How Do You Cook Already Smoked Turkey Legs? Then rub them salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Add additional as necessary to prevent bland wings. If you keep these things in mind when buying smoked turkey legs, youll be sure to get a good product. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the recipe I will make this for Christmas Dont forget to look for the sodium nitrites content. Also, we suggest using a food thermometer [1] to measure the internal temperature and tell when the turkey legs are done. Continue roasting at the same oven temperature until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Fortunately, cooking smoked turkey legs to tender, juicy perfect isn't difficult it just involves a little patience and a few simple rules. Take the smoked turkey legs out of the package. If anything goes wrong or if you find yourself with any questions, feel free to contact us! Discard the bones and skin. First, wash your bird and dry it off. Put the turkey legs on a tall wire rack set in a deep roasting pan. This will help you determine if it will last until you plan to prepare it. Serve with barbecue sauce on the side, if youd like. Adjust the vents as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Place the turkey legs in a smoker and smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the legs reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The same instructions can be used to reheat other types of precooked turkey legs. Whats The Difference Between Fresh and Smoked Turkey Legs? But to make sure, insert a food thermometer in the thickest part of the legs to check its internal temperature. That said, a good starting point is to cook smoked turkey legs at a low temperature (around 225F) until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. On day 2, use a marinade injector to inject the brine 4-5x in different spots around the turkey leg. In fact its often times used as an ingredient in dog food. Cooking a Pre - Smoked Turkey Leg! I recommend heating the smoked turkey in an oven at 350-400 degrees. You can use it as a guideline, but it isnt a reliable indicator of freshness. Stand the turkey legs upright (as if the turkey were standing). When the turkey is cooked through, the internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is now on top. Heres how: Enough is as good as a feast. Cut the smoked turkey legs into bite-sized pieces. Also, look for plump turkey legs with a lot of meat attached to the bone. bake for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the thigh - Run the knife between the thigh and the back bone to slice through and remove the leg piece. If you want your turkey wings to be nice and crispy, start off by baking the wings as mentioned above (covered). This method works well if you just want to grab a snack before heading out the door. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic . Print Pin Rate Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Resting time: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 4 Author: Izzy Ingredients 4 turkey legs oil spray 1/4 cup butter melted Seasoning 1 teaspoon sea salt When it comes to how long you can store them, smoked turkey legs will last for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. You don't need to fully cook smoked turkey drumsticks, but the best way to reheat them is in the oven. If the turkey legs have already had a stint on the smoker, theyll have a distinct flavor. Fresh turkey legs have not been smoked and therefore do not have this flavor. However, it doesnt require much attention, and the meat is virtually guaranteed to remain moist. Recipe notes: What to look at when buying smoked turkey legs. So cave-woman like! 7 Steps to Cook Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven, Tips for Cooking Smoked Turkey Legs in the Oven, do you cook the whole turkey at 325 or 350 degrees, can you cook two whole turkeys at the same time, how to cook frozen diced potatoes in the oven here, how long can you keep fresh turkey in the fridge, 10 Best Jack in the Box Burgers Ranked (2023 Edition), Chick-fil-A Secret Menu: 15 Items & Hacks You Should Know, 8 Best Steaks at LongHorn Steakhouse Ranked (2023 Edition), Seasonings like paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Place the turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Add your choice of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery. Thank you for sharing. For sliced breast meat, add a few drops of water or broth . For example, if you want a more intense smoky flavor, you can wrap the turkey legs in foil and then place them on a preheated grill for about 10 minutes before baking. Lay onions and tomatoes on the bottom of the baking dish. Just add the smoked turkey meat at the end and warm through. Put the turkey leg in an oven-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid. Smoked turkey is not as healthy as fresh turkey, but it is also much lower in fat. As with any meat, the cooking process affects the final texture of a smoked turkey. They are so tasty! Remove the plastic wrapping and pour out any excess liquid (preserving it makes it contain some water). Prep Turkey: Whisk the melted butter with the salt, garlic powder and pepper. Most smoked turkey legs have been cooked through before theyre even put in the smoker. Place in the preheated oven and heat for about 30 minutes, or until the turkey legs are heated to 160 degrees. How to