The Complete Guide to Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs in an Air Fryer

Smoked turkey legs are a classic dish that are often associated with state fairs and theme parks. Their smoky salty savory flavor is hard to resist! While they are traditionally smoked or grilled over an open flame, you can easily recreate this tasty treat at home with an air fryer.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook smoked turkey legs in an air fryer. We’ll cover how to select and prep the turkey legs, tips for infusing smoky flavor, recommended cook times and temperatures, and even some tasty seasoning ideas. Follow along for foolproof, crispy, juicy smoked turkey legs straight from your air fryer!

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers have recently surged in popularity as a multipurpose appliance that can crisp and cook foods using significantly less oil than traditional frying. The technology relies on a rapid circulation of hot air to mimic the effects of deep frying.

Cooking smoked turkey legs in an air fryer offers several advantages

• Oil-free cooking results in a healthier dish without sacrificing crispy texture.

• The enclosed chamber traps moisture and flavors unlike oven baking

• Turkey legs cook evenly from all sides for tender, juicy meat.

• It’s convenient and quick, with most models cooking turkey legs to perfection within 30-45 minutes.

• The small countertop footprint doesn’t require outdoor space like grilling.

• Minimal preparation means less time dealing with charcoal or wood chips.

With an air fryer, you can skip the hassle of firing up a grill or smoker and enjoy deliciously crispy smoked turkey legs from the comfort of your kitchen.

Selecting and Preparing Turkey Legs

The key to finger-licking smoked turkey legs is choosing quality legs and preparing them correctly before cooking. Here are a few tips:

• Look for plump, meaty legs that have an evenly distributed thickness. Avoid any with tears in the skin or discoloration.

• Opt for legs in the 1-1.5 lb range so they cook in a similar timeframe.

• Rinse and pat the legs dry. Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

• For extra flavor, rub the legs with a dry seasoning or marinate up to 24 hours before air frying.

• Lightly score the skin with a knife so seasonings and smoke can penetrate the meat.

• Let soaked wood chips drain fully before adding to the air fryer, or they will cause excess steam.

Infusing Smoky Flavor

Without actual smoke, how do you impart that quintessential smoky taste? There are a couple of easy options:

• Liquid smoke: Add 1-2 tsp of liquid smoke to any dry rub or marinade. It provides a convenient smoky boost.

• Wood chips: Soak wood chips like hickory or mesquite in water for 30 minutes then scatter them in the air fryer basket under the turkey legs.

• Smoked salts: Using smoked sea salt or smoked paprika in a rub or marinade imparts natural smoky notes.

• Leftover sauce: Brush bbq sauce, chipotle seasoning, or other smoky sauces on the turkey legs during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.

Experiment to find the level of smoky flavor you prefer. Many aficionados recommend a combo approach for a complex, authentic taste.

Cook Times and Temperatures

Cooking smoked turkey legs in an air fryer is similar to oven roasting. Some general guidelines:

• Pre-heat air fryer to 380°F.

• Cook legs for 15 minutes at 380°F skin-side down first.

• Flip legs and reduce heat to 300°F. Cook for 15-25 more minutes depending on size.

• Thicker legs near 1.5 lbs may need up to 40 total minutes to reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Brush with bbq sauce during last 5 minutes if using.

• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm legs reach safe 165°F temperature.

Monitor closely and adjust time if needed based on your model and the size of the legs.Waiting until legs are fully cooked guarantees tender, juicy meat.

Seasoning and Flavor Ideas

One of the best parts of cooking smoked turkey legs in an air fryer is experimenting with different seasonings. Get creative with these ideas:

• Basic: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder

• Cajun: Paprika, cayenne, black pepper, oregano, thyme

• Italian: Oregano, basil, fennel seed, garlic, parsley

• Spicy Honey Mustard: Mustard, honey, chili powder, cumin, garlic

• Jamaican Jerk: Brown sugar, allspice, thyme, habanero peppers

• Teriyaki: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar

Customize a dry rub or marinade to give your smoked turkey legs an extra flavor punch. Adding sauces like bbq, teriyaki, or honey-chili during the last few minutes of cooking also creates a tasty, sticky finish.

Tips for Crispy Skin

To get the crispiest turkey leg skin when air frying:

• Pat legs very dry before cooking and don’t over-brush with oil.

• Poke skin all over with a fork before seasoning to allow fat to drain.

• Cook skin-side down first, then finish skin-side up.

• Spray or brush legs lightly with oil halfway through cooking if skin isn’t browning.

• Leave a small space between legs for air circulation.

• Insert a wood skewer through thick ends to prop up legs for even crisping.

• Let turkey legs rest 5 minutes before serving for ultimate crispiness.

Following these steps will help the skin get crackly and crunchy while the meat stays super moist and tender.

Serving Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked turkey legs straight from the air fryer make a hearty, fun meal. Round out the spread with:

• Coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad

• Baked beans, collard greens, or roasted veggies

• Rolls or cornbread

• Fresh watermelon slices

Serve with traditional bbq sides or get creative. The smoky, savory turkey legs pair well with both classic and novel flavors.

For easy entertaining, cook turkey legs earlier in the day then reheat quickly in the air fryer at 300°F before serving. Holding them at a low temperature after cooking also improves moisture retention.

Storing Leftovers

Smoked turkey legs keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage:

• Portion turkey meat into airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months.

• Wrap whole legs tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat gently wrapped in foil at 300°F.

• Shred and freeze turkey meat for casseroles, soups, sandwiches, and salads later.

With an air fryer, you can stop waiting for state fairs or special events to enjoy tender, juicy, smoky turkey legs any time. Follow this guide for guaranteed success. The possibilities are endless for customizing the flavor. A new go-to recipe, hot from your air fryer!