Ella Walter
Cooking duck legs in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy skin and tender meat. There are many recipes available for air fryer duck legs, including Chinese crispy duck, duck legs with a sweet and spicy orange sauce, and duck legs with a red wine and orange juice marinade. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness, but most recipes suggest cooking duck legs in an air fryer for around 20 minutes, with some recipes suggesting slightly less or slightly more time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Temperature | 150-290°C (300-554°F) |
| Preheat Time | 5 minutes |
| Duck Legs Temperature | 200-400°C (392-752°F) |
| Duck Legs Time | 8-30 minutes |
| Rest Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Marinade Time | 2 hours to overnight |
| Calories | 280-551 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13-34 g |
| Protein | 26-51 g |
| Fat | 11-21 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 105-197 mg |
| Sodium | 792-3005 mg |
| Potassium | 313-34 mg |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sugar | 7-29 g |
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What You'll Learn
Marinade ingredients and preparation
To make a marinade for two duck legs, you will need a combination of orange juice, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. You can also add in some Hoisin sauce for a Chinese-style crispy duck. For a more complex flavour profile, add some Shaoxing Chinese cooking wine, Demerara sugar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, spring onions, Chinese five-spice seasoning, and ground cloves.
For a spicier marinade, add some red and green chillies, or even some black pepper. You can also make a glaze with orange juice, sugar-free BBQ sauce, sugar-free marmalade, and sugar-free ketchup to keep the dish low-calorie.
Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or a ziplock bag. If using a ziplock bag, add the duck legs to the marinade and keep it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for maximum flavour. You can also leave the duck legs to marinate for two hours or until the meat is tender, and then cook it in the air fryer to get a crispy finish.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking duck legs in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness and crispiness, the size of the duck legs, and the specific air fryer model used. It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in heat distribution and air circulation, so adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
As a general guideline, the temperature for cooking duck legs in an air fryer can range from 160°C to 200°C (375°F to 400°F). The cooking time can vary from 15 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and doneness. For example, one source recommends cooking duck legs at 290°C for 15 minutes and then at 400°C for 5 minutes to achieve the desired level of doneness and crispiness.
To achieve crispy skin, it is recommended to start cooking the duck legs with the skin side down for the first few minutes, allowing the skin to come into direct contact with the hot air. Additionally, pricking the skin and seasoning with salt and pepper before cooking can enhance the crispiness.
For a well-done duck, it is recommended to cook the duck legs until their internal temperature reaches at least 156°F. However, if a medium-rare to medium cook is preferred, it is crucial to ensure that the internal temperature reaches the desired level without overcooking the meat.
When cooking frozen duck legs, it is advisable to thaw them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking. The cooking time for frozen duck legs may be up to 50% longer than for fresh duck legs.
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Internal temperature and doneness
The internal temperature of duck legs is an important factor in determining doneness. Duck meat is similar in texture and taste to red meat, such as lamb or beef, and is therefore often served medium-rare to medium. Unlike chicken, which must be cooked thoroughly until no longer pink, duck meat can be safely consumed with a pink centre.
The United States Agricultural Department (USDA) recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry, including duck. However, because duck is not a common carrier of salmonella, some sources suggest that a lower internal temperature is safe. Hank Shaw, an author and chef, recommends cooking duck breast to a range of 130 to 135°F (54 to 57°C), which is considered medium-rare.
To check the doneness of duck legs, an instant-read food thermometer can be used. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it does not touch the bone. If the internal temperature reaches 160°F, the duck can be removed from the heat as the temperature will continue to rise while it rests. The duck is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
It is important to note that bacteria can be present in raw or undercooked duck and can multiply rapidly in the "Danger Zone," between 40° and 140°F (out of refrigeration and before thorough cooking). Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that duck is thoroughly cooked before serving, especially if serving to individuals with weakened immune systems or children, who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses.
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Resting and serving
Once your duck legs are cooked, it's time to let them rest and serve them up! The resting time for duck legs cooked in an air fryer is typically around 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the meat to cool down slightly and makes it easier to handle. During this time, the duck legs continue to cook slightly from residual heat, and the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring the duck legs stay moist and tender.
While the duck legs are resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with them. If you're serving the duck legs with pancakes, as in the Chinese crispy duck recipe, you can steam or microwave the pancakes while the duck rests. You can also chop some green onions and slice a cucumber into thin strips to go with the duck.
When it comes to serving, duck legs are best enjoyed straight after cooking. Use two forks to shred the meat from the bone, and serve the duck legs with your chosen sides and sauces. For a Chinese-style dish, spread hoisin sauce on a warm pancake, add the shredded duck, spring onion, and cucumber, then roll it up and enjoy!
If you're serving the duck legs with potatoes, you can place the parboiled potatoes in a bowl and pour the duck fat from the air fryer over them. Season with salt and mix before placing the potatoes in the air fryer for a few minutes until they're golden and crispy. Then, serve the duck legs on top of the potatoes.
Remember, these are just some suggested serving ideas, and you can get creative with your own favourite sides and sauces to accompany the duck legs. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air-fried duck legs!
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Storage
Once cooked, duck legs can be stored in an airtight plastic container or a plastic storage bag and kept in the fridge for up to four days. It is important to refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent harmful bacteria from forming. For longer storage, cooked duck can be frozen for up to three months.
If you're preparing duck legs ahead of time, you can also store uncooked duck in the fridge for a couple of days. This is ideal if you want to marinate the duck and leave it to tenderize before cooking.
Duck fat is another valuable byproduct of cooking duck legs. The rendered fat can be saved and stored for future use in cooking. It can add flavor and moisture to roasted potatoes or other dishes. Simply drain the fat from the bottom of the air fryer or roasting tray and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Duck fat will solidify when chilled, so you can also use it to make duck crackling by cutting the solidified fat into thin strips and frying until crispy.
In addition to the duck meat and fat, don't forget that duck bones can also be utilized. After enjoying your cooked duck legs, you can save the bones to make a rich and flavorful stock or broth. Simply collect the bones, rinse them, and store them in the freezer until you have enough to make a batch of stock.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for duck legs in an air fryer depends on the specific air fryer model and the size of the duck legs. As a general guideline, cook 2 duck legs at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
The temperature for cooking duck legs in an air fryer can vary. Some sources suggest cooking at 375°F (190°C), while others recommend higher temperatures like 400°F (200°C).
To get crispy duck legs, start by patting the duck legs dry with a paper towel and pricking the skin. You can then season the duck legs with salt and pepper, or try a marinade. Place the duck legs skin-side down in the air fryer for the first few minutes to get crispy skin. Cook for 25-30 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.
Duck legs should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 156°F. However, duck breast should be cooked to a higher temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can cook frozen duck legs in an air fryer. Thaw the frozen duck legs in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking. The cooking time for frozen duck may be up to 50% longer than for fresh duck.
