The best way to air fry a whole turkey leg will depend on the size of your air fryer; if it’s too small, cook it in two parts like I did, or cook it whole in a larger fryer! Whole turkey leg quarters cook up to be surprisingly meaty, incredibly moist, and incredibly economical in just 45 minutes! Plus I’ve included the easiest herb butter to make it extra delicious.
This was a really tricky recipe to work out how to make in a smaller air fryer. But I was determined to work out a way to show you how to cook one regardless.
Turkey legs are such good value compared to a whole bird and especially compared to a crown. The turkey legs themselves are surprisingly large, which makes cooking them in a small air fryer a little more difficult, even though they yield a surprising amount of meat.
Similar to my classic oven-roasted and brined turkey crown recipe, I’ve made a herby butter to ensure that the leg cooks with extra moisture and flavor. The leg meat is so moist anyway it is merely gilding the lily really.
I write the vast majority of my air fryer recipes using a smaller 3. 8L air fryer wherever possible. This is because, barring very rare circumstances, you should be able to fit whatever I’m cooking into your air fryer if it will fit in a fairly small one. Its easier to scale up than down.
But for larger pieces of meat where that simply isn’t possible, I use a 4. 7 litre fryer. This is still, in my opinion, on the smaller side, or at most, average in size compared to most common air fryers. Even the two drawer machines don’t tend to have baskets too much bigger than that.
So what I’ve done is cooked the drumstick and thigh parts of the turkey leg separately. If you do have a large air fryer, you can of course cook it all as one piece. This recipe should still be helpful even if you just want to air fry a turkey thigh or drumstick.
Naturally, depending on where you live in the world, most people think of Christmas or Thanksgiving when they think of serving turkey. Though, compared to us in the UK, our American cousins are far more inclined to consume turkey in one form or another throughout the year.
This recipe really can be seasoned and flavoured however you wish and served in numerous ways. Consider shredding the meat, adding some Tex-Mex or Mexican seasonings, and assembling the tacos with guacamole and salsa.
For Christmas, I like to keep things classic and mix up air fried recipes and regular. Try some of the sides and trimmings that I’ve served in the s in this post:
Gobble Gobble!
Craving that smoky, savory goodness of pre-smoked turkey legs but don’t want to fire up the oven? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This handy kitchen gadget is a game-changer when it comes to reheating pre-smoked turkey legs to crispy perfection without the hassle.
Why Choose an Air Fryer?
- Crispy Perfection: Air fryers use hot air circulation to mimic deep frying, resulting in a crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthier Option: Compared to traditional deep frying, air frying uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier choice.
- Faster and More Convenient: No need to wait for the oven to preheat. Air fryers are quick and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights.
Reheating Pre-Smoked Turkey Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Crank up the heat to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Prep Your Turkey Legs: Lightly spray or brush the turkey legs with oil for extra crispiness. You can also add a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings for an extra flavor boost.
- Air Fry Time: Place the turkey legs in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Enjoy: Let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
Pro Tips for Flavorful Reheated Turkey Legs:
- Marinate Overnight: For an extra kick of flavor, marinate your turkey legs overnight in your favorite marinade.
- Liquid Smoke for Smokiness: Add a touch of liquid smoke to your seasoning for an intensified smoky taste.
- Glaze for a Sticky Finish: Brush the turkey legs with a glaze or barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky and delicious finish.
- Experiment with Spices: Get creative and explore different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor profile.
FAQs:
Can I reheat pre-smoked turkey legs in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are perfect for reheating pre-smoked turkey legs, giving them a crispy exterior and delicious smoky flavor.
How long should I reheat pre-smoked turkey legs in the air fryer?
Reheating time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey legs, but a general guideline is 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Should I thaw pre-smoked turkey legs before reheating them in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw pre-smoked turkey legs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and prevents any potential food safety issues.
How do I season pre-smoked turkey legs for reheating in the air fryer?
You can season pre-smoked turkey legs with a variety of spices and herbs, based on your personal preference. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and salt. Rub the seasoning onto the turkey legs before placing them in the air fryer.
Should I preheat the air fryer before reheating pre-smoked turkey legs?
Preheating the air fryer is not necessary for reheating pre-smoked turkey legs. However, some people prefer to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes to ensure even and consistent cooking. It’s a personal preference and won’t significantly affect the outcome.
Can I add sauce or glaze to pre-smoked turkey legs while reheating them in the air fryer?
Yes! You can add your favorite sauce or glaze to the pre-smoked turkey legs during the last few minutes of cooking or once they are fully reheated. This will enhance the flavor and add a delicious caramelized coating to the turkey legs.
Can I cook other meats or foods alongside pre-smoked turkey legs in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook other meats or foods alongside pre-smoked turkey legs in the air fryer, as long as they require a similar cooking temperature and time. However, be mindful of not overcrowding the air fryer basket, as it may lead to uneven cooking. Consider cooking smaller portions or batches if needed.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of reheating pre-smoked turkey legs in an air fryer, get ready to savor that crispy, smoky goodness!
Happy Air Frying!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your experience and tips for reheating pre-smoked turkey legs in the air fryer in the comments below!
How to Air Fry Turkey Legs From Frozen
I don’t recommend cooking turkey legs from frozen. Although I love to use my air fryer to cook frozen chicken, I find that turkey doesn’t work well with this method due to its size and tendency to dry out.
What is the best temperature to Air Fry at?
It will always depend on what you are cooking and from what state. Since many of the most widely used fryers in the UK don’t go above 200°C/390°F, none of my air fryer recipes call for temperatures higher than this. I frequently use mine at 230°C/450°F, but sharing recipes that many people cannot use is useless for me.