This recipe for Baked Turkey Legs is an easy way to enjoy a taste of turkey without cooking an entire bird! Enjoy these turkey drumsticks with juicy and tender dark meat inside and crispy skin outside using our foolproof method.
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. But we are also making no-fuss weeknight dinner any time of the year! And don’t forget about the Game Day!
And if you are like me and usually host small Thanksgiving gatherings, you probably have no need to roast an entire turkey.
Whether you choose to roast turkey breast or make this turkey drumstick recipe, the pros are a shorter roasting time and a better tasting bird.
Let’s be honest, when cooking a whole bird, the white turkey meat easily dries out while waiting for the dark meat to be done. I always end up with leftover turkey breast that I shred and use to make a turkey quesadilla or turkey noodle soup.
So as we have agreed before, this turkey legs recipe solves many first world problems because dark meat and crispy skin. Bam!
Turkey legs also known as turkey drumsticks are a delicious and inexpensive cut of meat perfect for a weeknight family dinner. When properly cooked, turkey legs come out wonderfully moist and tender on the inside with crispy, browned skin on the outside. Baking turkey legs in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a simple, foolproof cooking method. But exactly how long should you bake turkey legs at 400°F for ideal doneness?
How Long to Bake Turkey Legs Depends on Weight
The baking time for turkey legs at 400°F depends on the size and weight of the drumsticks. Use these general guidelines:
- 1 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 45-55 minutes
- 1.5 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 60-70 minutes
- 2 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 70-80 minutes
To ensure the turkey legs cook through fully, use an instant read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F. Allowing 10-15 minutes of resting time after baking allows juices to redistribute.
Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Turkey Legs
Follow these handy tips for the best baked turkey legs at 400 degrees
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Brine the turkey legs in saltwater before baking to enhance juiciness.
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Rub the legs with olive oil or butter and generously season with herbs and spices. Popular options include rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic, cumin or chili powder.
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Elevate the legs on a wire rack over a baking sheet for air circulation while baking.
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Baste the turkey legs with pan juices halfway through baking to prevent drying out.
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Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Turkey Legs
Follow this simple step-by-step method for baking moist, flavorful turkey legs at 400°F.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs turkey drumsticks (about 2 drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Rinse turkey legs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
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Combine olive oil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture all over turkey legs until evenly coated.
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Place legs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. This allows air flow for even cooking.
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Bake legs at 400°F for 70-80 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
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After 35 minutes, remove pan from oven and baste legs with pan juices to prevent drying out.
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Once fully cooked, remove legs from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
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Slice into each leg and serve warm with desired sides. Enjoy!
How to Know When Turkey Legs are Done
Using an instant read digital meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine when turkey legs are fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. Turkey legs are safely cooked when the thermometer reads 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the legs deeply with a fork. If the juices run clear, the meat is no longer pink inside and the leg moves easily, it is fully cooked and ready to serve.
Undercooked poultry can cause foodborne illness, so always use a thermometer to verify doneness.
Cooking Juicy Turkey Legs in the Oven
Baking turkey drumsticks in a 400°F oven yields tender, flavorful results every time. Allowing 45-80 minutes of cooking time based on weight ensures the legs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Seasoning them generously and basting halfway through prevents drying out. Letting them rest before serving allows juices to redistribute. Follow this simple method for fall-off-the-bone turkey legs straight from your oven. Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing and veggies for a delicious home cooked meal.
How Do I Know When Turkey Legs are Done?
This is the most popular question when it comes to making any meat, and especially turkey drumsticks with a bone-in. 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.
- Turkey leg size: Larger or smaller turkey legs will affect the cook time, aim for drumsticks that are the same size, so they bake evenly. I do go over more details on this above and below.
- Instant read meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your turkey legs reach optimal internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Pat dry: This helps your oil and seasoning stick onto the drumsticks as well as helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- No rack: If you don’t have a rack, you can just line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. An ovenproof baking dish or a roasting pan may also work.
- Let meat rest: Don’t skip this! It’s when meat becomes even more juicy.
- Save drumstick bones: I cook them with veggies and cold water to make delicious turkey stock. I use this Instant Pot beef bone broth recipe.
More Ideas on How to Season Turkey Drumsticks
Here are more ideas how to season turkey legs! Feel free to use any of your favorite spice blends or seasonings.
Oven Baked Turkey Legs | Easy Baked Turkey Legs | Ray Mack’s Kitchen & Grill
FAQ
How long does a turkey take at 400?
What temperature should a turkey leg be cooked to?
Should I wrap my turkey legs in foil?
Why do turkey legs take longer to cook?