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Juicy Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (1 turkey leg per serving)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Juicy Roasted Turkey Legs are perfectly seasoned and baked to achieve crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. Roasting at a high temperature ensures a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Legs

  • 4 turkey legs (medium-sized, bone-in, skin-on, about 10 ounces each)

Seasoning & Oil

  • Avocado oil spray
  • 1/4 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier. Place a roasting rack inside the pan and spray the rack with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Turkey Legs: Pat the turkey legs dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. Brush all sides with the melted butter and then evenly rub them with the seasoning mix of sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and paprika. Place the turkey legs onto the prepared rack and lightly spray them with avocado oil.
  3. Initial Roasting: Place the turkey legs in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 20 minutes. This step is to brown and crisp the skin nicely.
  4. Continue Roasting with Foil: After 20 minutes, loosely cover the turkey legs with foil to prevent the top from scorching. Continue roasting for about 30 more minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced and an instant-read thermometer inserted without touching the bone reads 165°F.
  5. Rest the Turkey Legs: Remove the turkey legs from the oven and keep them covered with foil. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the internal temperature to rise slightly and the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

  • Roasting at a high temperature helps achieve crispy skin while locking in moisture for juicy meat.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is essential for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked to a safe temperature.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 turkey leg (about 10 ounces)
  • Calories: 432 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 555 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 56 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg