Air Fryer Duck Breast

Air Fryer duck breast is one of my favorite ways to eat duck meat. It turns out super juicy and flavorful every time!

If you're looking for an easy and delicious way to cook duck breast, look no further than your air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can have crispy, juicy duck breast that's perfect for any occasion!

❤️ Why you'll love it

You will love how tender and juicy the duck breast meat is and how crispy and crunchy the skin gets. This easy recipe is very straightforward and requires only three simple ingredients.

It's also a great option if you're looking for a low carb or keto-friendly recipe, as no flour or breading is used. In addition, duck breast is naturally a bit higher in fat than chicken breast, so it's perfect for those following a higher fat diet.

This air fryer duck recipe is also perfect for serving at your next dinner party or other special occasions, especially during the holiday season! Add some delicious sides to supplement your main dish to make this duck the perfect holiday meal.

💭 What does duck taste like?

Duck meat does not really taste like chicken and has a slightly gamey taste, which is closer to that of steak. It has a unique taste and a rich mouthfeel that is so delicious when cooked properly.

🥘 Equipment Used

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I use an air fryer for this recipe. The air fryer is an excellent addition to any kitchen and can be used for various dishes. It is great for cooking meat, fish, chicken, or veggies.

You don't need loads of oil to fry foods with an air fryer. Ingredients turn out crispy and flavorful and are so simple to make. Your whole family will enjoy the crispiness of the outer layer and the tenderness inside.

Making duck breast in the air fryer is one of the best ways to have fried duck breast. The cleanup takes less time, and I don't have to deal with splash burns from the oil!

🧾 Ingredients Used

Duck breast - I like to use duck breasts with the skin on for this recipe.
Olive oil - This helps to crisp up the duck skin and adds flavor.
Chicken seasoning - I like to use my homemade chicken seasoning for this recipe, but you can use any type of poultry seasoning you want.

🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Duck Breast

Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
Wash and pat dry the duck breast with paper towels.
With a very sharp knife, slice about four diagonal cuts in the duck breast in a crisscross pattern. Then use a fork to poke a few holes in the duck breast.
Spray with olive oil and liberally rub the chicken seasoning all over. I use just a little oil to make sure the seasoning sticks to it. Duck meat is fatty so you dont need a lot of oil.
Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or an hour if you have some time.
Place the duck breasts in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the duck breast is at least 165F.

🥫 Storing and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, reheat in the air fryer at 400F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.

This juicy duck meat is also great for meal prep! Cook the duck breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Then, when you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the air fryer and enjoy!

💭 Helpful Tips

If you don't have poultry seasoning, you can use any type of seasoning you like. Some good options are garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
If you want to make a quick lunch, you can air fry some leftover duck breast from dinner the night before. Just slice it thinly and reheat it for 5-10 minutes at 400F.
If you're feeling ambitious, you can try making your own whole roast duck in the air fryer!
For extra crispy skin, score the skin in a crisscross pattern, a diamond pattern, or a crosshatch pattern before cooking. Just be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.

🥘 Recipe Variations

Add a swerve brown sugar glaze for a delicious twist on this recipe. Simply combine ¼ cup swerve brown sugar with one tablespoon of water and brush it on the duck breasts before cooking.
You can also use sugar-free barbecue sauce for a delicious glaze.
Try using fruity sauces or glazes to add some different flavors to this recipe. Some good options are orange sauce, plum sauce, or hoisin sauce. Just be sure to use the sugar-free versions.
You can also use duck thighs or duck legs (drumsticks) in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.

🍽️ What can I eat this recipe with?

This crispy duck breast recipe is typically eaten with roast potatoes or sweet potato mash, but I eat mine with keto mashed cauliflower or keto mac and cheese since I'm on a low-carb diet.

It also pairs wonderfully with some delicious side dishes such as green beans or some simple instant pot broccoli.

👩‍🍳 Frequently asked questions

How do you know when duck breast is cooked?

The USDA recommends cooking duck to an internal temperature of 165F. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the duck breast before you remove it from the air fryer.

Why is my duck breast tough?

Meat that is tough needs time to become soft. Breast fillets are quickly fried with a high heat source. Remember that a duck breast will get tougher the longer it is cooked past medium rare.

📚 Related Recipes

Enjoy these other air fryer recipes!

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Air Fryer Catfish Steaks

Ninja Foodi Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Scallops

Ninja Foodi Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pork Belly

📖 Recipe