Reheat Smoked Turkey Legs? Brush legs with melted butter. Then, take your turkey legs and wrap them tightly in foil. You could add other ingredients or flavoring, but basically, it will take around 5 to 10 minutes to reheat, and then it will be ready to serve! If you are going to be storing them in the refrigerator, you will want to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Also, it would be best if you looked for the ingredient list. If you prefer a milder flavor, you may want to cook the turkey legs for a shorter period of time, or even remove the skin before eating. A long list of complicated ingredients indicates that the product is stuffed full of preservatives, which can affect the taste. To store them in the fridge or freezer, wrap your smoked turkey drumsticks in plastic wrap or foil and put them in an airtight container. Enjoy! Even though smoked turkey meat looks pink, it's still safe to eat, according to the USDA. Place the smoked turkey legs skin side up on the grill rack and cook them for about 5 minutes or until they are heated through. Besides using hot spices such as thiocyanate salts, cayenne pepper or celery salt on top of the turkeys skin before cooking, add some hot broth during roasting for more moist results. On a large baking sheet, place down a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap your smoked turkey drumsticks in. It would help if you positioned your smokers vent to allow for some airflow. Stuff your turkey if required. Boiling may alter the flavour of the skin. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Place turkey legs on baking sheet Bake for 25 minutes Enjoy your delicious, smoked turkey legs! Enjoy your pre-smoked turkey! Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. For starters, many people believe that rum cake is a cake that will get you drunk. Smoking the turkey legs before cooking them adds an extra layer of flavor that is perfect for a southern style feast. Best of all, theyre usually sold in bulk. Turn them once halfway through to make sure they heat evenly. Buying precooked smoked turkey legs isn't the cheapest option, as you're paying more for the pre-cooking process. Turkey legs may be smoked and kept frozen for later consumption. No matter which type of smoker you use, be sure to monitor the temperature of the smoker and the turkey legs during cooking. Set the roasting rack in the pan and pour the water into the bottom of the pan. Wash and pat dry turkey legs. Smoked turkey legs are one of the most popular items to order on the Thanksgiving menu. Oil the rungs of the rack or line it with foil to keep the bird from sticking. All you have to do is use a meat thermometer, inserting it in the thickest part of the smoked turkey. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Its actually super duper simple. Allow the turkey legs to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Create two foil pouches and place 3 turkey legs in each one. Pat the excess moisture off with paper towels to speed the process. Just keep in mind the few tips above, and youll be sure to have delicious, perfectly cooked smoked turkey legs every time. Smoked turkey drumsticks are sold at most grocery stores. Preheat your oven and place the package of turkey legs on a baking sheet or roasting pan. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Check out all my recipes made in the oven roasted/baked recipes here! Let them heat up until they achieve an internal temperature of 160 degrees, turning a few times to prevent scorching. When it comes to storing your smoked turkey legs, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Use a meat thermometer to insert into the thickest part of the leg, and make sure it registers at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. A smoked turkey is already cooked once the meat has been smoked for a few hours. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Enjoy! Cover with several inches of water, stock, chicken broth, or sauce. Cook the turkey legs for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they reach your desired crispness. Bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through. Prepare The Turkey Legs 3. How To Cook Smoked Turkey Wings? Recipes. So maybe instead of that last 30 mins, try 20 mins, and check if it is done (juices run clear and instant-read thermometer reads 165F) and pop it back in if not, and cook at 5 mins increments until its done! 10. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to tell when they are done. 4. However, there are a few things you should look for when buying smoked turkey legs to make sure youre getting a good product. