Air-Fried Duck Breast: The Perfect Timing

Duck breast is a tasty alternative to steak or chicken, and air frying is a great way to cook it. It's quick, easy, and always comes out succulent and delicious, with perfectly crispy skin. But how long does it take to cook duck breast in an air fryer? Well, it depends on the temperature you're cooking at and how well-done you like your meat. For a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, cook your duck breast at 390°F/ 195°C for 5 minutes, then turn the temperature down to 320°F/ 160°C and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. If you like your duck breast well-done, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/ 74°C. For medium-rare, go for 130°F/ 54°C, or 140°F/ 60°C for medium. Remember to rest your duck breasts for 5-10 minutes before serving, and enjoy!

Scoring the skin

The scoring process helps to break down the skin's surface, allowing the fat to escape more easily during cooking. This is particularly important for duck breast, as it is a fatty piece of meat. By scoring the skin, you are also creating more surface area, which can lead to a crispier texture.

When scoring the skin, it is crucial to ensure that the duck breast is dry. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from becoming crispy. Therefore, it is recommended to pat the duck breast dry with paper towels before scoring and again before placing it in the air fryer.

Additionally, the scoring pattern you choose can impact the final result. A crosshatch pattern is traditional and creates a nice presentation. However, parallel lines, often seen in restaurants, can also be effective in rendering the fat and creating a crispy texture.

Overall, scoring the skin of a duck breast is a key step in preparing it for the air fryer. It helps to render the fat, create a crispy texture, and promote even cooking. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve delicious and crispy air-fried duck breast.

Marinades and sauces

Marinades

When creating a marinade for duck breast, you can use various ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. It is recommended to let the duck breast sit in the marinade for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavour. However, some people prefer not to use a marinade to avoid overpowering the natural flavour of the duck. If you choose to marinate the duck, ensure that the skin remains dry, as moisture can prevent it from becoming crispy during cooking.

Sauces

A variety of sauces can be paired with duck breast cooked in an air fryer to enhance its flavour. Here are some popular options:

• Plum sauce: A sweet and savoury sauce that offsets the richness of the duck.
• Hoisin sauce: A classic pairing that complements the gaminess of the duck.
• Blackberry sauce: A fruity and flavourful addition.
• Gravy: A simple yet tasty option to round out the dish.
• Teriyaki sauce: For an Asian-inspired flavour profile.
• Honey glaze: Adding a honey glaze during cooking can enhance the crispiness of the skin.
• Soy sauce: A salty and savoury option that pairs well with duck.
• Oyster sauce: This sauce adds a unique flavour to the duck and can be used in the marinade as well.
• Ginger puree: For a hint of spice and warmth.
• Garlic puree: To add a pungent kick to the dish.

These sauces can be used as a glaze during cooking, drizzled over the cooked duck breast, or served on the side as a dipping sauce.

When preparing duck breast in an air fryer, feel free to experiment with different marinades and sauces to find your preferred combination. The options provided above offer a range of flavours, from sweet and savoury to spicy and tangy, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences.

Temperature and timings

The cooking time and temperature for duck breasts in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness. The USDA recommends cooking duck breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C, which is well done. However, some people prefer their duck medium-rare (130°F/54°C), medium (140°F/60°C), or medium-well (155°F/68°F).

• Prepare the duck breast by patting it dry with a paper towel. Scoring the skin in a diamond, crosshatch, or parallel line pattern is traditional and helps the skin get crispy. Be careful not to cut through to the meat, as this can add moisture and prevent crispness.
• Season the duck breast with salt and pepper, or other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the duck breast beforehand to add more flavor.
• Place the duck breast in the air fryer basket, skin-side up. For crispy skin, ensure that the skin is dry before placing it in the air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 390°F/195°C and cook the duck breast for 5 minutes.
• Turn down the temperature to 320°F/160°C and cook the duck breast for an additional 10-12 minutes. The total cooking time at this stage should be around 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.
• Check the internal temperature of the duck breast with an instant-read meat thermometer. For a well-done duck, the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F/54°C, and for medium, aim for 140°F/60°C.
• Remove the duck breast from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise a few degrees.

It's important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of temperature settings and cooking times, so adjustments may be necessary. Additionally, if your air fryer starts smoking during cooking due to the released fat, stop the air fryer, drain the fat, and then resume cooking.

Resting the meat

During this resting phase, the temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly, so it's important to consider this when deciding on the ideal internal temperature for your duck. For instance, if you prefer your duck medium-rare, you might remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, as it will continue to cook and increase in temperature by a few degrees while resting.

The resting period also gives you the opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your duck. Some classic sides to accompany duck include roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed vegetables, and potatoes cooked in duck fat. For sauces, plum sauce, hoisin sauce, or gravy are all excellent choices.

Additionally, the resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more consistent texture and flavour. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect doneness and ensuring that your duck breasts are moist and succulent.

In summary, resting the meat is a vital step in the cooking process, allowing the meat to retain its juices, reach the ideal temperature, and ensuring a consistent texture and flavour. By letting the duck breasts rest for a few minutes, you'll be rewarded with a delicious and tender meal.

Sides and accompaniments

There are several side dishes and accompaniments that go well with duck breast cooked in an air fryer. Here are some ideas:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and baby potatoes, are excellent side dishes for duck breast. You can also serve the duck with steamed or microwaved vegetables, or even air fryer roasted vegetables. If you're looking for something more exotic, try stir-fried vegetables with noodles.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile side dish and can be prepared in various ways. You can make air fryer smashed potatoes, mashed potatoes, or roast potatoes. For a special treat, try duck fat potatoes, where you pour the melted duck fat from the air fryer over the potatoes before finishing the cooking process.

Rice

Rice is a great option to serve with duck breast, especially if you're going for an Asian-inspired meal. You can serve the duck on a bed of rice and drizzle any leftover glaze or sauce over the rice.

Salads

A fresh salad can also accompany duck breast well. Try a simple green salad or something more substantial like a cabbage salad.

Sauces

When it comes to sauces, there are several options to choose from. Plum sauce, hoisin sauce, blackberry sauce, or gravy are all excellent choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a homemade sauce to complement your duck breast.

Frequently asked questions