How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs to Perfection

Each Thanksgiving, I sit down with a set of gleaming, smoked turkey legs that could make a vegetarian cringe.

Last year, I discovered that reheating these babies is an art in itself. See, my very first attempt to revive smoked turkey legs ended up being much more of a medieval weapon than a feast. So, I embarked on a culinary quest to master the reheating process, and, dear reader, I have emerged victorious.

And let us face it: simply thinking about those smokey, tender legs makes your mouth water, right?

But the road to perfection isn’t without its risks, and it can end in dry, chewy disappointments. Fear not! I cracked the code and am here to show you the easy steps to making your smoked turkey legs as tender and flavorful as they were out of the smoker.

I’ve learned my trade and am currently sharing my secrets, so grab an apron and get those taste buds dancing!

Smoked turkey legs are a beloved snack or meal at theme parks fairs and backyard barbecues. Their smoky, salty, savory flavor is irresistible. But enjoying leftover smoked turkey legs requires knowing how to properly reheat them so they stay moist and tender.

This guide will walk you through the best reheating methods to rescue those refrigerated or frozen smoked legs. Follow these tips and you’ll be biting into tender, juicy turkey with a crisp, smoky skin

Why Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs?

Pre-cooked smoked turkey legs only require reheating to be safe to eat. Reheating allows you to:

Enjoy leftovers from large smoked turkey legs. They can be refrigerated 3-4 days.
Thaw and reheat frozen smoked legs purchased in bulk months later. They freeze well for 4-6 months.
Warm refrigerated pre-smoked turkey legs bought from stores, fairs, etc.
Revive the flavor, moisture, and texture of refrigerated smoked legs.
Crisp up the skin again after refrigeration made it soft.

Proper reheating methods are key to ensuring delicious results.

Prep Steps Before Reheating

Before reheating, prepare your smoked turkey legs:

Remove packaging – Unwrap completely from plastic, foil, butcher paper, etc.
Pat dry – Blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season (optional) – Lightly season with salt, pepper, spices to add extra flavor.
Brush with oil – Coat with olive oil, avocado oil, etc. to keep moist and aid browning.

With prep done, you’re ready to reheat using various methods.

Oven Reheating Method

The oven allows even, all-around reheating. To reheat smoked legs in the oven:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Place legs on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil.
Heat 45-60 minutes until warmed through, about 165°F internally.
Uncover and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

The foil cover prevents moisture loss. The low 325°F oven ensures the meat warms gently without drying out.

Grill Reheating Method

For extra smoky flavor, throw smoked legs on the grill:

Prepare a medium-high grill. Clean and lightly oil grates.
Grill legs 4-6 minutes per side until heated through, turning once.
Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur or legs brown too quickly.
Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into the juicy meat.

The grill imparts a tasty sear and subtle smokiness. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Air Fryer Reheating

Air fryers quickly reheat smoked legs with crispy results:

Set air fryer to 380°F. Cut large legs in half if needed to fit.
Air fry 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until hot.
Check often to avoid overcooking. The skin gets crispy.
Allow to rest before eating. Picking up with tongs tears the crisp skin.

The air fryer gives crunch without the fat of deep frying. Smaller legs may cook faster than larger ones.

Skillet & Broiler Reheating

For crispy skin and browned exterior:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
Sear legs 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Finish under the broiler 2-3 minutes to crisp the skin. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

The combo of pan searing and broiling gives you a browned, crusty exterior around the juicy meat.

Microwave Reheating

While quick, the microwave can dry out smoked legs. To minimize this:

Place legs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel.
Microwave on 50% power in 1-minute increments until warmed through.
Check frequently and stop early once heated to avoid drying out the meat.

Use the microwave as a last resort. The low power and steam from the towel help retain moisture.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Moisture

Follow these tips for the best results when reheating smoked turkey legs:

Choose gentler methods like the oven or grill rather than high, dry heat.
Reheat thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature but avoid overcooking.
Allow legs to rest 5-10 minutes before cutting to redistribute juices.
Serve with barbecue sauce, hot sauce, other dips to add moisture.
Keep reheated portions small so all meat gets eaten while hot and moist. Refrigerate the rest.
Store leftovers properly after reheating so they don’t dry out. Cover or wrap well.

With the right reheating methods and some care, you can enjoy tender, juicy leftover smoked turkey legs that taste freshly grilled. Now go savor the smoky, salty, finger-licking flavor all over again.

how to reheat smoked turkey legs

Could smoked turkey legs be reheated on a grill?

Definitely! Grilling helps it be smoky and crisp. Heat them on medium heat, turning once, till the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It gives a little bit of smoked essence to a dish.

Warming in the Oven.

For oven reheating, I warm my oven to about 325°F—simply warm enough to warm up the turkey legs without burning them—then put the turkey legs in there.

I cover the legs with foil to keep them moist. I place them in the oven for around half an hour or so.

In between, I like checking on them, maybe adding a little chicken stock to the foil wrap. This additional moisture keeps them from drying out and gives them some flavor.

How To Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs On A Grill

FAQ

How do you keep smoked turkey moist when reheating?

You can add a cup of broth or water to the pan to help maintain moisture during the reheating process. Cover the turkey: Use aluminum foil to tent the turkey and trap steam. Again, this helps prevent the turkey from drying out.

Are store bought smoked turkey legs already cooked?

Since store-bought smoked turkey legs are already pre cooked, we are essentially warming them back up to temperature. I find that the method in which you do that makes all the difference. Avoid the microwave as it will dry out the turkey and make the skin rubbery.

How do you reheat turkey legs in the oven?

Simply heat your oven to 300 degrees, put the carved meat in a baking dish, and add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in the oven until the meat is hot, 20 to 30 minutes.

How to reheat smoked drumsticks?

Put the meat in foil packet with pre-determined liquid or beef broth and place on heat for 10-15 minutes per pound of meat. Another suggestion besides beef broth is making an au jus sauce.

How to reheat smoked turkey legs?

Heat the oven for 250 °F. Put the smoked turkey leg in an oven-safe bowl. Add 50 ml of water to the bowl. Put the smoked turkey legs in a bowl into the oven and leave it there for 40 minutes.

How do you reheat turkey legs?

The best way to reheat turkey legs is in the oven in a tightly covered dish, with some stock, water, or gravy, and some butter at 300 F for about 40 minutes. Low heat and a longer cooking time will ensure the best results. You can also reheat turkey legs on the stovetop or in the microwave to save time.

How do you reheat a smoked turkey?

The oven method is the top choice for reheating your smoked turkey leftovers and maintaining their original quality. To keep the moisture intact and prevent dryness during the reheating process, wrap your turkey pieces in foil.

Can You reheat a smoked turkey leg in the microwave?

To reheat a smoked turkey leg in the microwave: 1. Place the turkey leg on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a paper towel. 2. Microwave the turkey leg on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the meat is heated through. 3. Remove the turkey leg from the microwave and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.