This year, change up your holiday feast, take the cooking outside, and serve these Smoked Turkey Legs. Easy to make and everyone loves them!
Ever been to a state fair or Disney parks and been tantalized by the aroma of giant turkey legs being smoked to perfection? I know I have!
Looking for the best turkey legs at the fair is a priority for me. I love everything about that turkey meat as it slowly roasts over the grill.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy these dark meat treats. I’m bringing the magic of those smoked turkey legs right into your kitchen!
Imagine biting into tender meat, seasoned to perfection, enveloped in crispy skin with that unforgettable smoky flavor. Is your mouth watering yet?
This is the ultimate guide to making smoked turkey legs that’ll transport you straight to those bustling theme parks and vibrant Renaissance fairs.
Whether it’s Disney World memories or just a family dinner, these turkey legs are sure to be a hit. So, go on and light up that smoker, because trust me, with this recipe, you’re in for a treat that’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Happy smoking!
Common Questions About Smoked Turkey Legs
Why is my smoked turkey pink?
No worries! The pink color in smoked meat, especially near the bone, is a natural reaction to the smoking process. As long as your instant-read meat thermometer reads a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the leg, you’re good to go.
How do I get crispy skin on the turkey legs?
Ensure your smoker or pellet grill is at the right temperature. High heat can render the fat under the skin, making it crispy. Also, patting the legs dry with paper towels before seasoning helps!
Do I have to brine the turkey?
While you can skip it, brining is a great option as it infuses the turkey legs with flavor and ensures juicy meat. Plus, our simple brine is easy to whip up! If possible, I always recommend giving the turkey a good brine.
Storage
I love smoked meat in general. There is something special about a good smoked turkey leg recipe, though. I love how juicy and tender the meat gets. My mouth is watering already!
Refrigerator
Store leftover smoked turkey legs in an airtight container. They’ll remain juicy and flavorful for 3-4 days.
Freezer
For longer storage, wrap them in aluminum foil or butcher paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months.
Tips
Whether you have an electric smoker or a pellet grill, these turkey legs will be the star of any meal you create. Those big ole’ hunks of meat really pop on the table. They’re huge, after all. Ha!
- Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the leg.
- Choose apple or cherry wood chips for a milder, fruitier smoke flavor.
- Pat your turkey legs dry with paper towels before seasoning to get that coveted crispy skin.
- Allow turkey legs to come to room temperature before smoking; this ensures even cooking.
Ingredients
I’d even consider making these for Thanksgiving! They’re a great alternative to the standard turkey in the oven.
- Turkey legs
- Water
- Kosher salt
- Granulated sugar
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
Seasoning Rub
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin
How to Make Smoked Turkey Legs
My kids love it when we make these. I think it has a lot to do with the size of the legs. Holding them in the air, they’re like little cavemen, haha! Tasty and fun!
- Add the kosher salt and sugar to a large pot with 10 cups of water, bring the water to a boil, and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and then remove it from the heat, cover, and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.
- Add the mixture to a brining bucket or large stockpot and add enough cold water or ice cubes (8 cups) to make a minimum of 16 cups of brining solution.
- Place the turkey legs in the brining solution and place the container in the refrigerator. Allow it to brine for 4 to 6 hours.
- Remove from the brine and pat dry. Allow the turkey to dry and come to room temperature for 30 minutes on the kitchen counter.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Mix all of the rub seasoning ingredients together and then rub the entire outside of the turkey legs to fully coat them with the seasoning rub.
- Place the turkey legs directly on the smoker grates and smoke them until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the leg.
- When done, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Smoked Turkey Legs
Don’t skip that thermometer! The trick to keeping those turkey legs juicy is not overcooking them. These days, you can even get one with Bluetooth, which pairs with your phone. Just leave it in the meat, and it will update in real-time!
- Smoker or charcoal grill
- Large pot for brining
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Large bowl or container for brining
- Paper towels
What to Serve With Smoked Turkey Legs
This is a summertime and fall food for me. Probably because of all the times I’ve seen them at the state fair. It’s one of those recipes that always brings back memories!
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob
Why You Should Make Smoked Turkey Legs
This recipe takes the regular, grilled turkey leg and levels it up. Adding in the amazing smoky flavor really brings out the flavor of the turkey even more. You’re going to love it!
- Epic Flavor: Brining and smoking infuse each bite with flavor.
- Fairground Fun: Capture the joy of state fairs and Renaissance festivals in your own backyard.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for a holiday dinner or gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve as the main dish or slice up for salads, wraps, and more.
Variations and Add-Ins for Smoked Turkey Legs
Personally, I love the spicy kick option. Whatever you choose, don’t hesitate to change things up with this recipe and make it all your own!
- Brown Sugar Twist: Add brown sugar to the dry rub for a hint of sweetness.
- Herb Delight: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the rub.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne pepper can elevate the heat.
- Lemon Zest: Add some zesty lemon peel to the rub for a citrusy touch.
If you love this easy smoked turkey recipe, you’re going to love these other smoked dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Delicious Turkey Recipes
Applewood Smoked Turkey – Traeger Recipe
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Smoked Turkey Legs
Ingredients
- 6 turkey legs
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Seasoning Rub
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Add the kosher salt and sugar to a large pot with 10 cups of water, bring the water to a boil, and stir until dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and then remove it from the heat, cover and allow it to steep for 30 minutes.
- Add the mixture to a brining bucket or large stockpot and add enough cold water or ice cubes (8 cups) to make a minimum of 16 cups of brining solution.
- Place the turkey legs in the brining solution and place the container in the refrigerator. Allow it to brine for 4 to 6 hours.
- Remove from the brine and pat dry. Allow the turkey to dry and come to room temperature for 30 minutes on the kitchen counter.
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Mix all of the rub seasoning ingredients together and then rub the entire outside of the turkey legs to fully coat them with the seasoning rub.
- Place the turkey legs directly on the smoker grates and smoke them until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the leg.
- When done, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Wood: Cherry or Apple
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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