How to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs

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Smoked turkey legs are delicious to enjoy with a meal, but they can be a mess to make, so I like to purchase pre-smoked turkey legs at the grocery store. Learn the best ways to cook smoked turkey legs to maximize the flavor!

smoked turkey legs stacked on each other

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When it comes to how to cook store bought smoked turkey legs, there are several methods I want to share with you today. Making pre-cooked turkey legs is a great idea for a holiday dinner or some other special occasion.

It doesn’t take long to make them and they require such simple ingredients, so they’re really great for any night you’re craving some giant turkey legs like you get at Disney World or other theme parks!

Storebought smoked turkey legs are already cooked before they arrive at your local grocery store, so you’re technically just reheating them. But what’s the best way to do that without making the turkey skin tough? Let’s get into the ins and outs of how to cook store bought smoked turkey legs. 

Smoked turkey legs are also great to use to add flavor when making Southern-style green beans, collard greens, or black-eyed peas!

Methods of Cooking Storebought Smoked Turkey Legs

Whatever method you choose to prepare your fresh turkey legs, you’ll want to make sure they end up juicy on the inside with the perfect crispy skin on the outside. 

Oven-Baked Smoked Turkey Legs

  1. Preheat your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Place the smoked turkey legs on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, leaving space between each leg.
  3. Lightly brush the legs with olive oil or your favorite barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor.
  4. Optionally, wrap the legs in aluminum foil to create a steam chamber for extra juiciness.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, turning the legs halfway through for even cooking.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  7. Allow the turkey legs to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilled Smoked Turkey Legs

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (a charcoal grill is a great alternative if you don’t have a gas grill).
  2. Place the smoked turkey legs on the grill grates.
  3. Brush the legs with olive oil or your preferred barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor.
  4. Grill the turkey legs for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even char and smoky flavor.
  5. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once cooked, let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Smoked Turkey Legs

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place turkey legs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  3. Lightly brush the legs with olive oil or your favorite barbecue sauce for added moisture and flavor.
  4. Cook the turkey legs in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness.
  5. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
  6. Allow the turkey legs to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Slow Cooker Smoked Turkey Legs

Ingredients:

  • Store-bought smoked turkey legs
  • 1 cup turkey or chicken broth (for added moisture)

Instructions:

  1. Place the smoked turkey legs in the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the chicken or turkey broth over the turkey legs to add moisture.
  3. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 4-6 hours or until the turkey legs are heated through.
  4. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once cooked, let the turkey legs rest for a few minutes before serving, or transfer to an air fryer to crisp up the outside of the juicy smoked turkey leg before serving.

Tips for All Methods:

  • Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor. Try garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, or any of your favorite seasonings.
  • Basting with sauce or a little water during the cooking process enhances the overall taste.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, roasted green beans, or grilled vegetables.
  • Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the turkey legs.

Now you know how to cook store bought smoked turkey legs in three different ways, you’ll have a delicious meal every time with this smoked meat. Whatever your personal preferences, the oven, grill, or air fryer, these step-by-step instructions make it easy to enjoy these flavorful turkey legs. 

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