Air Fryer Duck
Make this mouthwatering Air Fryer Duck recipe featuring juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin. And the best part? It’s not as complicated as it may sound. We’ll walk you through the process, step by step, making it accessible for all levels of home cooks.
Suitable for Gluten Free diets.
Give this amazing Air Fryer Duck recipe a try for tender, succulent meat and a tantalizingly crispy skin. It’s more than just a dish; it’s an experience that’ll have your taste buds jumping with joy!
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner or aiming to impress your guests at Christmas or Thanksgiving, this recipe as well as Air Fryer Whole Chicken, is a winner.
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The magic happens as the fat renders during the air frying process, infusing the meat with exceptional moisture and flavor while the skin crisps to perfection.
And you know what? It’s not as complex as it may seem. With our easy-to-follow guide, even if you are a beginner, you can definitely master this dish.
And if you are keen to put your air fryer to good practice, you’ll want to make this Air Fryer Pot Roast or this crispy Air Fryer Pork Belly. You’ll love using your air fryer for the holiday season.
So, if you’ve been curious about cooking duck but hesitant due to its perceived complexity, this recipe is your golden ticket to a successful, flavorful outcome. And dare I say, I’m betting this Air Fried Duck is better than your local Chinese restaurant takeout!
Why Make This Air Fryer Duck Recipe
- Quick and Effortless – This whole duck recipe simplifies the cooking process, delivering delicious results with minimal work.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Impress your guests with this duck, offering a balance of tender meat and crispy skin, ideal for any gathering.
- Flavorful and Tender – Elevate your dinner with this duck recipe, boasting succulent meat and perfectly crispy skin.
- A Simple Holiday Meat – Make your holidays memorable with this whole duck, an easy-to-follow recipe. This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering centerpiece for your festive table.
Ingredient Notes
- Whole Duck – Ensure the duck is of good quality and the right size for your gathering. Opt for a fresh duck if available, as it offers the best flavor and texture.
- Oranges – Use fresh oranges for a citrusy burst of flavor that complements the richness of the duck meat.
- Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic adds a robust, aromatic undertone to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs – Rosemary infuses the duck with an earthy aroma and a hint of pine, contributing to its rich and flavorful taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Season the duck generously with these pantry staples to enhance its natural flavors.
- Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed juice adds tanginess and a subtle sweetness to the glaze, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Brown Sugar – Incorporate brown sugar for a touch of sweetness and to help caramelize the glaze, giving the duck a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Soy Sauce – This ingredient contributes a rich umami flavor to the glaze, adding depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
- Honey – Use honey to balance the flavors and add a delicate sweetness to the glaze, creating a luscious and glossy finish.
- Sweet Paprika – Sweet paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant red hue to the glaze.
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Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
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How To Cook Whole Duck In The Air Fryer
Don’t forget to check out my best air fryer tips to get better results with every recipe.
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
- Remove all the packaging and giblets from the cavity. Place it on a plate on the counter. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Then, stuff the duck with the orange quarters, fresh rosemary, and garlic. Truss the legs with kitchen strings. Prick the skin all over with a fork to allow the fat to render while cooking. Rub the duck liberally with some salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F / 149 degrees C.
- Place the duck breast side down into the air fryer basket and tuck the tips of the wings under. Cook for 30 minutes. Drain any fat that has been rendered. Don’t discard these; they make the best duck fat potatoes.
- Flip the duck breast side up and cook for another 30 minutes. Drain any fat.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and brush all over the duck. Cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F / 204 degrees C to crisp up the skin.
- Stick an instant-read thermometer in the breast of the duck, avoiding the bone. The recommended temperature for duck is at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C. If the duck is not quite done, brush it with more glaze. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes or until it is done.
- Remove the duck from the air fryer basket and place on a platter. Let it rest for 30 minutes, and after that, using a sharp knife, carve it and serve.
Pro Tips
- If you have time, for crispier skin, it is best to place the duck on a platter, uncovered. It must not touch any other food items in the fridge. Leave the whole duck in the fridge overnight.
- If your duck is frozen, allow it to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge before air frying.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the duck’s size and your air fryer model.
- To ensure your duck is cooked to perfection, use an instant-read meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- For extra crispy skin, pat the duck dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning it. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to achieve optimal crispiness during the cooking process.
- Allow the duck to rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This resting period enables the juices to be redistributed. This then results in a more tender and flavorful eating experience.
