Introduction

Enjoy juicy, flavorful turkey legs with a crispy skin thanks to the air fryer. This recipe combines a savory spice rub with a tangy homemade cranberry sauce, making it perfect for a comforting meal any time of year.

Air-Fryer Turkey Legs with Cranberry Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons finely ground poultry seasoning (such as Spice Islands)
1 tablespoon kosher salt or 1/2 tablespoon fine salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 turkey legs
2 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large thyme sprig
1 medium orange, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions

Step 1: Place a cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, poultry seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create the spice rub.
Step 2: Pat the turkey legs very dry with paper towels on the prepared baking sheet. Rub each leg thoroughly with the spice mixture until fully coated, then place them back on the sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for 4 hours or up to overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Brush each turkey leg with vegetable oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), juices run clear, and skin is crispy. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Meanwhile, make the cranberry sauce by combining the canned cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, thyme sprig, orange juice, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the orange zest. Let the sauce infuse for 5 minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Serve the turkey legs alongside the warm cranberry sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the turkey legs with the spice rub overnight.
Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for thyme in the cranberry sauce for a different aromatic touch.
If you don’t have an air fryer, roast the legs in a 400°F oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, turning once.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or in the air fryer to retain crispiness. The cranberry sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days and served cold or warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberry instead of canned sauce?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries with sugar and water to make a fresh sauce. Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, lemon juice, and orange zest until they burst and thicken.

What if my turkey legs are very large or small?

Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Larger legs may need extra minutes, while smaller ones will cook faster. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Air-Fryer Turkey Legs with Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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This recipe for Air-Fryer Turkey Legs combines a flavorful poultry seasoning rub with a perfectly crispy skin achieved through air frying. The turkey legs are seasoned with a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and poultry seasoning, then air fried until golden and juicy. Served alongside a tangy, homemade cranberry sauce infused with orange zest and thyme, this dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy turkey legs with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including resting and marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Legs and Seasoning

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 teaspoons finely ground poultry seasoning (such as Spice Islands)
1 tablespoon kosher salt or 1/2 tablespoon fine salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
4 turkey legs
2 to 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cranberry Sauce

1 (14-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large thyme sprig
1 medium orange, zested and juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions

Prepare the Spice Rub: Place a cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet. In a medium bowl large enough to fit a turkey leg, mix together the dark brown sugar, poultry seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until combined.
Season the Turkey Legs: Pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. One at a time, rub each turkey leg completely with the prepared spice mixture until fully coated. Place the seasoned legs back on the baking sheet. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to let flavors develop. Remove the legs from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature.
Air Fry the Turkey Legs: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly brush each turkey leg with vegetable oil to promote crisping. Place the legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring enough space for air circulation (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 20 to 25 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crisp and deeply browned. Transfer cooked legs to a platter and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the turkey cooks, combine the canned cranberry sauce, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, thyme sprig, orange juice, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest. Let the sauce infuse for 5 minutes and season with additional salt if needed. The cranberry sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
Serve: Plate the rested turkey legs alongside the warm cranberry sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful turkey paired with the bright, tangy sauce for a perfect meal.

Notes

Pat the turkey legs very dry before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
Allowing the turkey legs to rest after air frying helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Cook turkey legs in batches if they don’t fit comfortably in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Cranberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; warm before serving.
Adjust salt levels in seasoning and cranberry sauce according to your taste and dietary needs.

Keywords: air fryer turkey legs, crispy turkey legs, cranberry sauce, poultry seasoning, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, weeknight dinner