Ingredients
– 4 turkey legs, each about 10 ounces (with bone and skin on) for main protein
– 1/4 cup melted butter (salted or unsalted, or ghee as an alternative) for crisping the skin and adding richness
– Avocado oil spray as needed for keeping spices moist and preventing burning during roasting
– 1 teaspoon sea salt for enhancing natural flavors
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for adding a subtle kick and depth
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder for savory, aromatic flavor
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme for earthy, herbal freshness
– 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika can be substituted for a smoky flavor) for color and a mild, warm taste
Instructions
1-Getting roasted turkey legs just right involves a few key steps that lead to tender, flavorful results every time. Start by preheating your oven to 450ยฐF to achieve that crispy skin. This high heat helps lock in juices and creates a delicious exterior, making it ideal for home cooks aiming for perfection.
2-First, line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a greased rack inside for even cooking. Pat the 4 turkey legs dry to remove excess moisture, which ensures the skin crisps up nicely. Brush them with the 1/4 cup of melted butter, then rub on the seasoning mix of 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
3-Arrange the legs on the rack and lightly spray with avocado oil to keep the spices from burning. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes to brown the skin, then loosely cover with foil and continue roasting for an additional 30 to 50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165ยฐF. After removing from the oven, let the legs rest covered for 10 minutes to redistribute juices for optimal moisture and flavor.
Last Step:
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๐ก๏ธ Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – cooking to 175-180ยฐF improves tenderness by breaking down connective tissue
โฐ Adjust cooking time based on leg size – 10-ounce legs need about 30 minutes covered after initial browning, while larger 12-16 ounce legs need 40-50 minutes
๐ง Let the turkey legs rest for the full 10 minutes after cooking – this allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture and flavor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 turkey leg
- Calories: 432
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 555mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
