Air-Frying Duck Legs: A Quick, Crispy Treat

You can cook duck legs in an air fryer, and it's a great way to get delicious, tender meat with crispy skin. Air-fried duck is a tasty alternative to chicken or turkey, and it's also a quick and easy meal to prepare. You can cook a whole duck or just the legs in an air fryer, and serve it with sides like duck fat potatoes, rice, or green beans.

Maringating duck legs

When it comes to marinating duck legs for air frying, there are a few key steps and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, choose fresh, high-quality duck legs with a deep reddish colour, free from any discolouration or unpleasant odour. The skin should be thick and even, as this will become deliciously crispy when cooked in the air fryer.

For the marinade itself, there are a variety of herbs and spices you can use to create a flavourful blend. A simple yet effective marinade can be made by combining 2 tablespoons of Hoisin sauce, a few slices of ginger root, 2 pieces of star anise, half a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, half a tablespoon of ground ginger, half a tablespoon of five-spice powder, and a tablespoon of ground garlic. For an extra kick of flavour, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even include a couple of teaspoons of spicy chilli sauce.

Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare the duck legs. Pat them dry with paper towels, and make a few shallow cuts on the skin. This step is crucial, as it helps the marinade penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavourful dish. After that, place the duck legs in a container or ziplock bag and pour your chosen marinade over them, ensuring each leg is thoroughly coated.

Now, for the marination process, it's best to let the duck legs sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. However, if you really want to intensify the flavours, leaving them overnight is the way to go. This extended marination time allows the duck legs to absorb more of the delicious flavours. Before cooking, remember to remove the duck legs from the marinade and gently pat them dry again to eliminate any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.

Lastly, don't forget to preheat your air fryer. This step ensures that your duck legs cook evenly, resulting in that perfect crispy exterior we all crave. So, preheat your air fryer to 290 degrees Fahrenheit (or 149 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturer. While the air fryer is preheating, you can let the duck legs sit at room temperature for around 15-20 minutes, as this helps them cook more evenly.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking time and temperature for duck legs in an air fryer may vary depending on the size of the legs and the specific air fryer model you are using. As a general guideline, you can set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook the legs for approximately 25-30 minutes.

Some recipes suggest cooking duck legs in an air fryer for a total of 10-15 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C). Ten minutes should get you medium-rare duck. However, it is important to note that duck legs should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

You can also try cooking the duck legs initially at 320°F (160°C) for 50 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 355°F (180°C) for the last 5 minutes to ensure they are both succulent inside and crispy on the outside.

Different air fryers may vary in their heat distribution and air circulation, so you may need to experiment with the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispiness. To ensure even cooking, you can flip the legs halfway through the cooking process.

Garnishing the duck legs

Duck legs can be garnished in a variety of ways to enhance their flavour and presentation. Here are some ideas to make your air-fried duck legs even more delicious and visually appealing:

Japanese Cucumbers and Tomatoes:

Add a refreshing touch to your duck legs by garnishing them with thinly sliced Japanese cucumbers and ripe, juicy tomatoes. The crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the tomatoes create a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Orange Sauce:

Duck pairs exceptionally well with a sweet and spicy orange sauce. Drizzle some prepared orange sauce over your air-fried duck legs for a restaurant-worthy presentation. This combination is a favourite for many, as it adds a tangy and savoury dimension to the dish.

Duck Fat Potatoes:

For a decadent and indulgent side, serve your duck legs with duck fat potatoes. These potatoes are cooked in the rich fat rendered from the duck, resulting in a crispy exterior and flavourful interior. It's a classic French technique that elevates the entire meal.

Simple Seasonings:

Sometimes, less is more. A light seasoning of salt and pepper can be the perfect garnish for your duck legs, allowing the natural flavours of the meat to shine through. Don't overdo it with excessive seasonings, as this can ruin the delicate taste of the duck.

Garnishing your duck legs is an excellent way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your dish. Whether you choose to go with classic pairings or experiment with new flavours, these suggestions are sure to inspire you to create a beautiful and tasty presentation.

Air fryer size and duck portions

When cooking duck legs in an air fryer, it is important to consider the size of the air fryer and the portions of duck you wish to cook.

Air fryers come in various sizes, and it is crucial to ensure that the duck legs fit comfortably in the appliance. If you are cooking multiple duck legs, you may need an air fryer with a larger capacity. For example, if you have a dual air fryer, you can cook four duck legs at once, with two in each drawer. It is also important to note that duck legs can take longer to cook than other types of poultry, such as chicken legs, due to their size and shape.

The size of the duck portions will also impact the cooking time and temperature. Larger duck legs, such as duck leg quarters, will likely require a longer cooking time. As a general guideline, a single duck leg should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. For example, some recipes suggest cooking duck legs at a lower temperature of 180°C for 18 minutes, while others recommend cooking at 400°F for 20-30 minutes.

To ensure even cooking and achieve the desired crispiness, it is recommended to flip the duck legs halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and allowing the duck legs to come to room temperature before cooking can help achieve more even results.

It is worth noting that duck legs have a tendency to produce a lot of natural grease, which can cause smoking in the air fryer. To mitigate this, it is advisable to drain the excess fat from the basket during the cooking process. Piercing the skin before cooking can also help the fat render out.

Duck fat potatoes as a side dish

You can cook duck legs in an air fryer, and they go well with duck-fat potatoes as a side dish.

To make duck-fat potatoes in an air fryer, you can use any type of potato, although Maris Pipers are a good choice. First, peel and chop the potatoes, creating corners for extra crispiness. Next, parboil the potatoes for eight minutes, then drain and leave to cool and dry. Add a tablespoon of flour to the potatoes and move them around to create crispy edges. Then, melt some duck fat in the microwave for around 40 seconds and brush it over the potatoes. You can also toss the potatoes in the duck fat and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes at 160°C/320°F. Then, shake the potatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes at 200°C/400°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to check the potatoes every few minutes after 20 minutes of cooking time.

Frequently asked questions