Nashville Hot Turkey Legs

Nashville Hot Turkey Legs 

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 ½ tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, divided

• 4 turkey drumsticks (legs)

• 2 cups oil for frying, or as needed

• ⅓ cup paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• ⅓ cup cayenne pepper

• ¼ cup brown sugar, plus more to taste

• ranch dressing, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Stir flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper together in a bowl or resealable plastic bag. Coat turkey legs thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing as necessary to adhere the coating.  Allow to stand at room temperature while oil heats.

2. Heat oil in a saucepan or deep skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir remaining salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar together in a medium bowl until well combined; set aside. 

3. Fry turkey legs, 2 at a time, until an instant read thermometer inserted near the center reads 170 degrees F (77 degrees C), about 15 minutes. Drain on a wire rack set over paper towels. 

4. Carefully pour 1 to 1 1/2 cups oil into the bowl with spice mixture (mixture will bubble rapidly), and whisk until well blended. Coat turkey legs in spice oil mixture and allow any excess to drip off.  Serve with ranch dressing.

   From the Editor

   We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.