Southern deep fried turkey legs that’s perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these turkey legs are perfect for a small gathering.
Juicy turkey legs that’s southern fried to golden perfection. This recipe is my go-to when I want big flavor and comfort food vibes.
How To Make These Fried Turkey Legs
I like to start by marinating the turkey legs. It tenderizes the meat and builds layers of flavor. I use white wine vinegar for a little tang and a mix of spices that feel warm and earthy—hello, allspice and paprika! A few drops of hot sauce? That’s just me being me.
Frying turkey legs does take a little patience—they’re thick! But once that golden crust forms and the juices are locked in, every bite is worth the wait.
Our step-by-step frying method will help you make this recipe with ease. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish.
Southern Fried Turkey Legs Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 Turkey legs
- 6 tbsp. water
- 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. allspice
- A few drops of hot sauce
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk water, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, allspice, and hot sauce. Pour over the turkey legs and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F.Remove turkey from marinade and pat dry.
- Fry turkey legs, turning occasionally, for 15–18 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let rest before serving.
Notes
🍗 Tips for the Best Fried Turkey Legs
- Let the legs rest after marinating to really soak in the flavor.
- Pat dry before frying to avoid oil splatter.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the turkey, or you’ll end up with a soggy leg (no thank you).
More Fried Turkey Recipes You’ll Love
Deep Fried Turkey Wings Deep Fried Turkey Breast Deep Fried Turkey Tail Deep Fried Turkey Back Deep Fried Turkey Thighs **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred). ****Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but it won’t be quite as crispy as deep frying.
Use a meat thermometer—look for 165°F at the thickest part.
This was my first time deep frying anything, and these turkey legs turned out perfectly. Thanks for the clear instructions to make it delicious!
Thank you!
These brought back serious state fair vibes! The seasoning was spot-on and the meat was juicy and flavorful all the way through.
These are absolute perfection. Why wait for the holidays when you can find turkey legs year-round?
Our thoughts, exactly! Thank you
YUMMO! You cannot beat fried turkey, especially the legs. The dark meat is always the best. There’s also less chance for disaster. LOL.
lol, Right! They’re always a great alternative.
I absolutely love deep-fried turkey, but they’re so expensive outside of the holidays. I love this recipe because legs are always at the store.