Dive into the Deep-Fried Delights of Turkey Legs: Two Recipes for Your Culinary Adventure

Are you craving crispy, juicy, and flavorful turkey legs that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more? Look no further than these two fantastic fried turkey leg recipes, each with its own unique approach to delivering deliciousness.

1, Deep-Fried Turkey Legs with a Southern Flair

Inspired by the culinary traditions of the South, this recipe from Lettuce Entertain You’s Bub City offers a deep-fried experience that’s sure to please. The key to this recipe lies in the buttermilk brine, seasoned flour, and Bub City’s special batter which infuse the turkey legs with incredible flavor and ensure a perfectly crispy exterior.

Ingredients:

• 2 whole turkey legs (about 8 lbs. total), thighs and drumsticks separated
• ½ gallon buttermilk
• ½ gallon Bub City Batter
• 8 cups Bub City Seasoned Flour
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• Fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. Submerge the turkey legs in buttermilk and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
2. Heat oil to 300°F in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet.
3. Dip the legs in Bub City Batter, allowing excess batter to drip off.
4. Dredge the legs in Bub City Seasoned Flour, ensuring even coverage.
5. Carefully place the legs into the hot oil and fry, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (about 25-30 minutes).
6. Allow the legs to cool slightly on a rack, season with fine sea salt, and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

2. Ayesha Curry’s Fried Turkey Legs: A Home-Cooked Classic

Food Network star Ayesha Curry brings her signature flair to this fried turkey leg recipe, delivering a dish that’s both delicious and approachable. The secret lies in the simple marinade and the perfect balance of spices in the seasoned flour, creating a crispy exterior that complements the juicy turkey meat within.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 turkey drumsticks (about 4 1/2 pounds total)
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Combine buttermilk, spices, and seasonings in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Marinate the turkey drumsticks for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Heat oil to 365°F in a deep-fryer or large pot. Preheat oven to 200°F for keeping cooked legs warm.
3. Combine flour and remaining spices in a paper bag. Shake the marinated drumsticks in the bag to coat them evenly with the seasoned flour.
4. Fry the drumsticks in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 16 minutes.
5. Transfer the cooked legs to a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking pan lined with paper towels to keep them warm while frying the remaining batches.

Tips for Deep-Fried Perfection:

• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature before frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents the turkey from becoming greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot or fryer. Fry the legs in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and compromising the crispiness.
• Let the turkey legs rest after frying. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.

Embrace the Deep-Fried Turkey Leg Adventure

Whether you choose the Southern-inspired Bub City recipe or Ayesha Curry’s home-cooked classic, you’re in for a treat. Dive into the world of deep-fried turkey legs, and experience a culinary adventure bursting with flavor and crispy satisfaction.