Smoked Turkey Legs

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These Smoked Turkey Legs are seasoned with a homemade turkey rub, then cooked low and slow on a pellet grill until juicy and tender. A higher-heat finish gives the skin a beautifully browned, crisp finish.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 10

Total Time1 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 640kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

Ingredients

2 large turkey legs (drumsticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2½ tablespoons turkey rub (or your favorite store-bought poultry rub)

Turkey Rub

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat your pellet grill to 250°F.
Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels.
Brush the turkey legs all over with olive oil. Combine the turkey rub ingredients in a small bowl, then generously season the turkey legs, pressing the rub onto the skin with your hands.
Place the turkey legs directly on the grill grates. Smoke at 250°F for about 1 hour, flipping halfway through.
Increase the grill temperature to 300°F. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until the skin is browned and crisp. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F, but for more tender dark meat, I prefer to cook the legs to about 175°F in the thickest part without touching the bone. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey legs and your pellet grill.
Remove the turkey legs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: Season the turkey legs with the rub and refrigerate for 4-12 hours before smoking for even more flavor.
Rub: No time to mix your own? Any store-bought poultry rub works in its place.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, or back on the pellet grill at a similar temperature. The microwave works too, but the skin loses its crispness.

Nutrition