Air Fryer Duck Legs: Simple and Succulent

Cooking duck legs in an air fryer isn’t just easy—it’s also quick and energy-efficient, making it a superior method to traditional roasting.

Quick Insight on Cooking Speed

This recipe offers a quicker alternative to oven-roasting without compromising on the quality. Though air frying is fast, duck legs still require enough time to become beautifully tender and juicy.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The success of duck legs in the air fryer hinges on the correct cooking time and temperature:

• Air Fryer Temperature: Start at 320°F (160 C), then finish at 355°F (180 C).
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes at 320°F (160 C), then 5 minutes at 355°F (180 C).

Cook the duck legs initially at 320°F (160 C) for 50 minutes, then increase to 355°F (180 C) for the last 5 minutes to ensure they are both succulent inside and crispy on the outside.

I’ll share some tips on how to season them just right, but maintaining these temperature and time settings will consistently yield perfect results.

Seasoning Duck Legs in the Air Fryer

You can achieve excellent results by simply seasoning with salt and ground pepper. For those looking for a bit more complexity:

I recommend a traditional seasoning blend—rub the duck legs with crushed garlic and fresh thyme along with salt and pepper. You can leave out these additions or switch them for dried rosemary or garlic granules if preferred.

Rosemary is another great companion to duck, and for the adventurous, a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice can be a delightful twist.

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy duck legs with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, perfect for a special meal any night of the week.

Air Fryer Duck Legs

Effortless air fryer duck legs with crispy skin and succulence

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 duck legs
• 1 clove garlic optional
• 6 sprigs thyme optional
• salt
• pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by preheating your air fryer. As it heats, prepare the duck by patting the legs dry and seasoning them well.

  Crush the garlic with a garlic press, finely chop the thyme, and combine these with salt and pepper. Rub this mixture thoroughly into the duck legs.
  
• Place the duck legs in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
  
• Cook at 320°F (160 C) for 50 minutes.
  
• Increase the temperature to 355°F (180 C) and continue to cook for another 5 minutes to achieve that irresistibly crispy skin.
  

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