*Forget the grill, skip the smoker—your air fryer is all you need to enjoy turkey legs bursting with Southern flavor. With a simple brine and a bold seasoning blend, this recipe delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone meat wrapped in golden, crackly skin.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, these air fryer turkey legs capture that nostalgic fairground taste without the long prep or messy cleanup.
Dive into the step-by-step recipe below via The Soulfood Pot and bring a little smoky Southern magic to your table.
Ingredients
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For the Brine
- 4 turkey legs
- 3 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
For the Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (such as Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons roasted garlic & herb seasoning (like Weber brand or similar)
For Cooking
- Olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Brine the Turkey Legs
- In a large pot (or Instant Pot on sauté mode), combine water, salt, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the turkey legs and bring to a simmer. Let them cook for 40 minutes, until tenderized by the brine.
- Drain the liquid, transfer turkey legs to a colander, and allow them to cool slightly.
Step 2: Season and Air Fry
- Mix poultry seasoning and garlic & herb seasoning in a small bowl.
- Rub the spice blend generously over the turkey legs, coating all sides.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the turkey legs inside, skin-side up. Be careful not to overcrowd.
- Cook at 360°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the turkey legs from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair them with classic soul food sides, or enjoy them on their own as a hearty main dish.
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