Skip to main content

Duck Breast (Air Fryer)

airfryer-duckbreastLearn how to cook juicy air fryer duck breast in less then 20 minutes. Crispy skin and tender meat every single time. Duck has unique flavour, very juicy red meat like texture and strong full flavour. I don’t like to overpower it with spices and seasoning that’s why i only used salt and pepper in this recipe. Duck is a favourite among the French and geese for Québecers is traditionally served with a strong wine and fruit sauce combination, which is often flambéed in restaurants at your table, such as; duck a l'orange. Duck goes really well with roasted vegetables and fresh salads. Try to top it with caramelized onions and serve it over rice. I tried roasted duck breast with sweet potato mash one time and fell in love. Generally duck goes well sweet or spicy sides. Cabbage is delicious with the duck too.

2 duck breasts, boneless
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

To Serve:
plum, hoisin or berry sauce

Score the skin of the duck breast with a sharp knife. Ensure you do not cut through to the meat.

Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.

Place duck breast in the air fryer basket skin-side up, and air fry at 390°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.

When the time is up, turn the temperature down to up to 320°F (160°C), and air fry duck breast for an additional 10-12 minutes.

Check the internal temperature with an instant read meat thermometer. USDA recommends cooking duck breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which will be well done.

Once the duck breast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cover with aluminum foil to rest for ten minutes.

Serve with plum sauce, hoisin sauce or fruit sauce.

Cook's Notes:

  • Add ½ tsp. of other seasoning if you like, try 5-spice or allspice.
  • Due to the high fat content of this dish, the air fryer may smoke while cooking. If this happens, note how much cooking time is remaining, stop the air fryer, remove the basket from the air fryer and carefully drain collected fat out of the bottom of the draw. Restart the air fryer for the remaining cooking time.
  • Some people prefer medium-rare (130°F/54°C), medium (140°F/60°C), or medium-well done 155°F (68°F). Though please note USDA recommendation for cooking poultry is 165°F (74°C).