Smoked Turkey Legs on a Traeger: Easy Recipe & Pro Tips

Why Smoked Turkey Legs Are a Backyard BBQ Favorite

If you’ve ever been to a county fair or theme park, you know the delicious aroma of smoked turkey legs is impossible to resist. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for your next trip to enjoy them! With a Traeger grill, you can make juicy, smoky turkey legs right at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get perfect smoked turkey legs every time—no experience required.

What Makes Traeger-Smoked Turkey Legs So Special?

Traeger grills use wood pellets to infuse meat with deep, smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. Turkey legs are perfect for smoking because their dark meat stays moist during long, slow cooks. Plus, they’re easy to handle and fun to eat—no carving required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 large turkey legs (drumsticks), about 1–1.5 lbs each
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Your favorite BBQ rub (optional for extra flavor)

Step-by-Step: How to Smoke Turkey Legs on a Traeger

1. Prep the Turkey Legs:
   • Pat the turkey legs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
   • Brush all sides with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
   • Mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the turkey legs and rub in well. For extra flavor, you can use your favorite BBQ rub instead or in addition.
2. Preheat Your Traeger:
   • Set your Traeger (or any pellet grill) to 225°F. Use hickory, apple, or cherry pellets for a classic smoky flavor.
   • Allow the grill to preheat fully before adding the turkey.
3. Smoke the Turkey Legs:
   • Place the seasoned turkey legs directly on the grill grates.
   • Smoke at 225°F for about 2–2.5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
4. Crisp the Skin (Optional):
   • If you want extra-crispy skin, increase the grill temperature to 375°F for the last 10–15 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Remove the turkey legs from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
   • Serve as is, or brush with your favorite BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

• Don’t skip the rest: Letting turkey legs rest before serving keeps them moist and flavorful.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your turkey legs are cooked perfectly without drying out.
• Add wood chips or chunks: If you want even more smoke flavor, add a few wood chips to your pellet tray if your grill allows it.
• Brine for extra juiciness: For super-moist turkey legs, soak them in a simple brine of water, salt, and sugar overnight before seasoning and smoking.
• Crispy skin tip: Patting the skin dry and finishing at high heat helps get that crave-worthy bite.

Serving Suggestions

Smoked turkey legs are a meal on their own but pair perfectly with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, or cornbread. For a fun twist, serve with pickles or hot sauce on the side!

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen turkey legs?

You can use frozen turkey legs, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and smoking for best results.

How do I know when my turkey legs are done?

The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. Always use a reliable meat thermometer for safety and accuracy.

What’s the best wood flavor for smoking turkey?

Hickory gives a bold smoky taste, while apple and cherry woods offer milder, sweeter flavors that complement poultry beautifully. Feel free to mix for your own signature blend!

Can I use this method on other grills?

Absolutely! While Traeger grills make it easy, you can smoke turkey legs on any pellet grill or even a charcoal smoker—just keep an eye on temperature and smoke levels.

How do I get crispy skin on smoked turkey legs?

The key is patting the skin dry before seasoning and finishing at higher heat for the last few minutes of cooking. Don’t forget to let them rest before serving!

The Bottom Line

Smoking turkey legs on your Traeger is simple, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and these easy steps, you’ll bring that fairground magic straight to your backyard any time you crave it!