Delicious Variations
This air fryer whole duck in the air fryer recipe is delicious as is, but here are some delicious variations to try;
- Air Fryer Duck Breast – Opt for air fryer duck breast for a smaller portion; although it may not provide the same juicy dark meat, the flavors remain equally good.
- Roast Chicken Alternative – If duck is unavailable at your local grocery store, this recipe can seamlessly transition into making a mouthwatering roast chicken in the air fryer. Left over duck can be used to make Air Fryer Fried Rice.
- Intensify Garlic Flavor – Garlic lovers intensify the garlic flavor by adding roasted garlic inside the duck, ensuring a burst of rich, aromatic taste.
- Spice Infusion with Red Pepper Flakes – Add a kick of heat by massaging red pepper flakes onto the skin. Also, incorporate a teaspoon into the cavity for a spicy air fryer duck.
Prep And Storage
- Make Ahead – Dry out the duck’s skin in advance to ensure it’s perfectly crispy.
- Reheat – Reheat the duck by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating for 30 to 90 seconds, depending on the quantity.
- Store – Leftover air fryer duck meat can be refrigerated for two to three days. Remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container or a zipper bag.
- Freeze – For longer storage, wrap the duck meat in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 60 days. Before serving and reheating, thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
Duck breasts have been described as tasting like a cross between chicken and steak, while other parts, like dark meat, can have a gamey flavor.
To reduce the gamey taste, soak the meat in a mixture of salt, vinegar, and milk or buttermilk. Soak it for at least a day before preparing, as described in the instructions above.
Air Fryer Peking duck is typically cooked to be extra crispy and served with hoisin sauce.
It’s enjoyed in savory-sweet wraps with duck pancakes, green onions, and plum sauce, often as street food in Asia.
The nutritional facts for this recipe are as follows:
Calories: 1478kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 134g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 64g | Cholesterol: 259mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 870mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1270IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 9mg
Similar Recipes
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- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
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Serve Juicy Duck Meat with:
- Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts – An excellent option for adding a crunch alongside the succulent textures of the duck.
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes – A flavorful and comforting choice that beautifully complements the richness of the duck meat.
- Quinoa – A nutritious and versatile side dish that pairs well with the savory flavors of the duck.
Recommended Tools
- An Air Fryer – There are different makes and models. So, make sure to choose the right size for your family.
- This digital meat thermometer lets you easily check that the duck reaches the correct internal temperature.
- A sharp knife is essential to easily carve the air fryer whole duck, but don’t forget to let the duck rest first.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Here’s more air fryer recipes ideal for the perfect holiday meal and special occasion dinner.
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Air Fryer Duck
Ingredients
- 4 – 4 ½ pounds (2kg) whole duck
Inside the duck:
- 2 oranges cut into quarters
- 3 rosemary sprigs fresh
- 3 garlic cloves
Glaze:
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Remove all the packaging, and giblets from the cavity. Place it on a plate on the counter and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- After that, stuff the duck with the orange quarters, fresh rosemary, and garlic. Truss the legs with kitchen strings and prick the skin all over with a fork to allow the fat to render while cooking. Rub the duck liberally with some salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300 degrees F / 149 degrees C.
- Place the duck breast side down into the air fryer basket, and tuck the tips of the wings under. Cook for 30 minutes. Drain any fat that has been rendered.
- Flip the duck breast side up and cook for another 30 minutes. Drain any fat.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl and brush all over the duck. Cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F / 204 degress C to crisp up the skin.
- Stick an instant read thermometer in the breast of the duck, avoiding the bone. The recommended temperature for duck is a minimum of 165 degrees F / 74 degress C. If the duck is not quite done yet, brush it with more glaze and continue to cook for 5-10 minutes or until it is done.
- Remove the duck from the air fryer and place on a platter. Let it rest for 30 minutes and after that using a sharp knife carve it and serve.
Video
Notes
- If your duck is frozen, allow it to thaw for 24 – 48 hours in the fridge before air frying.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the duck’s size and your air fryer model.
- To ensure your duck is cooked to perfection, use an instant-read meat thermometer and make sure the thickest part of the meat reaches 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- For extra crispy skin, pat the duck dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning it. This helps to remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to achieve optimal crispiness during the cooking process.
- Allow the duck to rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This resting period enables the juices to be redistributed. This then results in a more tender and flavorful eating experience.
- Storage – Leftover air fryer duck meat can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container or a zipper bag.
