How Long to Cook Turkey Legs in the Oven at 400°F?
Turkey legs are a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed year-round, especially when you're looking for a simple and satisfying dish. If you're planning on cooking your turkey legs in the oven at 400°F, you're in for a treat! However, knowing how long to cook them for can be tricky.
Factors Affecting Cooking Time:
There are a few factors that will influence how long your turkey legs need to cook:
- Size of the turkey legs: Larger legs will take longer to cook than smaller legs.
- Thickness of the legs: Thicker legs will take longer to cook than thinner legs.
- Temperature of your oven: If your oven runs a little hot or cold, it can affect the cooking time.
- Whether they are bone-in or boneless: Bone-in legs will take slightly longer to cook.
General Cooking Time Guidelines:
Here are some general guidelines for cooking turkey legs in the oven at 400°F:
Small Turkey Legs (Under 1 lb):
- Bone-in: 30-40 minutes
- Boneless: 20-30 minutes
Medium Turkey Legs (1-2 lbs):
- Bone-in: 45-60 minutes
- Boneless: 30-45 minutes
Large Turkey Legs (Over 2 lbs):
- Bone-in: 60-80 minutes
- Boneless: 45-60 minutes
Cooking Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer: The safest way to ensure your turkey legs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Turkey legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Basting: Basting your turkey legs with butter, oil, or broth can help keep them moist.
- Resting time: Allow your turkey legs to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This will help them retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions:
Turkey legs are delicious served with a variety of sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes: A classic pairing for roasted turkey legs.
- Green beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
- Corn on the cob: A sweet and summery addition.
- Gravy: A rich and flavorful sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked turkey legs!
