Air Fryer Turkey Leg

Turkey Leg is a simple way to enjoy a delicious and juicy meal. This method gives you crispy skin and tender meat without using a traditional oven. It is perfect for a small festive dinner or a filling weekday treat.
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Photo of Air Fryer Turkey Leg cooked in the air fryer

Why air fryer turkey leg is a favourite

Cooking an turkey leg saves a lot of time compared to roasting a whole bird. The hot air circulates around the meat to create an even crunch on the outside. You only need a few basic spices to bring out the natural flavours. It is a great option when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.

How to cook air fryer turkey leg

Step 1
Prepare the leg: Pat the turkey leg dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Rub the olive oil all over the skin.
Step 2
Season the meat: Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spices over the turkey and rub them in well.
Step 3
Start cooking: Place the seasoned turkey leg into the basket. Cook at 180C for 20 minutes before turning it over.
Step 4
Finish roasting: Continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75C. Let the turkey leg rest for five minutes before serving.

Extra tips for air fryer turkey leg

Make sure the turkey leg is at room temperature before you start cooking for the best results. Patting the skin completely dry is the secret to getting a very crispy finish. If your is small, you might need to tilt the leg slightly to make it fit.

You can change the spices by adding some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the mix. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the turkey leg has reached 75C. Let the meat rest on a board for a few minutes so the juices do not run out when you cut it.

You can find more inspiration in air fryer pork tenderloin, air fryer naan bread or air fryer cod.

Ingredients

servings
Adjust quantity
  • 1 turkey leg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2594 kJ / 620 kcal
  • Fat:28 g
  • - of which saturates:8 g
  • Carbohydrates:2 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:88 g
  • Fibre:1 g
  • Salt:2.3 g

People also ask

Air Fryer Turkey Leg usually takes about 40 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
Follow the stated timings and temperatures. Stir or turn it only when the method calls for it.
Do not leave it over the heat for too long. Check the texture near the end and adjust the time if needed.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.8 / 5 - (28 ratings)