkey legs stay moist and delicious throughout the cooking process. The best part is that no one will ever complain that the smoked turkey meat is too dry!
This smoked turkey leg recipe shares a lot in common with the Disney turkey leg recipe but kicks up the flavor a few more notches with a spicy seasoning rub and a hot honey glaze that is so freakin’ delicious.
Turkey legs are a classic dish that can be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays When cooked properly at the right temperature, turkey legs come out incredibly moist, flavorful and delicious with crispy, golden brown skin In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about achieving turkey leg perfection through using the ideal cooking temperature.
Why Temperature Matters
Temperature plays a critical role in cooking turkey legs properly If the temperature is too low, the turkey will be undercooked and unsafe to eat. If it’s too high, the turkey will dry out quickly.
The perfect temperature helps break down the proteins and collagen in the meat slowly so that it can become tender and juicy as it cooks. It also allows the fat under the skin to render and baste the meat leading to crispy skin.
So what’s the magic number for succulent mouthwatering turkey legs every time? Read on to find out.
What is the Best Temperature for Cooking Turkey Legs?
The ideal internal temperature for cooked turkey legs is 165°F to 175°F, This range ensures the legs reach safe eating temperatures while still retaining moisture and tenderness
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 165°F is the minimum safe temperature for cooked poultry. At this point, any potential bacteria have been killed off.
For the juiciest legs, aim for 170°F to 175°F, pulling them off the heat just before they hit 175°F. This prevents them from overcooking
As a general rule of thumb, the thinner the cut of turkey, the lower end of the temperature range you can use. For thick turkey legs, aim for the higher end around 175°F.
How to Tell When Turkey Legs Are Fully Cooked
The most reliable way to determine doneness for turkey legs is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Thermometers provide a precise internal temperature reading to take the guesswork out of knowing when the legs are done.
Simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding contact with any bones. Wait 10-15 seconds for an accurate reading.
In addition to temperature, there are a few visual cues that indicate turkey legs are fully cooked:
- The meat has pulled away from the bone slightly and looks opaque throughout when cut into.
- The juices run clear when pierced with a knife or fork.
- The skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
If relying on visual cues alone, it’s best to aim for the higher end of the temperature range around 175°F to guarantee doneness. A thermometer is foolproof.
Oven Roasting Temperature for Turkey Legs
Oven roasting is a simple, hands-off cooking method that yields tender, flavorful turkey legs. The optimal oven temperature is between 325°F and 350°F.
-
325°F is on the lower end but allows the legs to cook slowly and evenly. The lower heat helps render fat and crisp the skin without overcooking the meat.
-
350°F produces golden, well-browned skin at a faster rate. It’s ideal if you’re short on time.
Cooking times vary based on the size of the legs and oven temperature. Plan on roasting for around 90 minutes up to 2 hours until the internal temperature hits 165-175°F.
Always let the legs rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute. The temperature will rise about 5°F during this time.
Deep Frying Turkey Legs
Deep frying is a quick cooking method that yields ultra-crispy skin on turkey legs. Use an oil thermometer and maintain the temperature between 350-375°F for best results.
-
At 350°F, the legs will need 12-15 minutes to cook through fully. If increasing the temperature to 375°F, reduce cook time to 9-12 minutes.
-
Fry for fewer minutes per side if cooking drumsticks alone, which will cook faster than whole legs. Carefully monitor temperature to avoid overcooking.
-
Let oil return to temperature between batches. For safety, fry in small batches and don’t overfill the pot with oil.
Grilling Temps for Turkey Legs
The hot, dry heat of the grill is ideal for achieving crispy skin on turkey legs. Use a medium-high heat between 375-400°F.
At this temperature range, turkey legs will need around 40-60 minutes to reach 165-175°F, turning occasionally.
Move them to indirect heat or turn down the temperature if flare-ups occur. Brushing with a glaze or oil prevents drying out.
If grilling drumsticks alone, they will cook faster than whole legs. Start checking temperature after 30 minutes.
Smoking Turkey Legs Low and Slow
For maximum flavor and tender meat, try smoking turkey legs low and slow at 225-250°F. Whole legs will need 2-3 hours for the collagen to break down fully at this temp.
Maintain a consistent, even temperature in your smoker for best results. Use wood chips like hickory, apple, cherry or maple for flavor.
