Deep frying a turkey leg creates a juicy, tender interior with an incredibly crispy, craggy skin that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods Figuring out just how long to submerge turkey legs in hot oil is key to fried perfection Undercooking leaves raw meat while overcooking dries out the interior. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to fry turkey legs for the ideal texture.
What is the Best Oil Temperature for Frying Turkey Legs?
Heating the oil to the proper temperature is crucial when deep frying any food. For turkey legs temperatures between 350-375°F work best. Lower temperatures around 325°F will cook the meat thoroughly but won’t crisp the skin adequately. Hotter temperatures above 400°F run the risk of burning the exterior before the interior cooks through.
Aim to maintain your oil around the 350-375°F mark for the entire cooking time. Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor temperature and adjust the heat as needed. The thickness and initial temperature of the legs will impact how much the oil temp drops when they’re added, so it may take a few test batches to perfect your technique.
How Long Does it Take to Fry a Turkey Leg?
Most turkey legs require around 12-15 minutes of frying time to reach the ideal internal temperature of 165°F Smaller, thinner legs may only need 10-12 minutes while jumbo legs can take 16-18+ minutes to finish cooking Below are general time guidelines based on leg size
- Small turkey legs (under 1 lb): 8-10 minutes
- Medium turkey legs (1 – 1.5 lbs): 12-13 minutes
- Large turkey legs (over 1.5 lbs): 15-18 minutes
These times assume the legs are completely thawed and the oil is maintained between 350-375°F. Legs fried at the hotter end of this temp range will cook faster. Frozen legs and lower oil temps will increase cook time.
How to Tell When Turkey Legs are Fully Cooked
An instant read thermometer is by far the most reliable way to determine doneness for deep fried turkey legs. Simply insert the tip into the thickest section of meat, taking care to avoid touching any bones. The temperature should read 165°F when fully cooked.
If a thermometer isn’t available, look for these visual cues:
- The skin turns a deep golden brown color
- The meat starts to pull away from the end of any bones
- Juices run clear when pierced with a knife or skewer
The legs may need a couple extra minutes if the color and texture don’t appear done yet. But refrain from overcooking as this will rapidly dry out the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide for Deep Frying Turkey Legs
Follow this simple process for perfectly fried turkey legs every time:
Ingredients:
- 4 turkey legs, thawed if frozen
- Peanut, vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Cajun seasoning or other dry rub
Equipment:
- Heavy pot or dutch oven
- Propane burner or cooktop
- Deep fry thermometer
- Tongs
- Wire cooling rack
Directions:
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Heat at least 4 inches of frying oil to 375°F in a heavy pot or dutch oven.
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Pat turkey legs dry and evenly coat with Cajun or other seasoning.
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Use tongs to gently add legs to the hot oil, being careful not to splash yourself with the hot oil. Do not overcrowd. Fry just 2-3 legs at a time.
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Fry for 6-8 minutes, then flip each leg and fry 6-8 minutes more until skin is deep golden brown.
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Use a thermometer to check temperature, inserting into thickest part of meat. Legs are done at 165°F.
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Transfer legs to a wire rack to drain briefly before serving.
Tips for Crispy, Juicy, and Safely Fried Turkey Legs
- Allow legs to thaw completely before frying for even cook times.
- Remove any giblets from inside the legs and rinse well before seasoning.
- Pat legs very dry before frying to help the skin crisp up.
- Maintain oil at a consistent temp between 350-375°F.
- Flip legs halfway through frying to evenly brown both sides.
- Fry legs in batches to prevent oil temp from dropping too much.
- Use thermometer to guarantee legs reach 165°F internally.
- Let fried legs drain briefly on a wire rack before biting in.
With a few simple precautions, deep frying turkey legs at home results in an incredibly moist, succulent interior enveloped in a crispy, craggy fried outer shell. For ideal texture and safety, fry small legs around 10-12 minutes, medium 1-1.5 pound legs 12-15 minutes, and jumbo legs closer to 16-18 minutes at 350-375°F oil temperature. Insert a thermometer to guarantee the165°F minimum internal temperature is reached. Follow these guidelines for finger-licking fried turkey legs your guests will rave about.
In Summary:
- Heat oil to 350-375°F for frying turkey legs
- Small legs take 8-10 minutes, medium legs 12-15 minutes
- Use an instant read thermometer to check 165°F internal temperature
- Allow legs to thaw fully and pat dry before frying
- Maintain consistent oil temperature for best results
- Fry in batches and flip legs halfway for even cooking
- Drain fried legs on a wire rack before serving
With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the perfect frying time for juicy, tender turkey legs with crispy, seasoned skin your guests will love.
