This Oven Baked Turkey Legs recipe is cooked low and slow, wrapped in foil and seasoned with mouthwatering spices. This is the best way to cook fall-off-the-bone drumsticks.
Turkey legs are a delicious and fun alternative to cooking a whole turkey. With their huge size and caveman-like appearance, turkey legs evoke images of Renaissance fairs and medieval banquets. Their portability also makes them a popular fair and festival food. But you don’t have to wait for a special event to enjoy oven-roasted turkey legs! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make them at home.
When cooking turkey legs in the oven timing is key for tender juicy meat. Undercook them, and they’ll be tough and chewy. Overcook them, and they’ll dry out. So how long should you bake turkey legs? Here’s everything you need to know for perfect results every time.
How Long to Bake Turkey Legs Based on Weight
Turkey legs can range quite a bit in size so cooking time can vary. A general guideline is
- Small legs (1-11⁄2 lbs): 60-75 minutes
- Medium legs (11⁄2-2 lbs): 75-90 minutes
- Large legs (2-3 lbs): 90-120 minutes
For the most accurate doneness, however, you’ll want to use an instant-read meat thermometer Turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg to check.
If the legs aren’t done when the recommended bake time is up, simply continue roasting, checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until they reach 165°F. Let them rest 5-10 minutes before digging in.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Turkey Legs
Follow these tips for the best oven-baked turkey legs:
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Pat the legs dry before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better.
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Rub the legs all over with olive oil or butter before applying your spice rub. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
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Use a blend of dried herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. The seasoning possibilities are endless.
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Roast the legs on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. The rack allows air circulation for even cooking and crisp skin.
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Start covered with foil at 300°F for 1-2 hours until nearly cooked through. This gently roasts the meat while keeping it juicy.
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Uncover and increase heat to 350-400°F for the last 20-30 minutes. This crisps and browns the skin.
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Allow the legs to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets juices redistribute for a moist bite.
Step-by-Step Method for Oven Baked Turkey Legs
Follow this simple method for foolproof oven-roasted turkey legs every time:
Ingredients:
- 4 turkey legs (about 2 pounds each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1-2 tsp each dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Rub spice mix all over legs.
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Place legs on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 1-2 hours until almost cooked through.
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Remove foil and increase heat to 375°F. Roast 20-30 minutes more until skin is crisped and browned.
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Use a meat thermometer to confirm legs have reached 165°F internal temperature.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tip: For extra flavor, add sliced onions, carrots and celery to the baking sheet. The turkey legs will roast over the aromatic veggies.
Common Turkey Leg FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking turkey legs in the oven:
How do you keep turkey legs from drying out?
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Brine them in a saltwater solution before baking to infuse moisture.
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Rub with oil or butter before seasoning to keep meat juicy.
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Cook low and slow covered in foil until almost done.
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Tent with foil and let rest after baking to seal in juices.
Should turkey legs be baked covered or uncovered?
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Cover with foil at a lower temp (300°F) for most of the roasting time.
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Uncover at a higher temp (375°F) at the end to crisp the skin.
What is the best temperature to bake turkey legs?
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300-325°F covered for 1-2 hours until almost cooked through.
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375-400°F uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to brown.
Can you cook frozen turkey legs in the oven?
Yes, frozen legs will take 50% longer though, so increase cook times. Thaw first for quicker baking.
How long do baked turkey legs last in the fridge?
Cooked turkey legs will last 3-4 days tightly wrapped in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Enjoy Perfectly Baked Turkey Legs Anytime
With these simple tips and baking guidelines, you can avoid dry, overcooked turkey legs and make juicy, flavorful oven-baked drumsticks anytime. Let the legs roast low and slow initially, then uncover and crisp the skin at the end. Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness, and always let them rest before serving. In about 1-2 hours, you’ll have tender, delicious turkey legs ready for eating!
How to Make Baked Turkey Legs
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place sliced onions and green peppers into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Rub the spices into the legs and add them to the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake.
How Do You Keep Them From Drying Out
Cooking the drumsticks low and slow does the trick. The turkey will produce drippings while it cooks with the onions and green peppers which will help keep it moist.