How Long to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Legs in the Oven at 400°F

Cooking turkey legs in the oven at 400°F yields delicious results every time. With the right prep and cook time, you can achieve crispy skin enveloping tender, moist meat. Follow this simple guide for foolproof oven-baked turkey legs.

Turkey legs, also known as drumsticks, are an underrated cut of meat perfect for easy weeknight dinners. They contain juicy, flavorful dark meat and are inexpensive compared to other poultry options.

Baking turkey legs in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven is a surefire cooking method to get perfect doneness But how long should you bake turkey legs at 400°F? The cook time depends on the size and weight of the drumsticks

How Long to Cook Turkey Legs Based on Weight

• 1 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 45-55 minutes
• 1.5 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 60-70 minutes
• 2 lb turkey legs – bake at 400°F for 70-80 minutes

To guarantee the turkey legs are fully cooked through, use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Poultry is safely cooked at 165°F. Allowing 10-15 minutes of resting time after baking lets juices redistribute for moist, tender meat.

Tips for Juicy Oven-Baked Turkey Legs

Follow these handy tips for the perfect baked turkey legs at 400°F

• Brine the drumsticks in saltwater before cooking to boost juiciness
• Coat legs with olive oil or butter and generously season with herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic, and spices like paprika, cumin, chili powder
• Place legs on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet for air circulation
• Baste halfway through baking to prevent drying out
• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb

Step-by-Step Method for Baked Turkey Legs

Follow this simple step-by-step technique for moist flavorful oven-baked turkey legs at 400°F

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs turkey drumsticks (about 2 drumsticks)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse turkey legs and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub spice mix evenly over turkey legs.
3. Place legs on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Bake at 400°F for 70-80 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
5. After 35 minutes, remove pan and baste legs with pan juices to prevent drying.
6. Once done baking, remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
7. Slice into each leg and serve warm with desired sides. Enjoy!

Checking Doneness of Turkey Legs

The most accurate way to check if turkey legs are fully cooked is to use an instant read digital meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. Turkey legs are safely cooked when the thermometer reads 165°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the legs deeply with a fork. If the juices run clear, the meat is no longer pink inside and the leg moves easily, it is ready to eat.

Undercooked poultry can cause foodborne illness, so always verify doneness with a thermometer. Baked turkey legs are perfectly safe to eat once reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Baking Juicy Turkey Legs in a 400°F Oven

Baking turkey drumsticks at 400°F in the oven yields tender, juicy results every time. Allowing an adequate cook time of 45-80 minutes based on the weight ensures they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Seasoning generously and basting partway through prevents drying out. Letting them rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute.

Follow this easy oven method for fall-off-the-bone turkey legs straight from your kitchen. Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetables for a delicious home-cooked meal the whole family will love.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when turkey legs are done cooking?

Use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Turkey legs are fully cooked at 165°F. The juices will run clear and the meat will no longer be pink inside.

Should I cover the turkey legs while baking?

Yes, tent foil loosely over the legs for part of the bake time to prevent drying out. Remove foil in the last 15-30 minutes to crisp the skin.

What if my turkey legs are larger or smaller?

Adjust bake time up or down. Larger legs may need up to 90 minutes, while smaller ones could be done in as little as 40 minutes at 400°F.

Can I season my turkey legs with different herbs and spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite spice rubs or herb combinations on the legs before baking.

Should I let the turkey legs rest after baking?

Yes, letting them rest for 10-15 minutes allows juices to redistribute so meat stays tender and moist.

Masterfully baking turkey legs in the oven at 400°F results in crispy skin and juicy meat when the right prep and cook times are used. In just over an hour, you can enjoy delicious oven-baked turkey drumsticks any night of the week.