Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

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Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs – The perfect Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Turkey legs are a popular entrée to make for a Southern soul food Thanksgiving menu. And smoked turkey legs have an extra level of flavor that you just can’t get with a traditional roast turkey!

 

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

 

What are smoked turkey legs?

Next time you think, “What am I going to do with all that turkey that I have to defrost before Christmas?” 

Instead of the whole turkey, try just a portion – the turkey legs!

Black folks smoked turkey legs are boiled in a salt and vinegar brine, then cooked in the Instant Pot for a roasted, smokey flavor…Don’t knock it ’til you try it!

 

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Leftover Recipe
Instant Pot Leftover Pulled Turkey Recipe
What can you make with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving?
Make a pulled turkey meal with holiday leftover turkey in your Instant Pot!
Check out this recipe!

 

 

Why use the Instant Pot for smoked turkey legs?

Juicy smoked turkey legs with lots of soul food flavor are faster and easier to cook in the Instant Pot. 

So how do you cook smoked turkey legs in a pressure cooker?

Although pressure cooking is often quicker, this recipe still delivers by using the sauté setting for turkey meat that’s tender on the inside and air-fried into crispy goodness on the outside.

It’s like having your holiday feast without all the fuss of the whole bird! Your family will never tire of eating this Thanksgiving favorite. 

 

 

How do you make turkey legs in the Instant Pot?

Want to learn how to prepare Black folks smoked turkey legs? 

You can buy this part of the turkey already cut and pre-packaged from your local butcher or grocery store. Then all you need is a simple salt brine and a couple of seasonings to make this super flavorful recipe by sautéing and air frying with Instant Pot!

Read on to find more! This blog post will go over the preparation process and give some helpful tips on making smoked turkey legs like a pro! 

 

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe

 

Kitchen equipment for Instant Pot smoked turkey legs

 

Shop my kitchenware!

Instant Pot Duo Nova  |  Instant Pot Omni Plus air fryer  |  Amazon cutting board  |  The Pioneer Woman measuring bowls  |  Kate Aspen measuring spoons  |  Anthropologie cloth napkin  |  Amazon long serving plate  |  Courtly Check glass cutting board  |

 

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Instant Pot Comparison

 

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs Ingredients

 

Ingredients for Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs brine

  • 4 turkey legs
  • 3 quarts of water
  • 2 tablespoons of salt
  • 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

 

Ingredients for the Black folks smoked turkey legs in the air fryer

 

Instructions for Instant Pot smoked turkey legs

  1. Open the Instant Pot lid and pour the water, salt, and vinegar into the stainless-steel inner pot.
  2. Add the turkey legs to the salt brine inside the inner pot.
  3. Turn on the Instant Pot sauté setting for 30 minutes. (This is because the max amount of time using the sauté setting is 30 minutes.) you’ll need to add 10 minutes immediately when the first 30 minutes finishes for a total of 40 minutes on sauté.
  4. With the Instant Pot lid off, allow the turkey legs to come to a boil on the sauté setting. (It will take approx. 18-20 minutes for the pot with the turkey legs to get to a state of slow boil/slow simmer.)
  5. When the cooking time is finished (after 40 minutes), drain the water by gently sliding the turkey legs from the inner pot into a colander. 

 

Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Legs

 

Instructions for Black folks smoked turkey legs in the air fryer

  1. Mix the poultry seasoning, roasted garlic & herb spice, and the smoked salt in a small bowl to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey legs.
  2. Rub on and coat the turkey legs with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. 
  4. Place the seasoned turkey legs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray (Instant Pot Omni Plus air fryer).
  5. Make sure the turkey legs are skin-side up, careful not to overcrowd the legs.
  6. Air fry at 360 degrees F for 15-18 minutes.
  7. Halfway through, after about 8 minutes have passed, flip the turkey legs over in the air fryer and return to cooking.
  8. Serve Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs right away, and enjoy!

 

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What kind of turkey are you making this year?
Here are my favorite Southern Thanksgiving turkey recipes for making a delicious turkey dinner! Starting with a juicy and flavorful Southern turkey recipe.
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What do you serve with Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs?

This recipe only takes one hour from prep time to finish with an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Then you can quickly enjoy juicy, tender smoked meat right off the bone with plenty of time to prepare the best Thanksgiving sides and Christmas holiday appetizers like these:

 

You can also serve turkey legs with condiments like hot sauce and turkey gravy.

 

Instant Pot Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Legs

 

Instant Pot smoked turkey legs FAQs

Can you cook turkey legs in an Instant Pot?

Yes, of course! Instant pots are trendy and perfect for cooking a whole chicken, turkey breasts, turkey wings, turkey thighs, and turkey legs. And even preparing specialty brines for your holiday turkey recipes!

 

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Crispy skin and moist, juicy, flavorful meat - that's what embodies a Black folks Southern turkey recipe!
An exceptional addition for your soul food Thanksgiving menu.
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This is especially important on Thanksgiving Day when ovens will be overcrowded with other family-favorite dishes of the big day. You can count on Instant Pot for faster cooking times and counter space. I call this Magical Meals In Minutes!

 

Instant Pot Cooking Times
How to cook with Instant Pot is one of my favorite topics!
I wish everyone knew how easy Instant Pot cooking is for busy households – one-pot… straight to plate!
Print my helpful Instant Pot cooking times chart to always know how long to let meats, seafood, vegetables, eggs, rice, grains, and beans pressure cook inside the pot.
Check it out!
Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide by The Soul Food Pot

 

How long do you cook smoked turkey legs in the Instant Pot?

You’ll need to brine the turkey legs in the Instant Pot for 40 minutes. Then air fry for about 15-18 minutes. Remember to flip each smoked turkey drumstick halfway through (after 8-minutes) for even cooking and a crispy texture on both sides.

 

How can you remove the meat from a smoked turkey leg?

The turkey meat will be so tender and juicy because these smoked turkey legs are boiled in a salt brine first. So you won’t need any specialty knives or kitchen equipment to remove the meat from the bones.

 

Black Folks Smoked Turkey Legs

 

How long do you cook turkey drumsticks in a pressure cooker?

Use the Instant Pot sauté setting with the salt and vinegar brine for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, you’ll need to add another 10 minutes on the same sauté setting because the max amount of time using this setting is 30 minutes at one time.

Finally, air fry for 15-18 minutes to get that crispy skin and smoked flavor!

 

Southern Apple Cider Turkey Brine
Apple Cider Turkey Brine
Apple cider turkey brine brings a new level of flavor and juiciness to your Thanksgiving or holiday bird.
This brine is easy to prepare because it’s simply homemade apple cider made with apples and notes of citrus, pomegranate, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cloves. The result is tender, juicy, and the most flavorful turkey meat!
Check out this recipe!

 

Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?

When you think of turkey, what word comes to mind? Turkey (obvi). 

But when it comes to turkey meat on a bone, are drumsticks and legs the same thing? 

The short answer is yes. Drumsticks and legs both come from a whole turkey that has been cut in half lengthwise.

Both drumsticks and legs are the lower portions of a turkey that extend from where it is cut or halved. The leg portion consists of two parts: thigh (thicker) and drumstick (longer). 

 

Can you cook turkey legs from frozen?

Well, the short answer is yes. However, it takes a little more time and effort to do so. But the good news is that Instant Pot is perfect for preparing meats from the frozen state!

 

Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

 

Can you freeze these Instant Pot smoked turkey legs for later?

Yes, I often make an extra turkey leg to freeze for when I make black eyed peasgreen beans or collard greens later! Store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

The turkey leg is also much healthier than using a ham hock for flavor in your soul food collard greens recipe.

 

What do you think about this recipe?

Ready to make Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs? 

The meat is so tender, juicy, and full of delicious soul food flavors because of the pressure cook method.

 

Watch me whip & do the turkey leg!

Smoked turkey legs are not only for the holidays tho. They are also a favorite at fairs, amusement parks, and theme parks around the world.

Now you can have that festive carnival feeling at home with a delicious homemade turkey leg paired with a refreshing Dole Whip!

 

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Dole Whip is still the best-kept secret in the frozen dessert world! Making it even more special when you find pineapple or watermelon Dole Whip at Disney Parks like Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.
But what exactly is this tasty treat? And how do you make this fabulous concoction at home?
Check out this recipe!

 

We used to smoked turkey legs outside on the grill for hours before they were done. But with Instant Pot, you don’t even need a grill, oven, or a stovetop! 

 

Did you enjoy this Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs recipe?

Have you had it?

Would you make it? 

Comment below and lemme know. 

Then subscribe HERE for all the soul food!

 

The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide
What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!
Check out this recipe!

 

Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest Soul Food Recipes board!

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

 

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs

Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs are an easy alternative to a whole turkey. A welcome addition to your Southern soul food Thanksgiving menu!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Air Frying Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Keyword: air fryer turkey legs, Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs, Instant Pot turkey, Instant Pot turkey legs, smoked turkey legs, turkey drumsticks recipe, turkey leg recipe, turkey legs brine
Servings: 4 turkey legs
Calories: 1018kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Ingredients for Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs brine

  • 4 turkey legs
  • 3 quarts water
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Ingredients for the Black folks smoked turkey legs in the air fryer

  • 2 tablespoons seasoning salt smoked salt seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken/Poultry Seasoning (or similar)
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning Weber Seasoning Roasted Garlic & Herb (or similar)

Instructions

Instructions for Instant Pot smoked turkey legs

  • Open the Instant Pot lid and pour the water, salt, and vinegar into the stainless-steel inner pot.
  • Add the turkey legs to the salt brine inside the inner pot.
  • Turn on the Instant Pot sauté setting for 30 minutes. (This is because the max amount of time using the sauté setting is 30 minutes.) you’ll need to add 10 minutes immediately when the first 30 minutes finishes for a total of 40 minutes on sauté.
  • With the Instant Pot lid off, allow the turkey legs to come to a boil on the sauté setting. (It will take approx. 18-20 minutes for the pot with the turkey legs to get to a state of slow boil/slow simmer.)
  • When the cooking time is finished (after 40 minutes), drain the water by gently sliding the turkey legs from the inner pot into a colander.

Instructions for Black folks smoked turkey legs in the air fryer

  • Mix the poultry seasoning, roasted garlic & herb spice, and the smoked salt in a small bowl to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey legs.
  • Rub on and coat the turkey legs with the seasoning mixture.
  • Spray the air fryer basket or tray with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
  • Place the seasoned turkey legs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray (Instant Pot Omni Plus air fryer).
  • Make sure the turkey legs are skin-side up, careful not to overcrowd the legs.
  • Air fry at 360 degrees F for 15-18 minutes.
  • Halfway through, after about 8 minutes have passed, flip the turkey legs over in the air fryer and return to cooking.
  • Serve Black folks Instant Pot smoked turkey legs right away, and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 1018kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 134g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 481mg | Sodium: 7518mg | Potassium: 2048mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 378mg | Iron: 17mg
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Nutrition Facts
Black Folks Instant Pot Smoked Turkey Legs
Amount per Serving
Calories
1018
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
46
g
71
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
13
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
14
g
Cholesterol
 
481
mg
160
%
Sodium
 
7518
mg
327
%
Potassium
 
2048
mg
59
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
6
g
25
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
134
g
268
%
Vitamin A
 
272
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
378
mg
38
%
Iron
 
17
mg
94
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I never eaten a Turkey. Does this taste like chicken too?