How Long To Cook Turkey Legs In The Oven For Juicy, Tender Meat

Cooking turkey legs in the oven is a great way to prepare this tasty poultry dish When done right, oven-baked turkey legs come out tender, juicy and full of flavor However, getting the cook time just right is essential for optimal results. So how long does it take to cook turkey legs in the oven?

Overview of Cooking Times For Turkey Legs

Turkey legs need sufficient time in the oven to become fully cooked and tender. Here are some general guidelines for oven cook times:

• Whole turkey legs: Bake for 2-3 hours at 300°F.
• Turkey drumsticks: Bake for 1.5-2.5 hours at 300°F.
• Smaller turkey legs: Cook for 1-1.5 hours at 300°F.

To ensure food safety turkey legs must reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a meat thermometer. The total cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the legs. Larger legs require a longer oven bake time.

Key Factors That Affect Cook Time

Several factors impact how long turkey legs need to cook in the oven:

1. Temperature Setting

• Higher oven temperatures (350-400°F) will decrease bake time.
• Lower oven temperatures (300°F) will increase cook time but keep the meat more moist.

2. Size and Thickness

• Larger, thicker turkey legs take longer to cook through to 165°F.
• Smaller legs and drumsticks require less time in the oven.

3. Bone-In vs Boneless

• Bone-in turkey legs cook slower since the bone conducts less heat.
• Boneless turkey cooks faster than legs with the bone.

4. Brined vs Unbrined

• Brining makes turkey legs more moist but can increase oven bake time.
• Unbrined turkey legs may cook slightly faster.

How to Tell When Turkey Legs Are Done

It’s crucial to accurately determine when turkey legs are fully cooked. Here are some ways to test for doneness:

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temp. Meat should reach 165°F.
• Check that juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Pink or red juices mean it needs more time.
• The meat near the bone should no longer be pink.
• The drumstick should feel loose in the socket when moved.
• The meat should start to pull back from the ends of the bones.

Always rely on a food thermometer for an accurate doneness reading. Visually inspecting turkey legs is harder than with chicken since darker meat can still look pink when fully cooked. Once the legs reach 165°F, they are safe to eat.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps for oven-baked turkey legs with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat:

1. Prepare the Turkey Legs

Rinse legs and pat dry. Trim off any excess skin or fat. Apply a dry seasoning rub if desired.

2. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use a roasting pan.

3. Arrange Legs on Pan

Place legs on the baking sheet. Add a few tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying out.

4. Cover Pan and Cook

Cover pan tightly with foil. Bake legs for minimum 2 hours, until meat reaches 165°F.

5. Uncover and Finish

Remove foil and increase temperature to 400°F. Cook 15 minutes more to brown the skin.

6. Check Internal Temp

Insert a meat thermometer in thickest area and verify 165°F temp is reached.

7. Let Sit Before Serving

Allow legs to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.

Cooking Tips For Best Results

• For added flavor and moisture, rub legs with olive oil and seasonings before cooking.
• Place legs on a roasting rack inside a pan so the underside doesn’t steam.
• Add aromatic veggies like onion or garlic under the legs to impart more flavor.
• Brining legs in saltwater for 2+ hours seasons the meat and keeps it tender.
• Basting legs with pan juices during cooking prevents them from drying out.
• Let legs rest after baking so juices can redistribute through the meat.

Common Problems and Solutions

Undercooked Legs: Increase oven temperature to 325-350°F. Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Overcooked, Dry Meat: Avoid cooking at high temps for too long. Brine legs and baste during baking.

Not Browning/Crisping: Broil legs for 2-5 mins at end to crisp and brown the skin.

Uneven Cooking: Arrange legs evenly on pan. Rotate pan halfway through baking.

Burned Underside: Elevate legs on a rack over a baking sheet instead of cooking directly on pan.

The Takeaway

Cooking turkey legs in the oven results in tender, juicy meat when you allow sufficient time on low heat for the collagen to break down. For whole legs, plan on around 2.5 hours in a 300°F oven, checking temperature to ensure doneness. Adjust cook times based on the size of your turkey legs. With the right technique, oven-roasted turkey legs are sure to become a delicious staple!