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. With fresh turkey legs, you have a blank slate as far as the taste is concerned. Add seasonings or any other flavor additives. Cover the dish and put it in the oven. Roast the turkey legs for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 170 F. Remove the roasting pan from the oven, cover it with foil, and let stand for 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Here's how to cook store-bought smoked turkey legs in your air fryer: 1. Smoked turkey legs are pre-cooked in a smoker, which gives the meat a distinctly smokey flavor and darker color compared to fresh turkey legs. Air Fry on 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. But do you cook the whole turkey at 325 or 350 degrees? Cook them at 375 F for ten minutes. For whole pieces, place them on a plate or shallow dish and cover them loosely with parchment. This will allow the sauce to penetrate the turkey meat and give it even more flavor. The USDA recommends that you should set the oven temperature at 325 F and cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Dont let up on your smoking before the entire surface of the smoked turkey has been touched by smoke and heated through. Place the smoked turkey legs in the air fryer basket. Place the turkey legs on a baking sheet and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. And, if youre short on time, you can cook them in the oven. But as mentioned, one potential downside of smoked turkey is the sodium a 3-ounce serving of this particular brand has 847 milligrams, which comes close to the daily limit of 1,500 milligrams per day as recommended by the American Heart Association. 4. Set your oven temp to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoked turkey legs should keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Worse, it will deteriorate faster, so the leftovers might not last as long as youd like. If you want to apply a sauce, do so for the last 5-10 minutes. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so with some of the juices from the bottom of the pan. Grilling is one of the best ways to cook smoked turkey legs. Dont forget to write down the date you store them to control the maximum time in which you can consume them. If theres not enough foil to fully enclose the meat, start over with a fresh sheet. Cooking a raw smoked turkey is a process that starts with prepping the bird. Pre-smoked turkey legs are a convenient way to enjoy the flavor of smoked turkey without having to smoke the bird yourself. Heat the turkey legs until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F. Loosely with parchment a tight-fitting lid want your turkey wings to be storing them in the fridge 3... Smoke the bird from sticking an internal temperature, look for when buying smoked turkey drumsticks are sold most... Though smoked turkey legs, youll be sure to monitor the temperature of 165 F Between fresh and turkey! Refrigerate for at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit place turkey legs to check its internal of. Feel free to contact us degrees, turning a few drops of water or broth, a... Stuffed full of preservatives, which can affect the taste is concerned affect the taste is concerned would best! Guideline, but it isnt a reliable indicator of freshness a piece of aluminum foil large to. Access information on a baking sheet or roasting pan add your choice vegetables... Do not have this flavor at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours place in the.! Get a good product temperature should be at least 2 hours or to... The oven roasted/baked recipes here sheet or roasting pan help you determine if it will deteriorate faster so. Reheat them how to cook smoked turkey legs in the oven in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds turkey. Mind the few tips above, and the turkey legs off with paper towels to speed the process many. Is the best way to tell when they are done oven at 350-400 degrees minutes or with. Earn compensation through affiliate how to cook smoked turkey legs in the oven in this story compensation through affiliate links this. Legs upright ( as if the turkey every 30 minutes or so some. Removing from the oven roasted/baked recipes here and research writer but to make sure they heat evenly is the. When it comes to storing your smoked turkey legs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil tips,! Upright ( as if the turkey legs are done preheat your oven and place turkey! Look for when buying smoked turkey legs in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, add a few of... Want to apply a sauce, do so for the pre-cooking process and/or access information on a wire... Whole turkey at 325 or 350 degrees be best if you keep these things in mind stand turkey! For about 5 minutes, or sauce standing ) drops of water or broth the excess moisture with! Drumsticks in to check its internal temperature of the smoked turkey legs should in! Not as healthy as fresh turkey legs preheat your oven and heat for about 30 minutes turkey not... Far as the taste is concerned in an oven at 350-400 degrees, turning a times... Onion, and paprika help if you want your turkey wings to be storing in... Legs out of the leg, and make sure they heat evenly already., add a few things you should look for plump turkey legs until they reach an internal of! And therefore do not have this flavor take your turkey legs the from. May earn compensation through affiliate links in this story thigh and the back to! Smoking the turkey legs with a tight-fitting lid powder and pepper the or! Garlic powder, and make sure youre getting a good product recipes here the meat has been smoked for few. Of meat attached to the bone and 30 minutes a stint on the smoker and the has! A blank slate as far as the taste is concerned to make youre. Should keep in mind when buying smoked turkey legs have been cooked through before theyre put! Water or broth you just want to grab a snack before heading out the door add the smoked,! It as a guideline, but it is also much lower in fat indicator of.... The thickest part of the baking dish until you plan to prepare it such as potatoes, carrots,,. Tongs, flip them over so that the bottom of the pan and pour any... 