Air-Frying Duck: Timing And Techniques For Perfection

Air fryer duck is a quick and easy way to cook duck that results in tender, juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin. The air fryer is a healthier option for cooking duck, and it also makes the meat more tender and succulent. The cooking time depends on the size of the duck and the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook a whole duck in an air fryer.

Defrosting and seasoning

Defrosting:

Defrosting your duck safely is essential. If you are working with a frozen duck, the best way to defrost it is by placing it in the refrigerator. The duration of the defrosting process depends on the size of your duck. A good rule of thumb is to allow 24 to 48 hours for a whole duck to defrost. For faster thawing, you can submerge the duck in its unopened packaging in cold water, ensuring that you change the water every 30 minutes. Another option is to place the bagged duck in a large cooler with very cold water and ice packs or ice cubes. This method maintains a low temperature, which is crucial for safe defrosting.

Seasoning:

Once your duck is fully defrosted, it's time to season it. Start by removing the neck and any giblets from the cavity of the duck. Rinse the duck and pat it dry with paper towels. Let the duck sit while you prepare the seasonings.

In a small mixing bowl, combine your chosen seasonings. Some popular seasoning options for duck include salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. You can also try unique combinations like star anise, ginger, or Sichuan pepper for a more potent zing.

After mixing your seasonings, lightly brush the duck with olive oil. Then, generously coat the duck with the seasoning mixture. You can also try pricking the skin with a fork before seasoning to allow the fat to render while cooking, resulting in crispier skin.

Additionally, you can place the duck, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight to dry out the skin. This optional step further ensures a crispier skin after air frying.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying duck depend on the type of duck, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer being used. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures for air-frying duck:

When cooking a whole duck in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the duck fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the duck and the wattage of the air fryer. For a 3-4 pound duck, the cooking time will typically range from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. For a larger duck, such as a 7-pound duck, the cooking time can be increased to about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. It is recommended to cook the duck at a lower temperature, around 300 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid the fat reaching its burning point and causing smoke.

When cooking duck breast portions, the cooking time will be significantly shorter. For example, one source recommends cooking duck breast skin-side down in a pan for 5 minutes until golden brown, then sealing the meat for 1 minute. The duck breasts can then be placed skin-side up in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness.

To ensure food safety, it is important to cook the duck to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). This can be checked using an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the duck breast, avoiding the bone. Some sources recommend cooking the duck to an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit specifically in the thickest part of the duck breast.

For duck legs, one source recommends cooking them in the air fryer skin-side up for 60 minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest.

To achieve crispy skin, there are a few techniques that can be employed. One method is to place the duck in the fridge overnight, uncovered, to dry out the skin. Another technique is to pat the duck dry with paper towels before scoring and seasoning it to remove excess moisture. Additionally, pricking the skin with a fork before cooking allows the fat to render during the cooking process, contributing to crispier skin.

It is worth noting that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the duck, the wattage of the air fryer, and personal preferences for doneness. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the duck with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the safe minimum temperature.

Carving and serving

Once your duck has been cooked to perfection, it's time to carve and serve it. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Carving:

Before you start carving, ensure that your duck has rested for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and flavourful eating experience. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully remove the legs from the duck. Cut the breast meat into thin, even slices. If you wish, you can also remove the wings and thighs for a more comprehensive carving.

Serving:

Present the carved duck on a platter or serving dish. You can arrange the duck meat in a way that looks appealing and makes it easy for your guests to serve themselves. Don't forget to include some of the juices that have accumulated on the cutting board. They will add extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

You can serve the duck with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, sautéed mushrooms with onions, or rice. For a special touch, you can also make a sauce to accompany the duck. Some popular options include orange sauce, plum sauce, or your favourite wing sauce.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy your delicious air-fried duck!

Storing and reheating leftovers

Storing Leftovers:

• Allow the cooked duck to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. This is important to prevent condensation, which can make the duck soggy and encourage bacterial growth.
• Cut the duck into smaller pieces or shred the meat. This helps with even cooling and easier storage.
• Use airtight containers: Place the duck in airtight glass or plastic containers, or resealable plastic bags. This prevents the duck from drying out or absorbing other flavours.
• Refrigerate or freeze: You can store the duck in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Leftovers:

• Thaw frozen duck: If you froze your duck, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the duck with a small amount of broth or water and wrap it in foil. Place it in the air fryer and reheat for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Reheat in the oven: The oven is another option for reheating. Place the duck in a baking pan, braise it with butter, and heat it in the oven at 180°C for about 5-10 minutes.

What to serve with duck

Duck is a delicious main dish with crispy skin and rich, juicy flavours. It's a great alternative to chicken, and there are plenty of exciting side dishes to serve with it. Here are some ideas to elevate your dinner and create the ultimate dining experience:

Potatoes

• Smashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes with Parmesan cheese
• Dauphinoise potatoes
• Potatoes au gratin
• Mashed potatoes with a creamy texture
• Home fries cooked in duck fat
• Air fryer potatoes
• Goose fat roast potatoes
• Whipped sweet potatoes
• Sweet potato noodles
• Baked potatoes
• Crispy roasted wedges of kabocha squash
• Duck-fat sautéed potatoes
• Potato dumplings

Vegetables

• Roasted carrots with a vinaigrette
• Glazed baby carrots
• Green beans
• Roasted vegetables with fresh herbs
• Grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter
• Glazed Brussels sprouts
• Roasted asparagus
• Roasted heirloom carrots with pomegranate molasses, honey and pistachios or hazelnuts
• Air fryer asparagus
• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Herb-roasted garlic Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and carrots
• Balsamic roasted fall vegetables
• Roasted pumpkin
• Braised red cabbage

Salads

• Spinach salad with pomegranate seeds
• Peppery arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Fennel and orange salad
• Warm cranberry honey dressing and winter salad
• Warm dandelion and bacon salad
• Roasted pumpkin salad with feta and almonds
• Strawberry salad with a fresh strawberry poppy seed dressing
• Crunchy rainbow Thai salad

Other

• Wild rice pilaf
• Noodles
• Plum chutney
• Cranberry sauce
• Red currant gravy
• Orange sauce
• Air fryer reindeer chow
• Air fryer cranberry brie bites
• Air fryer Christmas brownie mix cookies

Frequently asked questions