Sometimes you want the deliciousness of turkey without the hassle of roasting a whole bird. Turkey legs are a great option, especially if you’re cooking for a smaller group, because they are easy to prep and require less cook time.
The goal is always tender, juicy meat with that irresistible crispy skin. But figuring out just how long to bake turkey legs to get them just right can be tricky.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bake turkey legs to perfection every time. We’ll cover temperature, timing, and tips for achieving that golden-brown, crispy skin we all crave.
Why choose turkey legs?
You may be wondering why you should cook turkey legs instead of a whole turkey. Here are a few reasons:
- Cost: Turkey legs are much cheaper than a whole turkey.
- Ease of cooking: They’re easier to manage, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen.
- Portion control: Turkey legs are perfect for small families or individual meals.
- Flavor: Fans of dark meat love turkey legs because they’re so rich and flavorful.
Preparing for perfection: Essential steps before baking
Before you pop those turkey legs in the oven, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they’re the most delicious they can be.
Thawing and bringing to room temperature
If your turkey legs are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator. Then, let them sit out at room temperature for about half an hour before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly.
Preparing the turkey legs
Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. Getting the skin dry before cooking will help it crisp up in the oven.
If there’s a lot of extra skin or fat, you can trim it off, but that’s totally optional.
Seasoning and marinating
Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Generously coat those turkey legs with your favorite spices.
A simple dry rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika is always a winner. But feel free to get creative! Cajun, sweet and spicy, Asian, Italian, BBQ, or even lemon pepper – the possibilities are endless.
For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the turkey legs for at least 15 minutes, or even better, overnight. Try a garlic herb butter rub, and get some of it underneath the skin for maximum flavor impact.
Oven Temperature and Cooking Time: The Key to Success
You’ll see recipes that call for oven temperatures ranging from 325°F all the way up to 450°F. So how do you pick the right temperature for your turkey legs?
Higher heat will crisp the skin faster, which is a big plus. But lower heat helps the legs cook evenly and retain more moisture, which is also important. A good strategy is to start at a higher temperature, say 425-450°F, to get that skin going, and then reduce the heat to 375°F or cover the legs with foil to keep them juicy.
As for baking time, a good rule of thumb is about an hour, but this can vary depending on the size of the legs. Aim for legs that are around ¾ lb to 1 lb each.
No matter what, the most important thing is to use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. With the oven temperatures we’re talking about, your legs should be done in under 90 minutes, and maybe in as little as 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
The Foil Method
Wrapping the turkey legs in foil helps to keep them moist during the first part of the cooking process. Take the foil off for the last 15-20 minutes to let the skin get crispy and brown.
How to bake turkey legs: Step-by-step
- First, preheat your oven to the temperature you chose.
- Then, put your seasoned turkey legs on a baking sheet lined with foil. This will make cleanup much easier.
- If you’re using the foil method, wrap each turkey leg individually.
- Bake the turkey legs for the amount of time you calculated earlier. After about 45 minutes, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- If the skin on the legs isn’t browning enough, take off the foil (if you used it) and raise the oven temperature a little. You can also broil the legs for a few minutes to crisp the skin, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Turn the turkey legs over halfway through the baking time to make sure they brown evenly.
Getting perfectly cooked turkey legs with crispy skin
The key to knowing when your turkey legs are done is internal temperature. You’ll want to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg, but not touching the bone. When the thermometer reads 165°F, you’re good to go!
Here are a few tricks for ensuring that your turkey skin turns out crispy:
- Broil the legs for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Turn up the oven temperature for the last 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure the skin is dry before you put the legs in the oven.
- For extra crispy skin, refrigerate the turkey legs uncovered overnight before cooking.
Resting and serving
Let your turkey legs rest for at least 10 to 20 minutes before you serve them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leaving you with a more tender and flavorful result.
Turkey legs go well with:
- Mac and cheese
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
Consider drizzling your turkey legs and side dishes with gravy made from the turkey drippings.
Closing Thoughts
Baking turkey legs is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal. As long as you follow a few basic guidelines for oven temperature, baking time, and internal doneness, you’ll get it right every time.
Don’t be afraid to try out different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Now that you know how to bake turkey legs, it’s time to get cooking. Enjoy your perfectly baked turkey legs!