Cooking duck in an air fryer is a quick and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful poultry. With its tender meat and crispy skin, air fryers have become a popular option for achieving the perfect duck dish at home. However, to get the best results, it is important to know the cooking time and temperature for your duck in the air fryer.

The cooking time for duck in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and cut of the duck. Generally, a whole duck or duck breast will take around 20-30 minutes to cook in the air fryer. It is important to preheat the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) before placing the duck inside for optimal cooking.

For a whole duck, start by patting it dry with a paper towel and seasoning it with your favorite spices. Place the duck in the air fryer basket, breast-side up, and cook for around 20 minutes. Flip the duck over and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the duck is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat.

If you are cooking duck breast, score the skin and season it with your desired flavors. Place the duck breast in the air fryer, skin-side down, and cook for around 12 minutes. Flip the duck breast over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred level of doneness.

Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the wattage and model of your air fryer. It is recommended to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the duck is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

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Once the duck is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and flavorful experience. Whether you’re cooking a whole duck or duck breast, the air fryer provides a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this delectable poultry dish.

How Long to Cook Duck in Air Fryer

When cooking duck in an air fryer, it is important to know how long it takes to achieve a perfectly crispy and juicy result. Here is a cooking time guide to help you cook duck in an air fryer:

Duck Part Cooking Time Temperature
Duck Breast (Skin On) 12-15 minutes 190°C
Duck Breast (Skinless) 8-10 minutes 190°C
Duck Legs 20-25 minutes 190°C
Whole Duck 80-90 minutes 180°C

Remember to preheat your air fryer before cooking and monitor the duck closely as cooking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of the duck parts. To ensure that your duck is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The recommended temperature for duck is 74°C.

By following this cooking time guide, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked duck in your air fryer!

Prep Your Duck

Before cooking your duck in an air fryer, it’s important to properly prep it to ensure it turns out delicious and flavorful. Here are the steps to follow:

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1. Thaw the duck: If you’re using a frozen duck, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator. This can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size of the duck.

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2. Remove the giblets: Check the cavity of the duck and remove any giblets or innards that may be included. Rinse the duck under cold water to ensure it’s clean.

3. Pat dry: After rinsing the duck, pat it dry using paper towels. This will help ensure a crispy skin when cooking in the air fryer.

4. Season the duck: Season the duck with your desired spices and herbs. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Make sure to season both the inside and outside of the duck for maximum flavor.

5. Score the skin: Use a sharp knife to gently score the skin of the duck without piercing the meat. This will help the fat render out during cooking and result in a crispy skin.

Preparation Steps:
Thaw the duck
Remove the giblets
Pat dry
Season the duck
Score the skin

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before cooking your duck in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Preheating allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature, ensuring that your duck cooks evenly and to perfection.

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To preheat your air fryer, simply set the temperature to the recommended cooking temperature for duck, which is typically around 400°F (200°C). Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3-5 minutes. This will ensure that the cooking chamber is hot and ready for your duck.

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process, as it helps to achieve a crispy and delicious result. Skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked duck or a loss of flavor and texture.

Season Your Duck

Before cooking the duck in an air fryer, it is important to properly season it to enhance the flavors and ensure a delicious result. Here are some tips for seasoning your duck:

1. Rinse the duck: Start by rinsing the duck under cold water to remove any excess blood or impurities.

2. Pat dry: Use a paper towel to pat the duck dry, absorbing any remaining moisture.

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3. Salt and pepper: Season the duck generously with salt and pepper, both on the outside and in the cavity.

4. Optional seasonings: You can also add additional seasonings according to your taste preferences, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

5. Let it sit: Allow the seasoned duck to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

6. Marinate (optional): If desired, you can marinate the duck overnight in the refrigerator using a marinade of your choice, which can further enhance the flavor.

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7. Massage and coat: Before placing the duck in the air fryer, massage the seasoning into the skin and coat it evenly.

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8. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C), to ensure even cooking.

By properly seasoning your duck, you can elevate its taste and make it a flavorful dish when cooked in an air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

When cooking duck in an air fryer, it is important to set the right time and temperature to ensure it is cooked to perfection. The recommended cooking time for duck in an air fryer is typically around 25-30 minutes.

As for the temperature, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the duck. This high temperature helps to crisp up the skin and render the fat, resulting in a deliciously crispy and succulent duck.

It is important to note that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and cut of the duck. It is always best to follow the instructions provided with your specific air fryer model and to use a meat thermometer to ensure the duck is cooked to the desired doneness.

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Remember to flip the duck halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. This will help to achieve a crispy skin on all sides.

Once the duck is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful meat.

Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences. Enjoy your deliciously cooked duck from the air fryer!

Check for Doneness

It is important to properly cook your duck in the air fryer to ensure it is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the duck, making sure not to touch any bones, as they can give you inaccurate readings.

The safe internal temperature for cooked duck is 165°F (74°C). Once the duck reaches this temperature, it is considered safe to eat. If the duck has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking for additional time, checking the temperature regularly.

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Another way to check for doneness is by cutting into the duck and checking the color. The meat should be moist and juicy, with no traces of pinkness. The skin should be crispy and golden brown. If the meat is still pink or the skin is not crispy, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Duck Part Safe Internal Temperature
Breast 165°F (74°C)
Legs and Thighs 175°F (79°C)

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the duck and the specific air fryer model you are using. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the duck is cooked to the appropriate temperature.

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Let Your Duck Rest

After the cooking time is complete, it’s important to let your duck rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful texture.

Remove the duck from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover the duck with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This short rest period will make a big difference in the final taste and texture of your duck.

Q&A

How long should I cook a whole duck in an air fryer?

The cooking time for a whole duck in an air fryer can vary, but it is generally recommended to cook a whole duck at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for the breast and 175°F (79°C) for the thighs. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.

Can I cook duck legs in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook duck legs in an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the duck legs for about 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also marinate the duck legs beforehand for added flavor.

What is the best temperature to cook duck in an air fryer?

The best temperature to cook duck in an air fryer is 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the duck to cook evenly and achieve a crispy skin. It’s important to preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure consistent cooking temperature throughout the process.

How long do I cook duck breast in an air fryer?

The cooking time for duck breast in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the breast and the desired level of doneness. As a general guide, you can cook duck breast at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes for medium rare, or 15-18 minutes for medium. Remember to let the duck breast rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Can I cook a partially frozen duck in an air fryer?

It is not recommended to cook a partially frozen duck in an air fryer. It is best to thaw the duck completely before cooking to ensure even and thorough cooking. If you need to thaw a frozen duck quickly, you can use the defrost function on your microwave or place it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

How long should I cook a whole duck in the air fryer?

Cooking a whole duck in the air fryer typically takes about 50-60 minutes. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the duck and the model of your air fryer. It’s important to check the internal temperature of the duck with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.