Easy Air Fryer Turkey Legs

overhead pictures of a large turkey drumstick on a black plate with fork behind.

A delicious recipe for air fryer turkey legs, crispy on the outside, juicy, and tender on the inside. This might be the easiest Thanksgiving turkey you could possibly cook. Ready in 40minutes.

Course Air Fryer Recipes

Cuisine American

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 35

Servings -4

Calories 667kcal

Author Adina

Equipment

Air fryer

Ingredients

2 turkey legs (drumsticks) about 1lb (500 g) each (Note 1)
1 tablespoon oil canola, sunflower oil
2 teaspoons sweet paprika Note 2
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer, if necessary; it depends on the type you are using. Mine needs 3 minutes preheating.
Season: In the meantime, rub the meat with the oil and the seasoning all over.
Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes. Flip using tongs and cook for another 15 minutes or until cooked through. The cooking time depends on the size of the drumsticks.
Check the internal temperature with a quick read thermometer; it should be 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). To check, insert the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg. If the temperature is not right yet, give the meat a few more minutes and check again (Note 3).

Notes

If the legs are smaller, you might be able to fit another one in the air fryer’s basket. Check before planning the meal.
Use other spices instead. You can mix several types of paprika (sweet, hot, smoked), use bought poultry seasoning or lemon pepper, add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
The cooking time depends very much on the size of the drumstick. I had to cook my 1lb pieces for 33 minutes. Smaller legs will need slightly less time. Large pieces weighing about 2 lb (1 kg) might take up to 45 minutes. Make sure to check.

Nutrition