Simple Roasted Turkey Legs: You can have juicy, tender turkey without roasting the entire bird by baking the legs in the oven with a recipe for perfectly seasoned oven-roasted turkey legs. In addition, anyone who has ever had a juicy turkey leg at Disney World can attest to how delicious they are.
I don’t think roast turkey is only for Christmas and Thanksgiving; it’s a great option for family dinners any time of year, and your loved ones will love the result!
But cooking the whole bird can be challenging, so when I saw huge turkey legs at my local supermarket recently, I was excited.
A whole turkey leg is much less expensive than cooking a large bird, and it can easily feed four to six people. This makes it the perfect option for small Thanksgiving gatherings or any other small holiday dinner. Even better? You will be amazed how incredibly easy it is to prepare!.
These tender turkey legs make a great alternative if you’re serving a smaller group of dark meat lovers. Forget basting, brining, and getting hot and bothered about roasting the perfect turkey! .
PS: If you prefer white meat, try my easy Roast Turkey Crown recipe! For a quick and easy alternative to a whole roast turkey, try my Turkey Roll Recipe!
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook turkey legs? Look no further! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right turkey legs to achieving crispy skin and juicy meat.
Choosing the Right Turkey Legs
Turkey legs come in two sizes: small and large. Small turkey legs are about 10 ounces each, while large turkey legs are around a pound each. For this recipe, we will be using small turkey legs.
Ingredients
- 4 small turkey legs (bone-in, skin-on, about 10 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Fit a rimmed roasting pan with a rack and spray the rack with avocado oil.
- Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.
- Brush them all over with melted butter and rub them with the seasoning mix.
- Place them on the roasting rack and lightly spray them with avocado oil.
- Place the turkey in the oven. Roast it, uncovered, for 20 minutes, until the skin is browned.
- Loosely cover the turkey legs with foil to avoid scorching their top, and continue roasting them until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork and an instant-read thermometer not touching the bone registers 160°F, about 30 more minutes.
- Remove the turkey legs from the oven and allow them to rest, still covered in foil, for 10 minutes before serving. Do not skip this step – it will enable the internal temperature to climb and the juices to redistribute and settle.
Tips
- If you are using large turkey legs, you will need to bake them for longer at a lower temperature. Turkey legs weighing 1 pound should be baked in a 350°F oven for at least 90 minutes and up to two hours. Cover them loosely with foil once the tops are deeply browned, which should happen after 60-75 minutes.
- Always check with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg and not touching the bone to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160°F. After a 10-minute rest, it should climb to 165°F.
- You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power, or enjoy them cold.
Roasting turkey legs is a great way to enjoy a delicious and easy meal. With this guide, you can achieve crispy skin and juicy meat every time. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
FAQs
What temperature should I roast turkey legs at?
For small turkey legs, you should roast them at 450°F. For larger turkey legs, you should roast them at 350°F.
How long should I cook turkey legs?
Small turkey legs should be cooked for about 50 minutes Large turkey legs should be cooked for at least 90 minutes and up to two hours
How do I know when the turkey legs are done?
The turkey legs are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg and not touching the bone registers 160°F. After a 10-minute rest, it should climb to 165°F
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply roast the turkey legs as instructed, then let them cool completely. For a maximum of three days, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container. Before serving, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until thoroughly heated.
Additional Resources
Enjoy!
Here’s what you will need
- Turkey legs – my 1. The turkey leg weighing 6 kg (3½ pounds) was divided into sections for the thighs and legs.
- Olive oil
- The seasoning rub is composed of garlic powder, oregano, dried parsley, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and lemon zest.
- On a trivet made of lemons, onions, and rosemary sprigs, the turkey legs are cooked.
- Digital thermometer
- A good carving set
How To Roast Turkey Legs
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!.
STEP 1: Rub the turkey with olive oil. Combine all the ingredients for the rub and then sprinkle liberally over the turkey on both sides.
STEP 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place foil or baking paper in a roasting pan and arrange the onion, rosemary, and lemon slices over the pan.
Step 3: Place the turkey leg on top, skin side down, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn the legs over, skin side up, and continue cooking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (167°F). This method is a great way to achieve the perfect mix of crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat.
STEP 4: Rest the turkey, loosely covered with aluminum foil, for 20-30 minutes. Slice and serve as your main dish with your favorite sides!.
