Air-Fryer Duck Legs: The Perfect Timing For Crispy Legs

Duck legs are a delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer in under half an hour. The air fryer is a cost-effective and healthy way to cook duck legs, which have a rich and delicious flavour similar to red meat. The skin can be made crispy, and the meat tender and succulent.

Marinating the duck legs

The first step to achieving that perfect, juicy, and tender duck leg is to marinate the meat. This process not only infuses flavour into the duck but also helps to tenderise the meat, ensuring a moist and fork-tender texture. Here is a guide to help you master the art of marinating duck legs for your air fryer masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Duck Legs

Start by selecting fresh or thawed duck legs for the best results. While fresh duck legs might be harder to come by at your local grocery store, frozen ones are often readily available. You can also try visiting a local butcher for fresh or frozen options. Opt for duck legs with the skin on and bone in, as they are much easier to handle and cook evenly.

The Perfect Marinade

For a savoury and bright marinade that pairs perfectly with duck, combine red wine, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Red wine tenderises the meat, while Worcestershire sauce adds a savoury umami flavour. Soy sauce balances the sweetness with its salty notes, and orange juice, a classic pairing with duck, adds a touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with other ingredients like cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger, and Chinese five-spice seasoning for an aromatic twist.

Preparing the Marinade

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or a ziplock bag. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until well blended. If using a ziplock bag, simply add the ingredients and seal the bag, removing as much air as possible before gently kneading the bag to mix the ingredients.

Now it's time to add the duck legs to your marinade. Place the duck legs in the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated, or add them directly to the ziplock bag. If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal. Place the bowl or ziplock bag in the refrigerator and allow the duck legs to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results and more intense flavour, marinate the duck legs overnight or for up to 24 hours.

Enhancing the Flavour

To enhance the flavour and ensure crispy skin, it is essential to remove excess moisture from the duck legs before cooking. After marinating, remove the duck legs from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels. Prick the skin all over with a sharp object, such as a toothpick, to allow the extra fat to escape during cooking, preventing the skin from becoming soggy.

Now your duck legs are ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 290°F to 400°F (160°C to 200°C), and follow the cooking instructions provided earlier. Remember to cook the duck legs until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Pricking the skin

Use a sharp object, such as a toothpick or a sharp knife, to prick the skin all over. This step should be done after drying the duck legs with paper towels or a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. By pricking the skin, you allow the fat to render out, ensuring a crispy texture.

It is also recommended to season the duck legs with salt and pepper after pricking the skin. This step adds flavour to the dish.

Additionally, it is worth noting that standard air fryers can typically hold up to two duck legs, while an XL fryer can accommodate three. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to work in batches.

Air fryer temperature

The optimal temperature for cooking duck legs in an air fryer is between 150°C and 200°C. The specific temperature you choose within this range will depend on the desired crispiness of the duck skin and the level of doneness you prefer.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before placing the duck legs in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Most recipes recommend preheating to a specific temperature, typically between 160°C and 180°C. This initial temperature will affect how quickly the duck legs cook and how crispy the skin becomes.

Cooking the Duck Legs

Once the air fryer has preheated, you can place the duck legs inside and adjust the temperature as needed. Some recipes suggest cooking the duck legs at a consistent temperature throughout, while others recommend increasing the heat towards the end of the cooking process to crisp up the skin.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 150°C, then increasing the temperature to 205°C for the final 5-8 minutes of cooking. This higher temperature helps to ensure the duck skin becomes crispy.

Another recipe recommends preheating to 160°C and maintaining this temperature for the duration of the cooking time (60 minutes). This lower temperature still allows the duck legs to cook through and the skin to crisp, but it may take longer to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Resting the Duck Legs

After removing the duck legs from the air fryer, it is important to let them rest. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. Most recipes suggest resting the duck legs for around 5-10 minutes before serving.

Cooking time

The cooking time for duck legs in an air fryer depends on the size of the duck legs and the desired level of crispiness. On average, the cooking time is around 20 minutes, but it can range from 15 to 60 minutes.

For smaller duck legs, a cooking time of 15-20 minutes is generally sufficient. For example, one source recommends cooking duck legs in an air fryer set to 290 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 5 minutes. This results in a total cooking time of 20 minutes.

However, for larger duck legs or for a more well-done result, a longer cooking time may be necessary. Some sources suggest cooking duck legs in the air fryer for 30 minutes, while others recommend up to 60 minutes for a thorough cook.

It is worth noting that the cooking time can also depend on the specific air fryer model and its power. More powerful air fryers may cook duck legs faster, while less powerful ones may require a longer cooking time. Additionally, the desired level of crispiness can affect the cooking time. For crispier skin, some recipes call for increasing the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the final 5-8 minutes of cooking.

When cooking duck legs in an air fryer, it is important to prick the skin before cooking to allow the fat to render and escape, preventing the meat from becoming soggy. Additionally, it is recommended to season the duck legs with salt and pepper, and some recipes suggest a marinade for added flavour.

Serving suggestions

Duck legs are a delicious treat, perfect for a date night or a special occasion. They are also incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air-fried duck legs:

Classic Duck with a Twist

For a classic take on duck legs, try serving them with a zesty orange sauce. Start by making a marinade of orange juice, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Marinate the duck legs for a couple of hours or overnight for maximum flavour absorption. Then, simply air fry the duck legs according to your preferred method. For an extra crispy skin, prick the skin with a sharp knife before cooking. Serve the duck legs with a generous drizzle of the reduced marinade on the side. This dish is best enjoyed with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Chinese Crispy Duck

If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making Chinese crispy duck with Hoisin sauce and pancakes? Start by marinating the duck legs in a mixture of rice wine, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, spring onions, Chinese five-spice, and ground cloves. After marinating, simmer the duck legs gently for about 90 minutes until tender. Finally, air fry the duck legs at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is crisp. Shred the duck meat and serve it with steamed or microwaved pancakes, Hoisin sauce, and thinly sliced spring onions and cucumbers.

Duck Legs with Parboiled Potatoes

This serving suggestion is perfect if you're looking for a simple meal with minimal washing up. Start by parboiling some potatoes. While the potatoes are cooking, pat the duck legs dry and prick the skin to remove excess moisture. Season the duck legs with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the duck legs in the air fryer and cook for 30 minutes. Once the duck legs are cooked, pour the duck fat over the parboiled potatoes and season them with salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and put the duck legs on top. Increase the temperature to 180°C and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Aromatic Duck

For an aromatic twist on the classic duck dish, try this simple recipe. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Remove the duck legs from their packaging and place them in the air fryer, ensuring they are as flat as possible with the skin facing upwards. Cook for 25 minutes. To serve, shred the skin and meat, and heat some pancakes in the microwave. Spread Hoisin sauce on the pancakes, add the shredded duck, and roll them up. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish!

Frequently asked questions