Air-Frying Duck Breasts: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Cooking duck breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a delicious, crispy-skinned meal. The air fryer cooks the duck evenly on all sides, so you don't have to worry about flipping the meat halfway through. You can season the duck with salt and pepper, or try a honey and five-spice glaze.

Seasoning the duck breast

When seasoning the duck breast, it is important to ensure that the breast is completely dry before adding any seasonings. This will help to ensure that the skin becomes crispy when cooked in the air fryer. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel before placing the duck breast in the air fryer basket.

The amount of seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference and the size of the duck breast. As a general guideline, start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust as needed. You can always add more seasoning, but it is difficult to remove it if you add too much.

It is also important to consider the cooking time and temperature when seasoning the duck breast. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the size of the duck breast and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare duck breast, cook at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer after 15 minutes. The duck breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

When seasoning the duck breast, you can also consider adding a glaze or sauce. For example, you can mix honey and five-spice powder and brush it over the duck breast during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add a sweet and spicy flavour to the dish. You can also serve the duck breast with a drizzle of plum or hoisin sauce.

Cooking time and temperature

Cooking duck breasts in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this meat. The cooking time and temperature will depend on how well-done you like your duck.

If you like your duck medium-rare, you should cook it for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After 15 minutes, check the internal temperature. If it has reached 135 degrees Fahrenheit, it is ready to be taken out of the air fryer. If you prefer your duck well-done, leave it in the air fryer until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This should take another 4-5 minutes.

If you want your duck to be extra crispy, you can cook it at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, and then at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for another 10-12 minutes. You can also try cooking it at 180 degrees Celsius for 5-6 minutes, and then flipping the breast and cooking for another 8-10 minutes.

It is important to make sure the duck breast is completely dry before air frying it. This will ensure the skin becomes crispy.

Internal temperature

The internal temperature of the duck breast is important to ensure it is cooked to your preference. It is recommended to start checking the internal temperature after 15 minutes of cooking at 400 degrees. The duck is considered well done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is achieved after about 15 minutes of cooking, followed by another 4-5 minutes. If you prefer your duck medium-rare, you can remove the breast from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

To achieve a crispy skin, it is important to ensure the duck breast is completely dry before placing it in the air fryer. You can pat the skin dry and season it with salt and pepper before cooking.

Some recipes suggest cooking the duck breast at a lower temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, followed by an additional 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium-rare to well-done result.

It is recommended to let the duck breast rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer before slicing and serving.

Resting the duck breast

After resting, you can slice the duck breast and serve it with your choice of sides and sauces. Some popular options include plum sauce, hoisin sauce, or a drizzle of honey. You can also sprinkle the duck with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for added flavour and colour.

The resting time will also depend on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare duck breast, you may only need to rest it for 5 minutes, while a well-done breast might require a slightly longer resting time of up to 10 minutes.

Remember, the internal temperature of the duck breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be considered safe to eat. Always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before removing the duck from the air fryer and before serving.

Serving suggestions

Duck breast cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of sides and sauces.

For a simple side, consider roasted baby red potatoes and Brussels sprouts. To prepare, cut the potatoes in half and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Drain the Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the vegetables in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

If you're looking for a sauce to accompany your duck breast, plum sauce or hoisin sauce are excellent choices. For a more complex flavour profile, you can make a honey mixture by combining honey, warm water, and five-spice powder. Drizzle this mixture over the duck breast before serving.

When it comes to presentation, slicing the duck breast before serving is a popular option. This allows your guests to appreciate the even cooking on all sides achieved by the air fryer. Sprinkle the sliced duck with chopped green onions for added flavour and colour.

Finally, don't forget to let the duck breast rest before serving. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender duck breast.

Frequently asked questions