Ingredients:

  • 4 Large Turkey Drumsticks (Approx. 1 lb / 450g each)
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 14 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions:

  1. Pat the turkey legs thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin is dry. Rub each leg evenly with avocado oil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Apply the dry rub generously to all sides of the turkey legs.
  3. Starting at the thickest part of the drumstick, secure one end of a bacon slice with a water-soaked toothpick. Wrap the bacon in a spiral fashion toward the ankle, overlapping each layer by 1/4 inch. Use approximately 3.5 slices per leg to encase them completely.
  4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a stainless steel wire cooling rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Arrange the turkey legs on the wire rack and roast for 60–75 minutes. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C) at the thickest part.
  6. Optional: Broil for the final 2–3 minutes to extra-crisp the bacon, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute.