Easy Oven Baked Turkey Legs

Turkey legs are my favorite part of the turkey, so I love that I can roast just the legs instead of cooking a whole bird! These oven baked turkey legs are super easy, full of flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a mini holiday feast.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• About the Ingredients
• Customizations
• How to make Oven Baked Turkey Legs (Step by Step)
• Storage & Reheat
• FAQ
• Oven Roasted Turkey Legs Recipe
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Turkey Recipes!

There are many recipes out there to make turkey legs in the oven, but this is the way I make it because it is fast and easy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Super easy prep: Only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time - perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners.
• No whole turkey needed: Get that cozy holiday turkey flavor without roasting a giant bird.
• Budget-friendly: Turkey legs are often cheaper and easier to find, especially around the holidays.
• Endlessly customizable: The base recipe is simple but works with Cajun, Asian, Italian, and sweet-spicy variations.

About the Ingredients

Turkey legs:
I use medium bone-in, skin-on turkey drumsticks - the skin gets crispy and protects the meat from drying out. Larger legs will need extra cook time (always check for 165°F).

Butter:
Helps brown the skin and keeps the meat moist. You can substitute with olive oil if you prefer, but butter gives the best flavor.

Sea salt:
Helps season the meat thoroughly and enhances browning.

Garlic powder:
Adds savory depth without burning like fresh garlic sometimes does at high heat.

Paprika:
Gives the legs their beautiful deep color and subtle smokiness.

Customizations

This is a very basic recipe, but you can switch it up with various seasoning and sauces!

Here are some ideas:

• Cajun - add some cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, for a kick!
• Sweet and spicy - add brown sugar, cayenne pepper, for some tasty sweet and spicy flavors.
• Asian - Marinate with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
• Italian - Literally marinade with some Italian dressing, I love doing this with chicken too.

How to make Oven Baked Turkey Legs (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 4 bone-in skin-on medium turkey drumsticks
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp paprika

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Brush legs with melted butter. Then rub them salt, garlic powder, and paprika. I recommend letting it absorb this for at the very least 15 minutes, but the longer the better! Overnight works great!

Place on a baking dish. I like to put a layer of aluminum foil on the baking dish for easy clean up, but that's totally up to you.

Now, pop them in the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. The skin should brown.

Remove from heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is now on top. Place back in oven for another 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and loosely cover with aluminum foil (try not to burn yourself!).

Roast in oven for another 30 minutes, or until juices run clear and instant-read thermometer reads 165°F.

Remove from oven for the last time, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Also can we take a look at my dog being excited about this Turkey Leg LOL:

Storage & Reheat

How to Store Leftover Turkey Legs

Let the turkey legs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the skin on - it helps prevent the meat from drying out.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes! Oven-baked turkey legs freeze very well. Wrap each leg tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Ways to Reheat

Oven (best texture):

• Preheat to 325°F
• Place turkey legs in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water
• Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through

Air Fryer (crispy skin):

• Heat at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, checking halfway

Microwave (fastest):

• Use short intervals to avoid drying
• Add a damp paper towel on top to keep moisture in

FAQ

How do I keep turkey legs from drying out?

Two things:

1. Start with the high-heat browning (450°F) so the skin locks in moisture.
2. Don't overcook - turkey legs are done when the thickest part reaches 165°F. Ovens vary, so check early if yours runs hot.

Can I use turkey thighs instead?

Yes! Turkey thighs work great. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.

My turkey legs are bigger than the ones in your recipe - now what?

Simply add more time during the final covered roasting stage. Start by adding 10 extra minutes, then check with a thermometer and continue in 5-minute increments.

What seasoning goes well with turkey legs?

Almost anything! Cajun, lemon pepper, Italian, garlic herb, honey-lime, or an Asian-style soy-garlic marinade. The base recipe is super flexible.

Can I prep turkey legs ahead of time?

Yes - season them and let them sit in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor. Then just bake when ready.

Do turkey legs need to be covered while baking?

Only during the second half of cooking. Covering helps steam the meat so it stays tender, while the first uncovered bake crisps and browns the skin.

Pin for later!

More Delicious Turkey Recipes!

• Turkey Fried Rice - A quick and satisfying dish using turkey, mixed vegetables, rice, and eggs stir-fried with a savory sauce. Great for leftovers!
• Turkey Mushroom Stir Fry - Stir-fried turkey with your favorite mushrooms, scallions, and a flavorful sauce-an easy weeknight dinner full of umami.
• Turkey Breast Cutlets in Creamy Mushroom Sauce - Pan-seared turkey cutlets smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. Cozy, elegant, and surprisingly simple!