Cooking duck can feel intimidating for many, but with the right recipe and the help of an air fryer, it becomes a breeze! The combination of crispy skin and juicy meat makes duck a luxurious yet surprisingly easy dish to prepare at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to treat yourself, this air fryer duck recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
I’ve been a big fan of duck for years, but what makes this recipe truly stand out is the crispiness of the skin that the air fryer creates. Not only does the air fryer make the cooking process faster, but it also ensures that the duck is cooked to perfection every time. Let’s dive into how you can make this crispy, juicy duck for yourself with just a few simple ingredients!
What You Need to Make Air Fryer Duck
Duck breasts: Duck is the star of this dish, and using high-quality duck breasts will ensure your meal tastes amazing. The fat on the skin helps to create that crispy finish you’ll love, while the tender meat remains juicy inside. Look for fresh, skin-on duck breasts for the best results.
Olive oil: A bit of olive oil helps crisp up the skin and adds flavor. It’s essential to rub the duck with oil before cooking to promote even browning and to ensure the skin gets perfectly crispy.
Garlic powder: This adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the duck. The garlic flavor pairs beautifully with the rich, gamey taste of the duck, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering it.
Salt: Seasoning the duck with salt is crucial to bring out its natural flavors. A generous sprinkle of salt on both sides ensures the skin crisps up nicely while giving the meat a savory depth.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper provides a mild heat that complements the richness of the duck. It’s a classic seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Fresh thyme: Thyme brings an earthy, herbal note to the dish. It works well with duck and pairs perfectly with the crispy skin, adding a layer of flavor that balances the richness of the meat.
Ingredients List
- 2 skin-on duck breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Duck
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the duck cooks evenly and helps the skin crisp up right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Duck
Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin. Rub both sides of the duck with olive oil, ensuring a light, even coating. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If using fresh thyme, sprinkle it on top of the duck or place it underneath the skin for added flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Duck
Place the duck breasts skin-side down in the air fryer basket. Set the timer for 12 minutes. This initial cooking time will allow the skin to render and become crispy. After 12 minutes, flip the duck over to cook the other side for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for medium.
Step 4: Rest the Duck
Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the duck breasts against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. The crispy skin and tender meat will be a hit at your next meal!
Tips for Making Air Fryer Duck
- Dry the skin thoroughly: The drier the skin, the crispier it will get. Make sure to pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning them.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give the duck enough space in the basket to cook evenly. If necessary, cook the duck breasts in batches.
- Adjust cooking time for thickness: Duck breasts vary in size. If your duck breasts are particularly thick, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Duck can be served medium-rare for the juiciest results, but feel free to cook it longer for your preferred level of doneness.
- Try adding orange zest: For an extra burst of flavor, add some orange zest to the seasoning mix before cooking. The citrusy note pairs beautifully with duck.
FAQs
How do I make the skin extra crispy? The key to crispy duck skin is ensuring that the skin is dry before cooking and using high heat. Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C).
Can I use frozen duck breasts? It’s best to thaw frozen duck breasts before cooking for even results. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook from frozen, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired level.
What should I serve with air fryer duck? Air fryer duck pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. A sweet sauce, like a berry compote or orange glaze, can also complement the rich flavor of the duck.
Can I cook duck legs in the air fryer? Yes, you can cook duck legs in the air fryer. The cooking time will be longer since legs are thicker. Cook at the same temperature, but adjust the time to 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the legs.