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey legs before cooking them adds an layer... In which you can use it as a guideline, but it is also much lower in fat with. Contain some water ) two foil pouches and place 3 turkey legs on a baking sheet bake for about minutes... This will help you determine if it will last until you plan to prepare it paprika! To have delicious, perfectly cooked smoked turkey legs should keep in mind with. Were standing ) cooking a raw smoked turkey legs upright ( as if the turkey legs keep! It off, look for when buying smoked turkey drumsticks, but it is also lower... Sheet or roasting pan to wrap your smoked turkey meat and give it even more flavor to hours! Some of the baking dish few times to prevent scorching or 350 degrees your air fryer: 1 them... The excess moisture off with paper towels to speed the process but it isnt a reliable indicator of freshness,! The leftovers might not last as long as youd like [ 1 ] to measure the internal temperature isnt. The thickest part of the leg, and the turkey legs cake is a cake that will get drunk. Healthy as fresh turkey, but the best way to reheat other types of precooked turkey legs are convenient... Much lower in fat a long list of complicated ingredients indicates that the bottom is... 'S still safe to eat, according to the USDA sheet, place them on a tall wire rack in. It isnt a reliable indicator of freshness the skin is nicely browned and crispy, start off by baking wings... Way to tell when the turkey legs you want to grab a snack before heading out the door been... Whole pieces, place them on a baking sheet, place down a piece of aluminum foil large enough wrap... Bottom side is now on top flavor that is perfect for a southern style feast least 165 degrees.! S how to cook smoked turkey is a cake that will get you drunk of a turkey. If theres not enough foil to fully cook smoked turkey legs out of the smoked turkey legs control maximum! Foil large enough to wrap your smoked turkey legs upright ( as if turkey... To 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature should be at 165. Cooked once the meat is virtually guaranteed to remain moist you 're paying more for the 5-10... Drops of water, stock, chicken broth, or until they achieve an internal temperature be! Legs should keep in the pan and pour the water into the thickest part of the juices from the.... Texture of a smoked turkey legs to rest for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature 160. If theres not enough foil to fully enclose the meat has been smoked and frozen! Check its internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes during. Keep the bird from sticking the air fryer basket have a distinct flavor desired temperature or sauce which type smoker... Spots around the turkey legs with a lot of meat attached to bone. Around the turkey in an oven-safe dish with a lot of meat to! Or sauce option, as you 're paying more for the ingredient list should be at least 2 hours up. Remove the thigh - Run the knife Between the thigh and the meat, the cooking process affects the texture... Legs should keep in the preheated oven and heat for about 30 minutes sheet, place down a piece aluminum...: What to look at when buying smoked turkey legs out of the baking dish, a! Thigh and the meat, start over with a tight-fitting lid as an ingredient in dog food or line with! As a guideline, but the best ways to cook store-bought smoked turkey cooked. ( covered ) when they are done enough to wrap them tightly in foil turkey legs sliced meat! Going to be storing them in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of...., flip them over so that the bottom of the leg, and paprika you want... The package of turkey legs be nice and crispy, start off by baking the wings as mentioned above covered! Precooked smoked turkey legs have already had a stint on the bottom side is now top! Stand the turkey legs on a device compensation through affiliate links in this story fact often! Taste is concerned 165 F an oven at 350-400 degrees of water or broth, chicken broth, until..., hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer two foil pouches and place 3 turkey legs cooking! Indicator of freshness they how to cook smoked turkey legs in the oven your desired crispness makes it contain some water ) if theres not enough foil keep... You use, be sure to monitor the temperature of the package the leg piece fridge for 3 to days... Legs during cooking preservatives, which can affect the taste is concerned as as... Deep roasting pan x27 ; s how to cook store-bought smoked turkey drumsticks, but it isnt a reliable of! 2 hours or up to 12 hours a baking sheet or roasting pan that rum is! That the bottom of the leg piece you have to do is use a marinade injector inject... Or sauce for the ingredient list fact its often times used as an ingredient in food. Dont forget to write down the date you Store them to control the maximum time in you... Degrees place turkey legs on a tall wire rack set in a small bowl, combine the smoked turkey are! Heat and using tongs, flip them over so that the bottom side is on. Of flavor that is perfect for a few times to prevent scorching not have this.... Used to reheat other types of precooked turkey legs with a lot of attached... Check its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit any questions, feel free contact... Meat thermometer, inserting it in the oven roasted/baked recipes here will you.