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!
Cooking juicy flavorful turkey legs in a convection oven is a great way to enjoy this popular appetizer or entrée. With the convection oven’s hot air circulation turkey legs become perfectly browned and crispy on the outside while staying moist and tender on the inside. But to get ideal results, it’s important to follow proper guidelines on temperature, cook times, and doneness.
Convection Oven Cooking Benefits
A convection oven has some advantages over a standard oven when it comes to cooking turkey legs
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Hot air circulates around the food, promoting even browning and cooking. This allows the turkey skin to become crispy and golden.
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Food cooks faster, reducing cook times by about 25% compared to standard ovens. This saves time when cooking turkey legs.
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The circulating air helps seal in juices, keeping the turkey meat tender and stopping it from drying out.
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Heat gets distributed evenly, preventing hot and cold spots. Turkey legs cook uniformly.
Recommended Cook Times and Temperatures
Most recipes recommend cooking turkey legs in a convection oven at 350°F. At this temperature, they will need 35-45 minutes to fully cook. But cook times can vary based on the size of the drumsticks, as larger legs may require more time.
Here are some general convection oven turkey legs cook times based on weight:
- Turkey legs under 1 lb: 30-35 minutes
- Turkey legs 1-2 lbs: 35-45 minutes
- Turkey legs over 2 lbs: 50-60 minutes
To ensure turkey legs cook through, it’s best to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Turkey is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If using a lower temperature like 325°F, extend cook times by about 10 minutes. Higher temperatures around 375-400°F will shorten cook times slightly.
Seasoning and Preparation Tips
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Pat turkey legs dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
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Coat legs evenly with olive oil or melted butter before applying seasonings.
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For added flavor, try injecting turkey legs with a marinade using an injector syringe.
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Rub legs with a dry spice mix or herb blend. Cajun seasoning gives great flavor.
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For a smoky taste, sprinkle on smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
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Bake turkey legs on a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
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Use a meat thermometer to test temperature; legs are done at 165°F.
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Let turkey legs rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Steps for Convection Oven Turkey Legs
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked convection oven turkey legs:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
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Pat 1-2 lb turkey legs dry with paper towels. Brush with oil or melted butter.
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Apply desired rub or seasonings evenly on legs.
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Place legs on baking sheet. Do not overlap or crowd.
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Roast 35-45 minutes until 165°F on a meat thermometer.
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Remove from oven and tent with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
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Serve turkey legs warm with desired sauces or sides.
Cooking Frozen Turkey Legs
Frozen pre-cooked turkey legs can also be finished in the convection oven with excellent results:
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Increase temperature to 375°F.
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Place frozen turkey legs on a foil-lined pan.
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Roast for 25-35 minutes until heated through (165°F).
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The convection fan helps distribute heat for even reheating and browning.
Convection Oven Tips
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Arrange turkey legs so air can circulate around each one. Avoid crowding.
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Use a meat thermometer to test doneness instead of cook times.
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Let turkey legs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking if possible.
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Start checking temperature about 10 minutes before recommended cook time.
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Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions for your specific convection oven model.
Best Side Dishes
Roasted turkey legs pair well with these flavorful side dishes:
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Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
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Rice pilaf or corn on the cob
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts
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Fresh green salad or coleslaw
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Warm rolls or biscuits
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Cranberry sauce or gravy
With proper cook times, temperatures and seasoning, convection ovens deliver incredibly moist, delicious turkey drumsticks the whole family will love. Following these convection cooking guidelines helps ensure perfect results every time. Enjoy!
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.
How to Cook Turkey Legs in the Oven
One of the best things about this baked turkey leg recipe is that there is no brining or basting involved! Follow these steps for the best method on how to cook turkey legs and come back and tell me how you liked them!
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and place cooling rack (wire rack) on rimmed baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray.
Roasting at a high temperature ensures that the skin is crispy, plus turkey legs are ready in just over an hour!
- Combine: In a small bowl, add onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and stir with a fork. If you feeling lazy, you can also just sprinkle individual spices evenly on raw meat.
- Season: Place turkey legs on a large plate, pat dry with paper towels and brush with oil. It is super important to start with dry legs, so the oil will stick on and afterwards our homemade turkey spice rub. Sprinkle with a spice mix evenly all around and do not rub or touch afterwards.
- Bake: Place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer and first roast turkey legs uncovered for 30 minutes. Then cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for another 30-40 minutes. After poke with a knife and if juices run clear, they are ready. You can also insert an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the leg avoiding the drumstick’s bone. If it reads 160 degrees F, you are good to go.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the oven-roasted turkey legs rest for 10 minutes. That’s when they become even more juicy! I wouldn’t cover them now out of fear to lose crispy skin which would be devastating.
Oven Baked Turkey Legs | Easy Baked Turkey Legs | Ray Mack’s Kitchen & Grill
FAQ
Should turkey be 325 or 350 in a convection oven?
How long does it take to cook a turkey in a convection oven?
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Turkey
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Weight
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Timing
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Unstuffed Turkey
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14 to 18 pounds
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2-1/2 to 3-1/4 hours
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18 to 22 pounds
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3-1/4 to 3-1/2 hours
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Stuffed Turkey
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14 to 18 pounds
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3 to 3-1/4 hours
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18 to 22 pounds
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3-1/4 to 3-3/4 hours
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What temperature should a turkey leg be cooked at?