Monitor the internal temperature, shooting for at least 165°F in the thickest part of the meat before removing from the smoker.
Finishing in the Oven
For an extra touch of smoky flavor, smoke turkey legs for 1-2 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Then finish cooking in a 350°F oven until 165-175°F for tender results.
This helps prevent the legs from drying out if over-smoked while still benefiting from time in the smoker. Rely on your thermometer for doneness.
Key Takeaways
-
The ideal internal temperature for turkey legs is between 165-175°F for optimal safety, moisture and texture.
-
Always use an instant-read thermometer to accurately determine doneness, inserting into the thickest section.
-
Oven temperatures between 325-350°F work well for roasting flavorful, tender turkey legs with crispy skin.
-
For grilling, target a medium-high heat of 375-400°F and cook for 40-60 minutes until fully cooked through.
-
Fry turkey legs at 350-375°F for the perfect balance of juicy meat and ultra-crispy skin.
-
For maximum flavor, smoke at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours then finish cooking in the oven if needed.
Using the right internal temperature and method will ensure your turkey legs turn out perfectly cooked from the inside out every single time. Now that you know the secrets to success, get ready to enjoy tender, mouthwatering turkey legs!
How to Maintain the Smoke
Remember, the smoke is a crucial element in achieving that signature smoky flavor. Therefore, if you notice the smoke diminishing, add more wood chips to maintain that consistent smoky flavor you crave.
How to Make Smoked Turkey Legs
This recipe could not be any easier, so let’s get this holiday dinner started. After following a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to turkey leg bliss!
The brine is the first step for the best smoked turkey legs, but you’ve got to prepare it the night before smoking. This is because the turkey legs need to soak in it overnight. If you’re curious about all the benefits of brining, check it out in my article The Benefits of Brining.
You’ll want to use warm water, not cold water so that the brown sugar dissolves easily. With all the brine ingredients mixed in a large container, glass bowl, or giant Ziplock bag, place the turkey legs inside. Place covered or sealed in the fridge, preferably overnight.
About 3 hours before you’re ready to serve your smoked turkey legs for Thanksgiving dinner, pull them out of the brine. Discard the liquid. Place the legs on a sheet pan and pat the legs completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle my BBQ rub generously over the turkey legs.
Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F, cooking indirectly. Add your favorite wood chips or wood chunks to help develop the smoky flavor. Cook the turkey legs for about 2-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 175 degrees F.
About 30 minutes before the turkey meat is cooked, warm your local honey in a small cast iron pan. Add the chili flakes and my FYR Red Hot Sauce. Mix well and with a pastry brush glaze the outside of the turkey legs 2-3 times just before pulling them off.
After about 5 minutes, the smoked turkey legs are rested and ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkling of those tasty sesame seeds and chopped chives!
What temp should turkey legs be cooked to?
FAQ
What temperature should turkey legs be cooked at?
- Some recipes call for cooking turkey legs to 180°F.
- Others recommend cooking turkey legs to 165°F.
- Dark meat turkey may taste better at temperatures above 175°F, but it’s safe to eat at 165°F.
Are turkey legs done at 165?
Oven baked.
Place the turkey leg on a wire cooking rack on top of a baking sheet and cook at 350°F until an internal temp of 165°F. This took me about 35 minutes. The turkey legs are already safe to eat as they are pre cooked but taking them to 165°F ensures they are cooked through and hot.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
- The USDA recommends cooking turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
- This temperature kills pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and avian influenza viruses.
- You can remove the turkey from the oven at a temperature as low as 160°F because the temperature will continue to rise as it rests.
- Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe temperature, and smoked turkey is always pink.
- A whole turkey has two different types of meat, white breast meat and dark meat, so cooking times and temperatures may need to be adjusted.
- Pop-up turkey timers are not reliable because they can indicate temperatures that are much higher than the recommended temperature.
What temperature should turkey legs be smoked?
Smoked turkey legs are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F measured in the thickest part. Since turkey legs are dark meat, you can smoke them up to 175 degrees F internally. At this temperature the meat breaks down further making it fall off the bone. Should I brine turkey legs? Brining turkey legs is up to you.
How do you cook turkey legs in the oven?
Place them on an oven-safe rack fitted over a baking sheet. Brush the turkey with oil on all sides. Season. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper onto the turkey legs. Roast. Cook turkey legs in the oven, until crispy and juicy. Rest.