Grilling turkey legs results in tender, juicy meat with crispy skin when done right. The key is proper preparation, seasoning, and using both direct and indirect heat on the grill. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to grill moist, delicious turkey legs every time.
Ingredients
- 4-6 turkey drumsticks
- Brine (salt, brown sugar, spices)
- Oil or butter for coating
- Dry seasoning rub (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc)
Prep the Turkey Legs
Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry. Trim off any excess skin or fat.
Brining
Soak legs in a saltwater brine for 12-24 hours This keeps the meat moist and seasoned
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Mix 1 cup salt with 1 gallon water. Add sugar, spices, and garlic
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Submerge legs completely. Refrigerate 12-24 hrs.
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Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.
Seasoning
Coat legs lightly with oil or butter. This helps the seasoning stick and crisps the skin.
Apply a dry rub all over the legs. Try salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, etc.
Refrigerate seasoned legs for 1 hour before grilling.
Setting Up the Grill
Fire up your charcoal or gas grill. Clean grates and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Charcoal Grill
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Mound coals on one side. This gives you direct and indirect heat zones.
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Place drip pan under no coals side to catch drippings.
Gas Grill
- Preheat one half to medium-high heat, 350°F. Leave other half off.
Grilling the Turkey Legs
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Sear legs over direct heat 2-3 minutes per side. This browns the skin.
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Move to indirect heat, close lid, grill 40-60 minutes until 165°F internal temp.
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Baste with oil/rub mix every 30 minutes for moisture and flavor.
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Flip and rotate legs periodically for even cooking.
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Remove once 165°F. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Legs
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Brining keeps legs super moist and seasoned throughout grilling.
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Dry rub crisps the skin better than wet marinade.
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Sear over direct heat first, then finish over indirect heat.
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Use meat thermometer to check 165°F internal temperature for doneness.
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Let legs rest before serving so juices redistribute for moist meat.
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Time will vary based on thickness. Grill until 165°F even if it takes longer.
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Baste every 30 minutes to prevent drying out.
Common Grilling Questions
Can I grill frozen turkey legs?
Only grill fully thawed turkey legs. Frozen legs cook unevenly.
Should I wrap legs in foil while grilling?
You can lightly tent legs with foil to prevent sticking. But remove foil at end to crisp the skin over direct heat.
How do I get crispy skin?
Pat legs very dry after brining. Coat with oil and use a dry rub. Sear over direct heat.
What’s the best way to reheat grilled legs?
Reheat in a 350°F oven in a covered dish with broth or gravy to stay moist.
What if grill flares up from the fat?
Move legs to indirect heat area without flames until flare up dies down. Watch for flares when basting.
What flavorings go well with turkey legs?
Try classic barbecue spices, herbs like rosemary and thyme, citrus, brown sugar, honey, mustard, or garlic.
Should I flip frequently while grilling?
Flip every 30 minutes while basting to ensure even cooking and browning.
With the right preparation, seasoning, heat levels, and cook time, you can master grilling juicy turkey legs with crisp skin. Follow these tips for finger-lickin’ flavorful turkey legs off the grill.
Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe {Perfect for Father’s Day}
This sticky and delicious grilled Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe is reminiscent of the infamous turkey legs at state fairs – perfect for Fathers Day!
The last time I was at Disney World, I noticed people walking around with these gigantic “Jumbo Turkey Legs.” Evidently it’s a thing. I don’t usually enjoy eating meat off the bone, but I do like dark poultry meat, and the more I saw people walking around gnawing on these carnivorous treats, the more I wanted to try one. They even have t-shirts with the Turkey Leg emblazoned on the front!
Finally, I gave in and stood in line and ordered my Jumbo Turkey Leg. I am always trying to eat more protein, after all. This is an amusement park treat I can really get behind. And you guys, I’m not kidding, those Jumbo Turkey Legs are amazing.
It never occurred me to make turkey legs at home, but Colleen suggested that turkey legs actually make a really nice dish for grilling season, and she whipped up a Grilled Turkey Leg Recipe for us. Prepare to drool.
Turns out, turkey legs are an inexpensive and fun way to feed a crowd. Gotta love that!
If you’re looking for something a little different to serve this Father’s Day or for the 4th, why not grill up some turkey legs!?? Here is her recipe. BBQ Turkey Legs Author:
- 4 turkey drumsticks
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 2 TBS soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 TBS fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Kosher salt & pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper (if you want a kick)
Instructions
- Lightly oil your grill. Preheat to med-high heat.
- Lightly coat each turkey leg with the oil, season with salt & pepper, then place them on your grill.
- Allow the legs to cook on the grill 4-5 minutes per side or until they get a few char marks.
- Move the legs to your upper cooking rack OR continue to cook over indirect heat for 45 minutes to an hour or until the legs are done. During that time, turn the legs a few times to allow them to crisp uniformly.
- Meanwhile combine oil, soy sauce, honey, sugar, ketchup, lemon juice, and seasonings in a small pot. Stir to combine, and cook just until bubbles appear. Stir well and set aside.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the turkey legs a couple of times with the sauce. As you do, be sure the burner just below the legs is off because the sauce will attract flames.
- Cooking time will depend on the size of the turkey legs and your grill temperature. (When juices run clear or they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, they’re done.) Legs will continue to cook for a few minutes after you pull them off of the grill.
- Brush the legs once again with the sauce and serve.
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Turkey Legs On The Grill For Thanksgiving
FAQ
What is the best way to grill turkey legs?
- Heat your grill to medium heat, about 350-375 degrees F.
- Season your turkey legs with salt and pepper and add to the grill.
- Cook for 30 minutes, rotating the turkey leg every 10 minutes.
Should I wrap my turkey legs in foil?
I recommend wrapping them in foil for about half the cooking time to keep the skin from burning. How long do you cook turkey legs in the oven at 350°F (176°C?May 2, 2024
How long should you cook a turkey leg for?
… turkey is extremely tender and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers at least 165ºF, 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hoursNov 17, 2024
How do you keep turkey legs from drying out?
To keep the turkey leg moist, place a foil pan underneath with some chicken broth.Oct 30, 2023
How to cook turkey legs on a grill?
Cover with foil and allow them to rest for 10-15 minutes. Preheat your grill for high temperature cooking and make sure to lightly oil the grate. Fill a large pot with the soda, sugar, hot sauce, pepper, pepper flakes and the onion slices. Then add the turkey legs and bring the mixture to a boil.
How do you cook smoked turkey legs on a grill?
Remove onion slices from the mixture, and arrange on the prepared grill. Place turkey legs over the onions. Drizzle with honey, and season with steak seasoning. Cook, tuning once, 20 minutes, or until a crisp browned crust has formed on the turkey legs. Sweet and hot—just like the smoked turkey legs you get at the fair or theme park!
Do you need to prep turkey legs before grilling?
Before putting your turkey legs on the grill, you need to prep them. Properly prepping your turkey legs will help reduce the risk of the meat drying out on the grill. It will also flavor the legs and ensure that every bite is savory and moist. Below are the steps needed to prep your turkey legs before grilling.