How Long to Cook Turkey Legs in the Oven at 400°F for Perfectly Juicy Meat

Cooking turkey legs in the oven is a great way to enjoy delicious, juicy meat without the hassle of roasting a whole turkey. When cooking turkey legs in the oven, the most important factor is the temperature. Cooking at around 400°F ensures a good balance between thorough cooking and retaining moisture. But exactly how long should you cook turkey legs in the oven at 400°F?

Factors That Affect Turkey Leg Cooking Time

There are a few key factors that impact the cooking time for turkey legs in the oven

• Size of the legs – Larger legs take longer to cook through to the center. Small legs can cook in 1 – 1.5 hours while big legs need 2.5 – 3 hours.

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in legs take longer since the bone partially insulates the meat, Boneless cooks faster

• Temperature of oven – The hotter the oven, the less time needed. 400°F is ideal for turkey legs.

• Convection setting – A convection oven circulates hot air for faster, even cooking so reduce time by about 25% if you use convection.

How Long to Cook Turkey Legs Based on Weight

For best results, calculate the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey legs:

• Small legs (1 to 2 lbs): Cook for 15 minutes per pound at 400°F. Total time is 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

• Medium legs (2 to 3 lbs): Cook for 15 to 17 minutes per pound at 400°F. Total time is 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.

• Large legs (3 to 4 lbs): Cook for 17 to 20 minutes per pound at 400°F. Total time is 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

• Extra large legs (over 4 lbs): Cook for 20 to 25 minutes per pound at 400°F. Total time is over 3 hours.

Adjust cooking time down by 25% if using the convection setting on your oven.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F at the thickest part. If undercooked, return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked through.

Tips for Cooking Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Legs

Follow these tips for the best oven-cooked turkey legs:

• Let legs sit at room temperature while oven preheats – For even cooking, let legs sit at room temp for 30 minutes before cooking.

• Pat dry and coat with oil – Rub legs with a light coating of olive oil, butter, or bacon grease for crispy skin.

• Season well – For flavorful turkey, coat with spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.

• Use a rack – Elevate legs on a rack over a sheet pan for air circulation and even cooking.

• Tent foil midway – Tent foil over legs halfway through cooking to retain moisture.

• Rest before serving – Let legs rest 10 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof oven turkey legs:

1. Prep – Pat 1 to 4 lb turkey legs dry. Coat with oil and season all over. Let sit at room temp 30 minutes.

2. Preheat – Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and place a rack inside.

3. Roast – Place legs on the rack. Roast 30 minutes, flip, then continue roasting based on size and weight.

4. Tent – Tent foil loosely over legs halfway through roasting to retain moisture.

5. Check temp – Check temperature in thickest part with a meat thermometer, return to oven if under 165°F.

6. Rest – Remove legs from oven and tent foil over them. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

And that’s it! Follow this guide for deliciously roasted turkey legs with crispy skin and flavorful, juicy meat every time. Cooking turkey legs in a 400°F oven is ideal for getting them cooked through without drying them out.

Common Questions about Cooking Turkey Legs

How long should I cook a 6 lb turkey leg?

For a 6 lb turkey leg, cook at 400°F for about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, based on 20 minutes per pound. Check internal temp to confirm doneness.

Can I cook frozen turkey legs in the oven?

Yes, cooking from frozen works well. Add about 50% more cooking time. Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days instead for a quicker roast.

Should I baste the turkey legs while cooking?

Basting helps keep turkey legs moist. Brush with melted butter, olive oil or poultry drippings every 30 minutes during roasting.

What temperature are turkey legs done?

Turkey legs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.

Can I grill turkey legs instead of oven roasting?

Yes, grilled turkey legs are delicious! Grill over indirect medium heat for about the same time as oven roasting until 165°F.

Cooking up oven-roasted turkey legs is an easy and flavorful meal. By following these tips for time and temperature, you’ll get tender, juicy meat encased in crispy, golden skin every time. Enjoy your perfect turkey legs!