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!
Ingredients for Black folks Instant Pot turkey legs brine
4turkey legs
3quartswater
2tablespoonssalt
4tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
Ingredients for the Black folks smoked turkey legs in the air fryer
1tablespoonsmoked sea salt(optional)
2tablespoonsseasoning Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken/Poultry Seasoning (or similar)
2tablespoonsseasoningWeber 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.
Set the turkey legs aside and allow them to cool.
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!