Air fryer turkey legs are crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. These flavor-packed turkey legs are a foolproof dish the whole family will love.
Every summer, my family and I go to the Renaissance Fair, and we always end up getting giant turkey legs. They’re seriously to die for! It got me thinking, why wait until the summer when I can make a turkey leg in the air fryer all year round?
Just like that, this delicious recipe was born. Now, it’s a family favorite when it comes to dinner time. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, when you air fry turkey legs, you’ll have juicy dark meat that is absolutely irresistible.
Air fryers are so convenient because they can roast turkey legs like it’s nothing! I love this turkey leg recipe because it’s so easy to execute perfectly, making it a great choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Leftover turkey legs from Thanksgiving or holiday meals are delicious. But eating them cold and chewy is not an appealing thought.
That’s where your air fryer comes in handy! Reheating turkey legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make them taste freshly cooked again.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about reheating turkey legs in an air fryer.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Reheat Turkey Legs
Reheating turkey legs in an air fryer has several advantages over using a microwave or oven:
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Retains moisture and texture: Air fryers use hot circulating air to quickly reheat food. This allows the turkey leg to heat all the way through without drying out the meat.
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Achieves crispy skin The high heat from the air fryer crisps up the skin beautifully. A microwave makes the skin rubbery
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Intensifies flavors: The concentrated heat of an air fryer enhances the savory, roasted flavors in the turkey leg.
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Cooks evenly Food reheats uniformly in an air fryer, eliminating cold spots.
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Speed and convenience: Turkey legs reheat quickly in an air fryer, in as little as 5-10 minutes. It’s much faster than waiting for an oven to preheat.
How to Reheat Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer – Step by Step
Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
1. Remove Turkey Legs from Refrigerator
Take turkey legs out of the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Cold food takes longer to reheat.
2. Pat Turkey Legs Dry
Use paper towels to blot away any moisture on the surface of the turkey legs. This helps them get crispy in the air fryer.
3. Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 350°F. This high temperature quickly reheats the turkey legs.
4. Brush or Spray Oil
Lightly coat turkey legs with olive oil or cooking spray. The oil promotes even browning.
5. Place Turkey Legs in Fryer Basket
Arrange turkey legs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding.
6. Reheat Turkey Legs
Reheat turkey legs at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Time varies based on amount and size.
7. Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to confirm turkey legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Allow to Rest
Let turkey legs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
9. Enjoy Immediately
Dig into hot, juicy, crispy turkey legs right away. They taste amazingly fresh!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips and tricks for successfully reheating turkey legs in an air fryer:
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If reheating frozen turkey legs, defrost them first in the refrigerator overnight. Do not cook frozen turkey legs.
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Cut whole legs in half if needed to fit in your air fryer basket. Reheat smaller pieces for shorter time.
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Flip turkey legs halfway through reheating for even cooking on all sides.
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Brush turkey legs with oil or melted butter before cooking for added moisture and flavor.
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Reheat stuffing separately to avoid overcooking. Then serve alongside turkey legs.
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Add seasoning rubs or herbs before reheating to amplify flavor. Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick.
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If reheating fully cooked smoked turkey legs, use a lower temperature of 280°F to retain smoky flavor.
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Check smaller portions early, as they reheat faster. Cook longer as needed if not hot enough.
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Allow cooked turkey legs to rest before cutting or eating so juices stay locked in.
##Common Questions
Reheating turkey legs in an air fryer may be new to you. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to reheat a turkey leg in an air fryer?
Cooking time depends on size, but plan on 5-10 minutes per pound at 350°F. Check internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Can you reheat a frozen turkey leg in an air fryer?
Yes, but defrost first. Air frying frozen turkey legs results in uneven cooking.
What temperature should you use to reheat turkey legs?
350°F is ideal. Higher heat quickly reheats and crisps the skin without drying out the meat.
Do you need to flip turkey legs when reheating in an air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through allows for even reheating on all sides.
Should you put oil on turkey legs before air frying?
Brushing or spraying legs with oil helps promote browning and prevents drying out.
Get Creative with Leftover Turkey Legs
Besides enjoying reheated turkey legs on their own, you can also give them new life in all kinds of delicious ways.
Here are just a few creative ideas for using up leftover turkey legs:
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Dice or shred for turkey leg fried rice or stir fry
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Make turkey leg sandwiches with cranberry sauce and stuffing
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Chop and add to soup, chili, or turkey leg tacos
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Make turkey leg sliders with mashed potatoes and gravy
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Use diced turkey in a turkey leg hash with veggies
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Top nachos or baked potatoes with shredded turkey leg
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Make turkey leg casserole or pot pie
With an air fryer, turkey legs can be easily reheated to taste freshly cooked for quick meals or inspiration for creative recipes. Follow this guide for juicy, flavorful results!
How Long to Cook Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer
When placing your turkey leg in the air fryer, the cooking time really depends on if you’re working with a small or large turkey leg.
I usually find that between 25 and 30 minutes does the trick for me.
But here’s the golden rule: make sure the air fried turkey leg’s internal temperature hits 165 degrees F so it’s safe to eat. To do this, place a meat thermometer in the thickest point of the turkey drumsticks.
If you’re planning on air frying pre cooked turkey legs, check out my Air Fryer Turkey Wings recipe for directions!
More Easy Air Fryer Dinner Ideas
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FAQ
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