Emilie Meyer
Cooking duck in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and economical way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal fuss. It's a great alternative to chicken or beef, with a closer resemblance to red meat in taste and texture. The high fat content of duck ensures the meat is juicy and tender, and the air fryer helps to create a crispy skin. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and wattage of the air fryer, but it generally takes less time than oven-roasting.
How to cook a duck in a big boss air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, then 300°F (150°C) for another 30 minutes, then 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes |
| Ingredients | Duck, honey, soy sauce, orange, apple, garlic cloves, hoisin sauce, salt, pepper |
| Preparation | Score the duck breast diagonally, prick the skin with a fork, season with salt and pepper, brush with honey and soy sauce, coat with olive oil and seasonings |
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Nutrition | Calories: 67kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 291mg, Potassium: 15mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 41IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg |
| Serving Size | 3.5-4 ounces |
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What You'll Learn
Defrosting and seasoning
If you're using a frozen duck, it's important to defrost it completely before cooking. Place the duck in the fridge and allow it to thaw for a day or up to 48 hours, depending on its size. Leaving the duck uncovered will help the skin dry out, which will make it crisp up better in the air fryer.
Once the duck is thawed, remove any giblets or neck pieces that may be inside. Rinse the duck and pat it dry with paper towels. You can then season the duck.
To season the duck, start by scoring the duck breast with a sharp knife. Cut a diamond pattern on the breast, making sure to pierce the skin without cutting into the meat. Prick the skin all over with a fork to allow the fat to render while cooking. This will help you achieve that crispy skin.
You can then brush the duck with olive oil and coat it with your chosen seasonings. A simple option is to season the duck liberally with salt and pepper all over. You can also try other seasonings like Chinese five-spice seasoning, cinnamon, ginger, or garlic powder. If you want a more complex flavour, you can marinate the duck before cooking. One marinade recipe includes Chinese cooking wine, dark soy sauce, demerara, star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger, spring onions, and ground cloves.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a duck in a Big Boss Air Fryer will depend on the size of the duck and the wattage of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook a whole duck in an air fryer for about an hour.
If you are using a frozen duck, it is important to defrost it completely before cooking. Place the duck in the fridge and allow it to thaw uncovered for a day or up to 48 hours, depending on its size. This will help the skin dry out, ensuring it crisps up better during cooking.
Once the duck is seasoned and prepared, place it breast side down in the air fryer basket, tucking the tips of the wings under if they are sticking out. Cook for 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C). After 30 minutes, flip the duck over so that it sits breast side up in the air fryer and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.
At this point, you can brush the duck with a glaze made from honey and soy sauce or honey and hoisin sauce. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for another 10 minutes to crisp up the skin and add a shiny glaze.
The recommended safe cooking temperature for duck is a minimum of 165°F (74-75°C) in the thickest part of the duck breast. If the duck is not quite done yet, brush it with the glaze once more and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes or until it is done.
Check the temperature of the duck by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. The duck is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165-170°F. Once the desired temperature is reached, let the duck rest for about 5-10 minutes before carving to ensure maximum juiciness.
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Crisping the skin
To get the skin of your duck nice and crispy, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure the duck is fully defrosted before air frying, as this will ensure even cooking and extra crispy skin. If you are using a frozen whole duck, you will need to defrost it completely in the fridge, uncovered, for a couple of days to allow the skin to dry out.
Secondly, when preparing the duck, score the skin by making slits or a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Be careful only to cut the skin, without piercing the meat underneath, as this can dry it out. Pricking the skin will also help the fat to render while cooking.
Thirdly, during the cooking process, you will need to drain the fat from the air fryer basket a couple of times, especially if your duck is fatty or your air fryer starts to smoke. This will help the skin to crisp up.
Finally, after cooking, it is recommended to leave the duck uncovered as the steam can soften the skin. Allow it to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure maximum juiciness and to let the skin crisp up further.
For an extra crispy skin, you can also brush the duck with a mixture of honey and Hoisin sauce, or honey and soy sauce, towards the end of the cooking process. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to get a beautiful shiny glaze and an even crispier skin.
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Carving the duck
Step 1: Rest the Duck
After removing the cooked duck from the air fryer, place it on a cutting board and leave it uncovered for a minimum of 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness and flavour. During this time, the steam released from the duck will also help keep the skin crispy.
Step 2: Use the Right Tools
To carve the duck effectively, you will need a sharp knife and a fork. A sharp knife will help you make precise cuts and slice through the meat and skin easily. The fork can be used to stabilise the duck and provide a better grip during the carving process.
Step 3: Remove the Legs
Hold the duck steady with a fork and use your knife to detach the legs from the body. Make clean cuts as close to the body as possible to maximise the amount of meat on each leg. You can choose to separate the thigh and drumstick portions of the legs for easier serving and consumption.
Step 4: Slice the Breast Meat
After removing the legs, turn your attention to the breast meat. Carefully slice the meat into thin, even pieces, ensuring that you avoid any bones. You can present the breast meat in a fanned-out pattern on your serving platter for a visually appealing display.
Step 5: Arrange on a Platter
Once you have finished carving the duck, arrange the legs and breast meat on a serving platter. You can add your favourite sides, such as roast potatoes, asparagus, or sweet potatoes, to accompany the duck. Don't forget to drizzle any remaining juices from the cutting board over the carved duck to enhance its flavour and moisture.
By following these steps, you will be able to confidently carve a duck cooked in a Big Boss air fryer, ensuring that your dish is not only delicious but also beautifully presented.
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Serving suggestions
While a whole roast duck is perfect for special occasions, there are several ways to serve this delicious meal.
If you're looking for a more hands-on eating experience, you can shred the duck meat and serve it with Chinese pancakes, Hoisin sauce, and vegetables such as spring onions and cucumbers. This "fakeaway" Chinese crispy duck is an irresistible, aromatic treat that your family and friends will love.
For a more traditional roast dinner, you can serve the duck with a variety of sides. Goose or duck-fat roast potatoes are a great option, as are air fryer potatoes, asparagus, or sweet potatoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try making some risotto to accompany your duck, or go for something simpler like a fresh green salad.
If you're cooking for a crowd, keep in mind that a 2kg duck will only feed about four people, so adjust your quantities accordingly. And don't forget to let the duck rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size and wattage of your air fryer. A 2kg duck can take 60 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while a 3.5-pound duck can take 45-55 minutes at 300°F.
The recommended safe cooking temperature for duck is a minimum of 165°F (74-75°C). You can cook at a higher temperature to get crispy skin, such as 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
If your duck is frozen, defrost it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Remove the neck and giblets, then rinse and pat dry. Score the skin with a sharp knife, being careful not to pierce the meat. Season the duck with salt, pepper, and other seasonings, and consider stuffing the cavity with oranges, apples, and garlic cloves for added flavor.
Place the duck breast side down in the air fryer basket, tucking the wings underneath if they stick out. Cook for 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C), then flip the duck and cook for another 30 minutes. Drain the fat as needed. Finally, brush the duck with a glaze made from honey and soy sauce or hoisin sauce, and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to crisp the skin.
