With our tried-and-true method, you can easily enjoy a taste of turkey without cooking an entire bird! Enjoy these drumsticks with crispy skin on the outside and juicy, tender dark meat inside!
When I think of baked turkey legs, Thanksgiving and Disney come to mind. How was I surprised to find them at the park on our last Disneyland trip. So, it’s a year round indulgence that is so delicious!.
When cooking turkey legs, not only are we pleasing those family members who are dark meat lovers. Because let’s be honest, we all have mostly those. Not to mention that we are serving easy weeknight meals any time of year! And don’t forget about Game Day!
And you probably don’t need to roast a whole turkey if, like me, you typically host small Thanksgiving gatherings.
The advantages are a quicker roasting time and a better-tasting bird, regardless of whether you decide to roast a turkey breast or prepare these turkey drumsticks.
To be honest, while waiting for the dark meat to finish cooking when cooking an entire bird, the white meat of the bird quickly dries out. There’s always a turkey breast left over, which I shred and use to make turkey noodle soup or turkey quesadillas.
Thus, as we have previously discussed, the dark meat and crispy skin of these turkey legs solve a lot of first-world issues. Bam!.
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the size of your turkey legs, the temperature of your oven, and your desired level of doneness. However, in general, you can expect to cook turkey legs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes for smaller legs (8 oz.) and 60-80 minutes for larger legs (10-12 oz.).
Here are some more specific guidelines:
- For smaller legs (8 oz.): 40-45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For medium-sized legs (10-12 oz.): 60-80 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For larger legs (1 lb.): 80-100 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs in the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Season the turkey legs with your favorite herbs and spices. I like to use a simple mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help to prevent sticking.
- Roast the turkey legs in the oven for the amount of time specified above, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- Let the turkey legs rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
Additional Tips:
- If you want to add a little extra flavor to your turkey legs, you can brush them with melted butter or olive oil before roasting.
- You can also add vegetables to the baking sheet with the turkey legs, such as carrots, potatoes, or onions.
- If you are short on time, you can cook the turkey legs at a higher temperature, such as 425 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this will increase the risk of the turkey legs drying out.
- If you are unsure whether the turkey legs are done, you can insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the meat. If the juices run clear, the turkey legs are done.
Enjoy your delicious turkey legs!
FAQs
How do I know when the turkey legs are done?
The best way to check if turkey legs are done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The turkey legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook turkey legs at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook turkey legs at a lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this will increase the cooking time. For example, 10-12 oz. turkey legs will take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I cook turkey legs in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook turkey legs in a slow cooker. Add the turkey legs to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Can I freeze cooked turkey legs?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey legs. Wrap the turkey legs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen turkey legs will keep for up to 3 months.
PS I also recommend checking out the following resources for more information on how to cook turkey legs:
Happy cooking!
How Do I Know When Turkey Legs are Done?
When it comes to preparing any meat, but especially bone-in turkey drumsticks, this is the most frequently asked question. Everyone wants juicy meat that is not dry!.
The best way to check your meat is to use an instant read thermometer! Stick the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, and check that internal temperature has reached a minimum of 160 degrees F.
As your turkey rests outside of the oven, it will continue to cook and reach the optimal 165 degrees F. You will notice the juices run clear as well. And according to the USDA, your turkey legs are safe to eat then. 165 F is the magic number when it comes to cooked meats.
- Size of turkey legs: Aim for drumsticks that are the same size to ensure that they bake evenly. Larger or smaller turkey legs will impact the cooking time. I do go into further detail about this below and above.
- The best method to make sure your turkey legs reach the ideal internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Pat dry: This helps the skin crisp up in the oven and helps the oil and seasoning stick to the drumsticks.
- Absence of a rack: You can simply line a baking sheet with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. A roasting pan or an ovenproof baking dish could also be useful.
- Allow meat to rest; this is crucial because this is when the meat gets even more juicy.
- Save the drumstick bones; I make a delicious turkey stock by cooking them with vegetables and cold water. I use this Instant Pot beef bone broth recipe.
Where to Buy Turkey Legs?
All year long, the majority of major grocery store chains will stock different turkey parts such as wings, thighs, and legs. You often can find turkey legs in the refrigerated poultry section, usually near the chicken. Popular brands are Jenni-O or Butterball.
On the other hand, some stores only carry them seasonally near the Holidays. If you can’t find them at your store, check your local butcher shop.
This recipe for an easy roasted turkey leg only requires a few simple ingredients, most of which are pantry spices you most likely already have!
- The bone-in skin on your medium-sized turkey drumsticks should weigh roughly 10 ounces. each.
- Oil: This helps the seasonings stick to your drumsticks. I used avocado oil, but you could also use melted butter or extra virgin olive oil.
- Cooking spray: To keep your baked turkey legs from sticking, you must spray the roasting rack.
- Seasoning blend: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper