Ella Walter
Cooking a whole duck in an air fryer is an easy way to prepare a delicious, juicy, and tender roast duck with a crispy skin. It is a great alternative to chicken or beef and is perfect for special occasions and holiday dinners. The air fryer helps to ensure that the duck skin is crispy and the meat is moist and tender. The cooking time is also reduced compared to oven-roasted duck, which can take up to 3 hours. In this article, we will guide you through the steps and tips on how to cook a whole duck in an air fryer, so you can impress your family and friends with this delicious dish.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking a Whole Duck in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Defrosting | Let the duck defrost uncovered in the fridge for a couple of days to dry out the skin. |
| Temperature | 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, then 300°F (150°C) for another 30 minutes, and finally 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. |
| Internal Temperature | The USDA recommends a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C). |
| Sides | Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, Air Fryer Potatoes, Air Fryer Asparagus, or Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. |
| Ingredients | Orange, Apple, Garlic, Honey, Hoisin Sauce, Salt, and Pepper. |
| Prep | Score the duck breast with a sharp knife, pricking the skin to allow fat to render. |
| Cook Time | About an hour, compared to 3 hours in an oven. |
| Serving Size | 1 to 1.5 pounds of uncooked duck per person, or 3.5-4 ounces of cooked duck meat. |
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What You'll Learn
Defrosting and seasoning
If you're using a frozen whole duck, it's important to defrost it completely before cooking. Place the duck in the fridge and allow it to thaw for at least 24 hours, and up to 48 hours for a larger bird. During this time, the duck should be left uncovered, as this helps 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 from the cavity. Rinse the duck and pat it dry with paper towels. At this point, you can season the duck.
There are several ways to season a duck before air frying. One method is to score the skin of the duck breast with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern. Be careful only to cut the skin, not the meat underneath. Pricking the skin will also help the fat render while cooking. Then, season the duck liberally with salt and pepper. You can also try an alternative seasoning, such as an orange sauce, plum sauce, or your favorite wing sauce.
Another option is to brine the duck. To do this, leave the duck uncovered in the refrigerator for 24 hours on a rack over a pan. This will give you crispier skin. You can also try marinating the duck for extra flavor. Combine your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then lightly brush the duck with olive oil and coat it with the seasonings.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking a whole duck in an air fryer depend on the desired texture and the size of the duck.
If you want the duck meat to be tender enough to shred, it is recommended to first marinate the duck, then simmer it, and finally air-fry it to make the skin crispy. This method takes about 30 minutes in the air fryer. However, if you want to cook the duck directly in the air fryer without simmering it first, it will take longer, and the meat will be sliceable rather than shreddable.
For a whole duck, one source recommends cooking it at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and then increasing the temperature to make the skin crispy. Another source recommends cooking a 2kg duck breast side down at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes. Then, flip the duck over, cook for another 30 minutes at the same temperature, and drain any excess fat. Finally, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and wattage of the air fryer. If using the rotisserie feature, the cooking time may also differ. Additionally, the duck should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking, which can take up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
The recommended safe cooking temperature for duck is a minimum of 165°F (74-75°C) measured in the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. However, some sources suggest cooking the duck to an internal temperature of 170°F for the best results. Once the desired temperature is reached, let the duck rest for about 5 to 30 minutes before carving to ensure maximum juiciness.
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Internal temperature
Achieving the correct internal temperature is crucial when cooking duck, as it ensures the meat is cooked safely and thoroughly. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74-75°C) for duck. This temperature reading should be taken from the thickest part of the duck breast, being careful to avoid the bone.
To accurately measure the internal temperature, an instant-read thermometer or a meat thermometer can be used. The thermometer should be inserted into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, depending on which part of the duck is being cooked.
For a whole duck cooked in the air fryer, some recipes suggest cooking at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes, then flipping the duck and cooking for another 30 minutes. After this, the temperature can be increased to 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes to crisp up the skin. However, it is important to ensure that the duck reaches the recommended internal temperature before removing it from the air fryer.
Once the duck has reached the desired internal temperature, it should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest. Resting the meat helps to retain moisture and ensures maximum juiciness. The recommended resting time is a minimum of 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
It is worth noting that air frying times may vary depending on the size and wattage of the air fryer, as well as the size of the duck. Therefore, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the duck closely to ensure it reaches the safe minimum temperature without overcooking.
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Resting and carving
Resting the duck is an important step to ensure maximum juiciness. Leave the duck uncovered as the steam can soften the skin. Allow it to rest for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the juices are locked in.
When it comes to carving the duck, use a sharp knife to separate the legs from the breast. You can then cut the breast meat. Present the carved duck on a platter with your favorite sides. Sides such as goose-fat roast potatoes, air fryer potatoes, air fryer asparagus, or air fryer sweet potatoes are great options.
If you want to get the skin extra crispy, you can place the duck back in the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes. You can also use an oven and cook for about 15 minutes at 200°C/400°F.
Leftovers can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, cook in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes at 200°C/400°F.
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Sides and serving suggestions
There are several side dishes and serving suggestions that go well with air-fried duck. Here are some options:
Duck Fat Potatoes
Air-fried potatoes cooked in duck fat are a classic and delicious pairing with roast duck. You can also use goose fat if you prefer. Simply peel and dice some potatoes, add thyme and season with salt and pepper. After removing the excess duck fat from the drip tray, toss the potatoes in 2 tablespoons of duck fat and air fry until crispy.
Rice
White or brown rice is a simple and versatile side dish that goes well with duck. It will soak up the juices from the duck, adding extra flavour. For a healthier option, you can try cauliflower rice, which is made by grating or processing cauliflower into rice-like granules and sautéing them with your choice of seasoning.
Green Salad
A mixed green salad with your choice of vegetables and a light dressing provides a fresh and healthy option to balance out the richness of the duck.
Stir-Fry
Slice the duck meat into thin strips and stir-fry it with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Add some soy sauce and garlic for extra flavour.
Duck Tacos
Shredded duck meat goes well in tortillas with guacamole, salsa, and other taco toppings. This option allows you to enjoy the duck in a more casual and interactive way.
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Brussels sprouts are an excellent option to add a crunchy texture alongside the succulent duck meat.
Garlic Smashed Potatoes
These are a flavorful and comforting choice that complements the richness of the duck.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious and versatile side dish that pairs well with the savoury flavours of the duck.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking a whole duck in an air fryer takes about an hour, which is much faster than oven-roasted duck, which can take up to 3 hours.
The recommended safe cooking temperature for duck is a minimum of 165°F (74-75°C). The duck should have an internal temperature of 170°F in the thickest part of the duck breast.
If your duck is frozen, let it defrost uncovered in the fridge for a couple of days to dry out the skin. You can then season the duck with salt and pepper or a marinade.
