Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Legs are perfect for two people or those who love dark meat. These tender and juicy turkey quarters can be oven baked or made in the air fryer.
If you're a fan of dark meat, you'll love these roasted turkey legs!
A simple garlic butter really elevates the flavor of the turkey quarters, and they stay super juicy, moist and tender.
We all know that turkey can be a bit dry. But that's because it takes so long to cook the whole large bird.
But you can enjoy the great taste by just roasting turkey leg quarters! Moist and tender dark meat, ready in no time. Soooo good.
If you love turkey, you'll also love Breaded Turkey Cutlets, Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Sage and Cranberry Turkey Meatballs, Turkey Pinwheels, or Turkey Patties!
Jump to:
Why Make This Recipe
If you're cooking for two over the holidays, try roasting turkey leg quarters so you don't have to cook a whole turkey!
The garlic butter is an easy way to add lots of extra flavor.
This recipe is so easy!
If you are a fan of dark meat, you'll love roasting just the legs.
The drumstick quarters cook faster, so they stay moist, rich, and delicious.
Instructions are given below to cook them in the oven or air fryer.
What is a Turkey Quarter?
A turkey quarter is the hind quarter of the turkey, with the drumstick/leg, and thigh. It's all dark meat.
You can often find turkey leg quarters at the grocery store around Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Outside of this time, you may need to ask your butcher.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to roast up tender turkey leg quarters!
- Turkey quarters - this includes the leg and thigh.
- Butter - rich butter makes a great rub.
- Garlic - for a burst of flavor. Use pureed or mince it yourself.
- Parmesan cheese - I like freshly grated parmesan, but dried works too.
- Poultry seasoning - or swap to turkey seasoning or other favorite savory blends.
- Salt and pepper - season your roasted turkey legs to perfection.
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this roasted turkey legs recipe? It's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Pat your turkey leg quarter dry with paper towels.
Add the softened butter, garlic, parmesan, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and mix to combine.
Spread the garlic butter all over the turkey quarter, both sides.
To oven roast: Preheat the oven to 350F.
Place the butter-coated turkey leg onto a rimmed baking sheet, with ½ cup water, and roast in the oven for 1- 1.5 hours (time will depend on the size of your turkey legs), turning once or until cooked through (see below). Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before serving.
To air fry: Add the turkey quarter to the basket of the air fryer and cook at 400F/200C for 15 minutes. Flip it over and cook for a further 15 minutes.
TIP: The size of turkey leg quarters can vary. Check yours often and adjust cooking times as needed.
To check your turkey is done: Make sure it is no longer pink and any juices run clear. To ensure the turkey leg is cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can't always tell by looking. The thermometer should read 165F.
Cook's Tips
If your turkey quarter is frozen, you'll need to thaw it out first. Place it into a container with a lid and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To ensure your turkey legs are cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can't always tell by looking. A thermometer inserted in the thickest part should read 165F.
Poultry safety: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after handling raw chicken or turkey. Before serving, ensure the turkey is piping hot and thoroughly cooked, juices run clear and no pink color remains.
Food Safety Tips
- Before cooking, wash your hands and countertops.
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that has touched raw meat.
- Always wash your hands after touching raw meat.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Keep those pot/pan handles turned in away from the front of the stove.
- When cooking at high temperatures, use oils with a high smoking point, to avoid harmful compounds.
- Ensure you have good ventilation when cooking on gas.
- Put foods in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking. Reduce this to within 1 hour if it is 90 degrees or hotter outside.
- Safely thaw food in the fridge, under cold running water, or in the microwave.
- To ensure food is cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can't always tell by looking.
Cook to safe temperatures:
- Beef, Pork, Lamb: 145 °F
- Fish: 145 °F
- Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Ground Lamb: 160 °F
- Turkey, Chicken, Duck: 165 °F
Variations
Try mixing up your butter with different flavors!
Add chopped herbs for herb butter.
Stir in some cajun spice.
Add a little lemon juice and lemon zest to the butter.
Mix orange zest and a pinch of ground cinnamon into the butter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve up your turkey leg quarters with these tasty side dishes:
- Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
- Microwave Brussels Sprouts
- The 25 Best Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- Microwave Green Bean Casserole
- Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon
- Pineapple Stuffing
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Storage
Storage: You can store leftover turkey in an airtight container, or wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Be sure to subscribe to my free Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
📖 Recipe
Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Legs
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Air Fryer
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 turkey leg quarter about 2.5 pounds
- 4 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pat your turkey leg quarter dry with paper towels.
- Add the softened butter, garlic, parmesan, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper to a small bowl and mix to combine.
- Spread the garlic butter all over the turkey quarter, both sides.
To oven roast:
- Preheat the oven to 350F.Place the butter-coated turkey leg onto a rimmed baking sheet, with ½ cup water, and roast in the oven for 1- 1.5 hours (time will depend on the size of your turkey legs), turning once or until cooked through (see below). Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before serving.
To air fry:
- Add the turkey quarter to the basket of the air fryer and cook at 400F/200C for 15 minutes. Flip it over and cook for a further 15 minutes.
TIP: The size of turkey leg quarters can vary. Check yours often and adjust cooking times as needed.
To check your turkey is done:
- Make sure it is no longer pink and any juices run clear. To ensure the turkey leg is cooked through, it's best to use a food thermometer. Be aware that you can't always tell by looking. The thermometer should read 165F.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Alejandra says
Can't wait to try this in the air fryer! It looks like the perfect Christmas meal!
Charles says
And to think I can cook your delicious Turkey Legs in my air fryer! Thanks for sharing!
Holley says
These roasted turkey legs are cooked to perfection! The skin is crisp and the meat is so juicy and flavorful!
Tammy says
We love turkey but are going to family for the holidays and they only serve beef! So we cooked these for the two of us this week before Christmas. It is seriously amazing!!