This recipe for Baked Turkey Legs is a simple way to enjoy turkey without having to cook a whole bird. Our foolproof method makes the dark meat inside juicy and tender, and the skin outside crispy.
When I think of baked turkey legs, Thanksgiving and Disney come to mind. How was I surprised to find them at the park on our last Disneyland trip. So, it’s a year round indulgence that is so delicious!.
When cooking turkey legs, not only are we pleasing those family members who are dark meat lovers. Because let’s be honest, we all have mostly those. We’re also making easy dinners for the week any time of the year. And don’t forget about Game Day!
And if you’re like me and only have a few people over for Thanksgiving, you probably don’t need to roast a whole turkey.
If you choose to roast a turkey breast or make this turkey drumstick recipe, the pros are that the bird will taste better and take less time to roast.
Truly, when you cook a whole turkey, the white meat dries out quickly while you wait for the dark meat to finish. I always have turkey breast left over, which I shred and use to make turkey quesadillas or turkey noodle soup.
That being said, we both agree that this turkey leg recipe is great because it has dark meat and crispy skin. Bam!.
Cooking juicy, flavorful turkey legs in a convection oven is easier than you think! With the right technique, seasonings, and cook time, you can achieve crispy skin and tender, succulent meat.
As a busy home cook, I love using my convection oven to cook turkey legs. The circulating hot air cooks food faster and more evenly than a conventional oven. But with the shortened cooking time, it’s important to closely monitor the temperature so the turkey doesn’t dry out.
In this article, I’ll share my tips on how long to cook turkey legs in a convection oven for perfect results every time.
What is a Convection Oven and How Does it Work?
A convection oven has a built-in fan that circulates hot air around the food. This allows for more even heating, faster cooking, and crisping of the exterior. Meat cooked in a convection oven is juicier because the circulating air helps prevent the surface from drying out too quickly.
The fan and increased airflow make the food cook 25-30% faster in a convection oven compared to a conventional oven. So you’ll need to decrease the temperature and check for doneness sooner.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Turkey Legs in a Convection Oven?
Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the drumsticks Here are general guidelines
- Small drumsticks (under 1 lb): Cook at 400°F for 30-40 minutes
- Medium drumsticks (1-2 lbs): Cook at 400°F for 45-60 minutes
- Large drumsticks (over 2 lbs): Cook at 400°F for 60-75 minutes
I recommend starting to check the internal temperature about 10 minutes before the estimated cook time. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest part of each drumstick. Turkey legs are fully cooked at 165°F.
If using a combination cooking method like roasting then searing in a pan, reduce the oven cook time by 5-10 minutes.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Legs in a Convection Oven
Follow these tips for foolproof convection oven turkey legs every time
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Pat the drumsticks dry before seasoning to help the skin get crispy. Use paper towels to soak up excess moisture.
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Season under and over the skin for the most flavor Try a dry rub, herbs, and olive oil or butter
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Use a rack over a sheet pan so the hot air circulates completely around each drumstick.
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Cook at a high temperature (375-400°F) to crisp the skin before the interior overcooks.
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Brush with oil or broth during cooking to keep the turkey moist and prevent drying out.
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Check temperature early since convection ovens cook faster. Overcooking will dry out the meat.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving so juices redistribute for a juicy interior.
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Sear in a pan after roasting to crisp the skin if needed.
Convection Oven Turkey Leg Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious turkey leg recipes that are perfect for the convection setting:
Simple Herb-Roasted Turkey Legs
Coat drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage. Roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until 165°F.
BBQ Turkey Legs
Marinate legs in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for 1-2 hours. Roast at 400°F, brushing with sauce every 15 minutes until cooked through.
Maple Mustard Turkey Legs
Whisk maple syrup, grainy mustard, and spices to coat the drumsticks. Roast at 400°F, glazing occasionally, until done.
Crispy Asian Turkey Legs
Toss legs in an Asian marinade, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Roast at 375°F until crispy and cooked through.
Cajun Turkey Legs
Season drumsticks with Cajun spices. Roast at 400°F, then sear in a hot pan with butter to finish.
How Do I Know When Turkey Legs are Done?
This is the question that everyone wants to know when they want to cook any kind of meat, but especially turkey drumsticks with the bone still in them. Everyone wants juicy meat that is not dry!.
The best way to check your meat is to use an instant read thermometer! Stick the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone, and check that internal temperature has reached a minimum of 160 degrees F.
As your turkey rests outside of the oven, it will continue to cook and reach the optimal 165 degrees F. You will notice the juices run clear as well. And according to the USDA, your turkey legs are safe to eat then. 165 F is the magic number when it comes to cooked meats.
- Size of turkey legs: Turkey legs that are bigger or smaller will change how long they take to cook. For even baking, try to get drumsticks that are all the same size. I talk about this in more depth above and below.
- A digital meat thermometer is the best way to make sure that the internal temperature of your turkey legs is 165 degrees F, which is the right level.
- Dry the drumsticks with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning and oil stick to them and also helps the skin get crispy in the oven.
- Do not have a rack? You can use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line a baking sheet if you do not have one. A baking dish or roasting pan that can go in the oven might also work.
- Rest the meat. Don’t skip this step; it makes the meat even more juicy.
- Keep the drumstick bones; I use them to make tasty turkey stock by cooking them with vegetables and cold water. I use this Instant Pot beef bone broth recipe.
How to Cook Turkey Legs in the Oven
One great thing about this baked turkey leg recipe is that you don’t have to brine or baste it! Follow these steps to cook turkey legs the right way, and then let me know how you liked them!
First, heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Then, put a cooling rack (a wire rack) on a baking sheet with a rim and spray it with cooking spray.
The skin will be crispy if you roast the turkey legs at a high temperature. They’re also ready in just over an hour.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a small bowl. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together. You can also just sprinkle different spices on raw meat if you’re not in the mood to cook.
- Spread turkey legs out on a large plate. Use paper towels to dry them off and a brush to coat them with oil. To get the oil to stick, make sure the legs are dry first. Then, use our homemade turkey spice rub. Sprinkle a spice mix all over, but don’t rub or touch it afterward.
- Place the turkey legs in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been prepared. Roast the legs for 30 minutes without covering them. Then, loosely cover with foil and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes. If you stick them with a knife and the juices come out clean, they are ready. You can also put an instant read thermometer in the leg where it is thickest, making sure to avoid the bone of the drumstick. You can go if it reads 160 degrees F.
- Rest: Take the turkey legs out of the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. That’s when they get even more juicy! I wouldn’t cover them now because I don’t want to lose the crispy skin, which would be terrible.
How To Bake Turkey Legs
FAQ
Should turkey be 325 or 350 in a convection oven?
What temperature should turkey legs be cooked at?
How long to cook turkey in a convection oven per pound?
Why are my baked turkey legs tough?