How Long to Cook Turkey Legs at 350°F for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking turkey legs in the oven at 350°F is a classic preparation that results in juicy, tender meat encased in crispy, golden skin. When done right, oven-roasted turkey legs are a festive and delicious dish perfect for holidays or anytime. As we all want to avoid dry, overcooked turkey, it’s important to understand how long turkey legs need to cook at 350°F.

Factors That Affect Cook Time

There are a few key factors that impact the cooking time needed for turkey legs at 350°F:

• Size of the legs – Smaller legs around 10 oz will cook faster than larger 1 lb legs. Larger legs have more meat so require more time
• Bone-in vs boneless – Legs cooked with the bone in will take longer than boneless. The bone partially shields the meat and slows cooking.
• Fresh vs frozen – Fresh legs cook faster, while frozen legs require more time to thaw and cook through.
• Brined or not – Brining helps turkey legs retain moisture Brined legs can better withstand slightly longer cook times.
• Cooking method – Roast uncovered covered, basted impacts cook time.

General Turkey Leg Cook Times

As a general guideline, when cooking bone-in, skin-on turkey legs at 350°F you can expect:

• Smaller 10 oz fresh turkey legs to take 45-60 minutes
• Medium 1 lb fresh legs around 60-75 minutes
• Large 1.5 lb fresh legs 75-90 minutes
• Small frozen legs 60-75 minutes
• Medium frozen legs 75-90 minutes
• Large frozen legs around 90-120 minutes

However, cook time can vary based on your specific legs and oven. Relying on a meat thermometer is key.

Use a Meat Thermometer

While the above cook times can provide a ballpark estimate, the only way to accurately determine when turkey legs are cooked through is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Check the internal temp in the thickest part of the leg but not touching bone. Turkey legs are safely cooked and ready to eat once they register:

• 165°F for fresh turkey
• 180°F for frozen turkey

The temperature will continue rising as the legs rest. Let legs rest at least 10 minutes before slicing into them. During the rest time, the temperature should reach 170-175°F.

Tips for the Best Oven-Roasted Turkey Legs

Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful roast turkey legs every time:

• Season under the skin – Loosen skin and rub seasonings like butter, herbs, garlic directly onto the meat before roasting.
• Use a rack – Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan so air circulates for even cooking.
• Brown skin first – Roast at 450°F for the first 20 minutes then reduce temp to 350°F to finish cooking.
• Baste – Brush legs with melted butter or oil during roasting to add flavor and moisture.
• Check early and often – Begin checking temperature after 45 minutes. Check in a few places.
• Let rest before slicing – Waiting 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute for tender turkey.

Perfectly Cooked Turkey Legs

When roasted using the proper time, temperature, and technique, turkey legs come out gorgeously bronzed on the outside with skin that’s crispy and crackling. The meat inside is succulent and juicy, never dried out. For optimal flavor and texture, follow the guidelines above on cook times and use a meat thermometer. Soon you’ll be serving tender, juicy oven roasted turkey legs your family and friends will rave about.