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Southern Air Fryer Turkey Legs

Southern Air Fryer Turkey Legs

My Southern air fryer turkey legs have crispy skin and juicy, tender meat inside. Bold soul food seasoning, big roasted flavor, and a modern shortcut that brings Sunday-dinner vibes any day of the week!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Air Frying Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 4 turkey legs
Calories: 1032kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 4 turkey legs
  • ¼ oz. cooking oil spray for the air fryer
  • 3 quarts water to fill a large pot
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning Famous Dave’s Chicken Rub Seasoning (or similar poultry seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning Weber Seasoning Roasted Garlic & Herb (or similar)

Instructions

Instructions for brining the turkey legs

  • Place a large pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  • Pour in water, salt, and vinegar to create a saltwater brine.
  • Add the turkey legs to the pot and bring the water to a boil. Cook the legs for 20 minutes.
  • After cooking, drain the water by gently sliding the turkey legs from the pot into a colander.
  • Set the cooked turkey legs aside and allow them to cool to touch.

Instructions for turkey legs in the air fryer

  • In a small bowl, mix together the poultry seasoning and the roasted garlic & herb seasoning to create a Southern spice rub for the turkey legs.
  • Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey legs, coating them well.
  • Spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil spray.
  • Place the seasoned turkey legs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, making sure not to overcrowd them.
  • Air fry the turkey legs at 360 degrees F for 18 minutes.
  • Halfway through cooking, after approximately 9 minutes, flip the turkey legs over and continue cooking.
  • When the cooking time is finished, remove the legs from the air fryer, serve right away, and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 1032kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 134g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 481mg | Sodium: 4030mg | Potassium: 2047mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 272IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 376mg | Iron: 17mg

❤️ Why trust this recipe?

Created + tested by Shaunda Necole, creator of The Soul Food Pot® (real cook, real kitchen). Rooted in African American culinary traditions, with modern shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor or legacy. No AI-generated instructions — measurements, timing, and techniques are written, cooked, and verified by Shaunda. Make-it-your-way guidance included, so you can cook confidently with the tools you have.

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