Orlando Fairground Turkey Legs

Category: Meals (Cuban-FL, citrus, pork, chicken, rice) Yield: 4 servings (scale 2/4/6/8 in the app) Prep 10 min Cook 0 min Total 10 min Method: OVEN Main: turkey

Oven-roasted turkey legs get a smoky-sweet spice rub for a vacation-style handheld meal at home.

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Food safety

Use a food thermometer to confirm turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Do not place cooked turkey back on the raw-meat plate.

Equipment

Rimmed roasting pan
foil
small bowl
food thermometer

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

4 turkey drumsticks, about 3–4 lb total (1.4–1.8 kg)
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
Orange wedges for serving

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat turkey legs dry with paper towels.
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional brown sugar.
Rub the legs with oil and coat all over with the spice mixture. Arrange in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
Roast for 60 minutes. Remove foil and continue roasting 25–35 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part reaches at least 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone.
Rest 10 minutes before serving with orange wedges.

Skill taught

Seasoning and roasting bone-in poultry evenly.

Affordable substitution

Use chicken drumsticks; cooking time will be shorter, so check each piece for 165°F.
Party option: Serve with napkins and a tray of simple sides; keep hot food hot and replace serving platters regularly.
Relaxed option: Remove the meat from the bone and serve over rice or salad.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat to 165°F (74°C).

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