Here’s How Long to Grill Turkey Legs in Foil!

Grilling turkey legs in foil is one of the easiest ways to get juicy meat with deep flavor.

Foil helps lock in moisture, prevents burning, and gives the meat time to cook all the way through.

If you’ve ever wondered how long to grill turkey legs in foil, this guide gives you a clear answer with no guesswork.

This article is written for backyard grillers who want simple steps, easy timing, and safe results every time.

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How Long Does It Take to Grill Turkey Legs in Foil?

In most cases, grilling turkey legs in foil takes 60 to 90 minutes.

The exact time depends on three things:

• The size of the turkey legs

• The grill temperature

• Whether the grill lid stays closed

At a steady 350°F (medium heat), average sized turkey legs usually take about 75 minutes to cook fully when wrapped in foil.

Large turkey legs can take closer to 90 minutes.

Smaller ones may be done in 60 minutes.

If you enjoy cooking turkey in other styles, you may also like this detailed guide on smoking whole birds:

👉 How to BBQ Right Smoked Turkey? 5 Easy Steps

Why Grill Turkey Legs in Foil?

Turkey legs are thick and full of muscle.

Cooking them directly over open flame can dry them out fast.

Foil solves this problem.

Foil helps by:

• Trapping moisture inside

• Cooking the meat evenly

• Preventing the outside from burning

• Allowing the meat to get tender before browning

This method is perfect if you want soft, pull apart turkey without stress.

Best Grill Temperature for Foil Wrapped Turkey Legs

Set your grill to medium heat, around 325°F to 375°F.

This range is hot enough to cook the turkey safely but gentle enough to avoid burning.

Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible.

This holds heat steady and cuts down cooking time.

If your grill has hot spots, place the turkey legs over indirect heat when possible.

For a quick reference on turkey cooking temperatures across different methods, this chart is helpful:

👉 Best Smoked Turkey Temperature Chart

Step by Step Timing Breakdown

Here’s a simple way to think about the cooking time.

During the first part, the foil does all the work.

The turkey steams in its own juices and cooks through.

First 60 to 75 minutes:

Turkey legs stay wrapped in foil the entire time.

Turn them every 20 minutes so they cook evenly.

Optional final 10 to 15 minutes:

Carefully unwrap the foil and place the legs back on the grill.

This step adds crispy skin and grill marks.

If you like soft skin, you can skip the unwrapping step.

How to Tell When Turkey Legs Are Done

Time matters, but temperature matters more.

Turkey legs are safe to eat when the thickest part reaches 165°F. 

Always check near the bone, since that part cooks last.

A simple temperature chart near your grill can make this step faster and safer.

Many grillers like using a magnetic guide that stays visible while cooking, such as the Easy Function Meat Temperature Guide, because it removes doubt and helps prevent undercooking or overcooking.

Once the turkey hits the right temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Should You Flip Turkey Legs While in Foil?

Yes, flipping helps.

Even though the foil traps heat, turning the turkey legs every 20 minutes helps them cook evenly.

This also prevents one side from sitting in hot juices for too long.

Use tongs and be gentle.

Foil can tear if handled roughly.

What If the Turkey Legs Are Still Pink?

Pink meat does not always mean raw meat.

Turkey legs can stay slightly pink near the bone even when fully cooked.

The only thing that matters is the internal temperature.

If the thermometer reads 165°F or higher, the turkey is safe to eat.

Common Mistakes That Affect Cooking Time

Small mistakes can add extra time or dry out the meat.

Opening the grill too often lets heat escape and slows cooking. 

Cooking at very high heat can burn the outside while the inside stays raw.

Not sealing the foil tightly lets moisture escape.

Make sure the foil is wrapped snugly, with no large openings.

Final Answer: How Long to Grill Turkey Legs in Foil?

To sum it up:

• Grill temperature: 325°F to 375°F

• Cooking time: 60 to 90 minutes

• Target internal temp: 165°F

• Foil stays on: Most of the cook

• Optional crisping: Last 10 to 15 minutes uncovered

This method works well for weeknight dinners, family cookouts, and holiday grilling.

Ready to Grill With More Confidence?

Clean grates, accurate temperatures, and simple tools make grilling easier and safer.

When you’re ready, click the image on our site to check out our Easy Function grilling tools and guides, and explore the rest of our BBQ product range built for stress free outdoor cooking.

P.S. We regularly publish new recipes and grilling tips. Here’s the most recent one: Discover How Long to Grill Asparagus in Foil!