Air fryer duck
Cooking air fryer duck at home does not need to be complicated. The air fryer gives you crisp golden skin and tender, flavourful meat in less than an hour. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion, this air fryer duck recipe brings restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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2
Duck legs
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1
Duck breast with skin
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2 tsp
Fine salt
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2
Onions, roughly chopped
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3
Garlic cloves
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3
Bay leaves
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10 sprigs
Fresh thyme and/or other herbs
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10
Peppercorns
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1
Vegetable stock cube
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1 l
Water
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Preheat the air fryer to 180 °C for 3–5 minutes before adding the duck. Starting with a hot basket helps the fat render straight away and ensures the skin crisps evenly. Place the duck skin side up so it gets full exposure to the heat.
Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on the duck as it cooks. Check a few minutes before the timer ends to avoid overcooking, and use a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached 74 °C. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this prevents air circulation and can leave the skin soft instead of crisp.
Do not throw away the juices in the bottom of the air fryer; use them to make a delicious sauce. The juices are full of flavour from the duck fat, onions, garlic, and herbs. Strain it into a small pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce by about half to intensify the flavour. Whisk in a knob of cold butter to give the sauce a silky finish. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then pour it into a warm jug or drizzle directly over the duck before serving.
FAQ: Questions about air fryer duck
Our FAQ section offers useful answers to common questions about preparing air fryer duck, assisting you in getting crispy skin and tender meat every time.
How long to cook duck in the air fryer?
Cook air fryer duck legs at 180 °C for 25 minutes, then add the breast and cook both at 200 °C for a further 17 minutes. This gives the legs a total cooking time of about 42 minutes, while the breast needs around 17 minutes. Always let the meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy and tender. If the breasts are larger or you prefer them well done, cook for up to 20–24 minutes.
How do I store leftover air fryer duck?
Store leftover air fryer duck by allowing the duck to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it again in the air fryer at 180 °C for a few minutes until warmed through, which brings the skin back to life. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it softens the skin and makes the meat chewy.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
2820 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 4.4 gram fibers |
| Protein | 19 | 131.9 gram |
| Fat | 78.5 | 250.2 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 2.5 | 17.5 gram |
Recommended information
Serving suggestions
Cook crispy air fryer duck
Air fryer duck takes simple cooking and turns it into something truly special, with crisp skin that crackles with every bite and meat that stays rich and tender beneath. The steady blast of hot air renders the fat perfectly, wrapping the breast in its own buttery flavour while basting the meat as it cooks.
If you are inspired by how the air fryer elevates duck, there are plenty of other recipes to try. Air fryer roast lamb delivers tender meat with an aromatic herb crust, while air fryer roast pork gives you juicy slices with golden crackling.
Infused with garlic, peppercorns, and herbs
Garlic, peppercorns, and herbs are cooked right alongside the duck, so their flavours sink into the meat. The garlic softens and turns slightly sweet, giving the duck a gentle savoury note without being harsh. Peppercorns add a warm spice that balances the richness of the meat. The thyme and bay leaves do their part by adding freshness and aroma, making the meat taste more rounded and giving the cooking juices extra flavour you can use for a simple sauce.
Serve as the centrepiece with spectacular sides
We believe air fryer duck is impressive enough to be the star of the table. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, oven-roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
The air fryer duck is also a wonderful addition to Christmas and other holidays. Serve it with seasonal sides such as braised red cabbage, roasted carrots, or a citrus salad to balance the richness of the meat.
Also, serve it alongside creamy gratin or dauphinoise potato. With its combination of crisp skin and juicy meat, this duck dish can turn any dinner into a memorable occasion.
Explore these creative twists to the recipe
This air fryer duck recipe is a strong foundation that you can adapt to suit your own style. Add orange or cherry to the cooking juices for a fruit-forward sauce that pairs beautifully with duck. Swap thyme for rosemary or sage if you prefer a different herbal profile. You can also stir chilli or paprika into the cooking juice, or sprinkle spices over the duck before cooking. The air fryer makes experimenting easy, giving you plenty of room to personalise it.
