Smoked turkey legs are a classic fair and theme park treat that can easily be recreated at home. When smoking turkey legs, keeping the temperature at 225-250 F is key for letting the connective tissue break down into tender, juicy meat. However, sometimes circumstances require smoking at a higher temperature like 300 degrees F. This article covers how long to smoke turkey legs at 300 degrees for delicious results.

Why Smoke Turkey Legs at 300 Degrees?

Typically, smoking turkey legs low and slow between 225-250 F for 3-4 hours is ideal This gives the collagen in the dark meat ample time to transform into luscious liquefied collagen However, there are some scenarios where you may need to smoke the turkey legs at a higher 300 F temp

• You are pressed for time At 300 F, the turkey legs will cook faster reducing the cook time by about an hour

• It’s cold outside and you’re having trouble maintaining a low Smoker temp.

• You are cooking turkey legs along with other foods that require a higher temperature like chicken or ribs.

While 300 F deviates from the standard low and slow method, with proper brining and monitoring you can still achieve tasty smoked turkey legs without overcooking them.

Brining is Critical Before Smoking at 300 Degrees

Whether you are smoking turkey legs low and slow or at a higher temp, brining is a must. The brine seasons the meat throughout and helps it retain moisture. This is especially important when smoking at 300 F as the turkey legs will likely cook faster giving less time for the collagen to break down.

A basic brine for turkey legs contains salt, brown sugar, and aromatics like bay leaves and peppercorns. Some brines also include curing salts like pink salt or Prague Powder #1 which gives the turkey legs their iconic pink “ham” color.

The brine recipe from Craftbeering uses both kosher salt and pink curing salt along with brown sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, and mustard seeds. Let the turkey legs brine for 12-48 hours for best flavor and moisture retention.

How Long to Smoke Turkey Legs at 300 Degrees

When smoking turkey legs at 300 F, the cook time will be reduced by about an hour compared to smoking low and slow. You can expect the turkey legs to take approximately:

• 2 – 2.5 hours to smoke at 300 degrees F

This faster cook time still allows the collagen to break down properly thanks to the brining. But you’ll want to closely monitor the temperature using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Monitor Temperature Carefully

Since the turkey legs will cook faster at 300 degrees F, it’s important to carefully monitor the internal temperature and doneness.

• Insert your instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey leg, taking care not to touch the bone.

• Smoke the turkey legs until they reach an internal temperature of 170 F.

• This should take approximately 2 – 2.5 hours when smoking at 300 degrees.

• If smoking smaller turkey drumsticks, start checking temperature after 1.5 hours.

• For larger tom turkey legs, it may take closer to 3 hours.

Smoking at 300 F gives less wiggle room than low and slow smoking. You want to avoid overcooking the turkey legs as they can go from perfect to dry in a matter of minutes at higher temps. Keep a close eye on them and have your thermometer handy.

Let Turkey Legs Rest Before Eating

Once the turkey legs reach 170 F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before digging in.

The internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees during this rest time – removing them precisely at 170 degrees helps prevent overcooking.

Letting them rest also allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for a juicy bite. Tenting the turkey legs with foil while they rest helps keep them piping hot and moist.

After you’ve smoked some perfect turkey legs at 300 degrees F, be sure to leave a comment below sharing how they turned out!

Useful Tips for Smoking Turkey Legs at 300 Degrees

• Brine the turkey legs for at least 12 hours before smoking to infuse flavor and moisture.

• Apply a dry rub for extra flavor and crispy skin.

• Use a digital instant read thermometer to monitor temperature. Remove turkey legs at 170 F.

• Expect a faster cook time of approximately 2 – 2.5 hours at 300 degrees F.

• Let turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs About Smoking Turkey Legs at 300 Degrees

How long does it take to smoke turkey legs at 300 degrees?

Expect turkey legs to take approximately 2 – 2.5 hours when smoking at 300 degrees F. Smaller drumsticks may be done in 2 hours. Larger tom turkey legs may need up to 3 hours.

What temperature are smoked turkey legs done?

Smoke turkey legs to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F for tender, juicy meat. Monitor temperature closely when smoking at 300 F to avoid overcooking.

Can you smoke turkey legs at a higher temperature?

Yes, while 225-250 F is ideal, turkey legs can be smoked at 300 degrees F. The cook time is reduced by about an hour. Proper brining is key for moisture and flavor.

Do you need to brine turkey legs before smoking?

Brining is highly recommended as it infuses flavor and moisture into the turkey legs. This helps keep the meat juicy when smoking at a higher 300 degree temperature.

Should you wrap smoked turkey legs in foil?

Tenting the turkey legs with foil after smoking allows them to rest while keeping moist and hot. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes before unwrapping and eating.

In Summary

• For ideal results, smoke turkey legs low and slow at 225-250 F for 3-4 hours.
• You can smoke turkey legs at 300 degrees F to reduce cook time by about 1 hour.
• Always brine turkey legs for at least 12 hours before smoking for flavor and moisture.
• Monitor temperature closely and remove turkey legs at 170 F to avoid overcooking at higher temps.
• Let smoked turkey legs rest for 10-15 minutes tented in foil before serving.

With proper brining and temperature monitoring, you can smoke juicy, delicious turkey legs even when using a higher 300 degree smoker temperature. Adjust cook times as needed based on the size of your turkey legs.