Check Your Bird for Ice, Twice
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Another thing you definitely dont want to do is put a wet or icy turkey in hot oil. The result could land you in the hospital, particularly if there are chunks of ice.
Be extra careful with this: A seemingly fully defrosted turkey may harbor ice in its cavity, especially between the rib bones. That cavity acts as its own little icebox, and even when the rest of the bird has fully thawed, the cavity itself may still be very cold. Quadruple-check that there is no ice hidden in there, and dry the bird well, inside and out, before putting it in the hot oil.
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Basic Deep-Fried Turkey Recipe
- 1 turkey, about 12 pounds (5.5kg), giblets removed, patted dry
- 2 to 4 gallons (7.8 to 15L) peanut oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- If Using an Outdoor Frying Rig: Place turkey on frying rig according to manufacturers instructions, with legs pointing down. Add to empty frying vessel. Add water, measuring as you go, until turkey is barely submerged. Remove turkey and dry well with paper towels. Discard water and dry frying pot well, then fill with equivalent amount of oil.
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Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik - Ignite turkey fryer and heat oil to 350°F (177°C). Turn off gas completely and slowly lower turkey into hot oil (process should take at least 1 1/2 minutes). When turkey is fully submerged, reignite turkey fryer and adjust flame to maintain steady 325 to 350°F (163 to 177°C). Fry until an instant-read thermometer inserted into coolest part of breast registers 145°F (63°C), about 25 minutes. Allow excess oil to drip back into pot, transfer turkey to a clean disposable aluminum tray or rimmed baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and allow to rest at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.
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Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik - If Using an Indoor Turkey Fryer: Add oil to fryer, being sure not to surpass maximum fill line. Set fryer to 350°F and preheat oil. When oil is heated, follow manufacturers instructions for frying turkey. Monitor oil temperature during frying. If it drops and stays below 300°F (150°C), remove turkey and allow oil to come back up to 350°F before continuing. Fry until an instant-read thermometer inserted into coolest part of breast registers 145°F, about 25 minutes. Season turkey with salt and pepper and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.
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Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik
How to Deep-Fry Turkey Legs : Robust Recipes
FAQ
How long do you deep fry turkey legs for?
In heavy 6-quart Dutch oven or deep fat fryer, heat oil to 375°F. Sprinkle and rub Cajun seasoning on turkey legs. Fry 2 turkey legs at a time in hot oil 14 to 16 minutes, turning once halfway through, until skin is golden brown and juice of turkey is clear when thickest part is cut to bone (at least 165°F).
How long to deep fry legs at 350?
Fry these battered chicken legs preheated oil in it. The oil in the pan must reach 350 degrees for optimal crisping of the fried chicken batter. You’ll turn the chicken over partway through the frying process until the entire drumstick is crisp and browned—about 12 to 15 minutes.
Do you deep fry a turkey at 325 or 350?
keep your oil temperature to between 325-350; 2. turkeys 12 lbs and under 2-1/2 minutes per pound, and 12 lbs and over 3 minutes per pound; 3. if your turkey is floating it is overcooked.
How long do you deep fry turkey legs?
Now that you’re all set up and the turkey legs are seasoned, it’s time to start deep frying! Carefully lower the turkey legs into the hot oil. Be sure to use long tongs to prevent any oil splatter. Cook the turkey legs for about 3-4 minutes per pound, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long do you deep fry a Turkey?
Place turkey, breast side up, in the deep-fryer basket. Slowly lower basket into hot oil. Fry turkey for about 30 minutes (or 3 minutes per pound), maintaining oil temperature as close to 350°F as possible. How many minutes to deep fry a turkey? When the oil reaches the target temperature, slowly lower the turkey and basket into the fryer.
How do you cook a fried turkey leg?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. Once the turkey legs are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Now that your turkey legs are perfectly fried and ready to eat, it’s time to serve them up and enjoy!
What oil should I use to deep fry turkey legs?
The best oil for deep frying turkey legs is one with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high heat needed for deep frying without burning or imparting off-flavors to the turkey legs. How long should I deep fry turkey legs for? Turkey legs should be deep fried for about 3 to 4 minutes per pound.
How long do you cook a pound of turkey legs?
Cook the turkey legs for about 3-4 minutes per pound, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. Once the turkey legs are golden brown and cooked through, carefully remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
What temperature should turkey legs be fried at?
For food safety deep fried turkey legs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. At this temperature, any potentially harmful bacteria are killed and the meat is safe to eat. Aim to cook the legs until the thickest part of the meat registers 165°F when a thermometer is inserted. The skin will turn a deep golden brown when the legs are done.