Air Fryer Whole Duck Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly roasted whole duck using your air fryer! This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy skin and tender meat. Discover how to cook restaurant-quality duck at home with simple ingredients and foolproof technique.

Prep

25 mins

Cook

90 mins

Serve

Kcal

420

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g

420

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 whole duck (2kg), giblets removed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons sea salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 orange, quartered</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 sprigs fresh rosemary</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 bay leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon olive oil</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Remove the duck from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the entire duck completely dry with paper towels, paying special attention to the cavity. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin, so take your time and ensure every surface is moisture-free.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern, making shallow cuts about 1cm apart across the breast and thighs. Cut only through the skin and fat, not into the meat. This allows fat to render properly and creates that coveted crispy texture we're after.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create your seasoning blend. This aromatic mixture will penetrate the meat and create a beautiful crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Rub the olive oil all over the duck, then generously apply the seasoning mixture, working it into the scored skin and cavity. Don't forget to season inside the cavity as well. Massage the seasonings in for about 2 minutes to ensure even coverage.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stuff the duck cavity with orange quarters, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves. These aromatics will infuse the meat with incredible flavor from the inside out. Truss the duck legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Place the seasoned duck in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible. This resting time allows the seasonings to penetrate deeply and the skin to dry further, resulting in better crisping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Place the duck breast-side down in the air fryer basket. This initial positioning helps render fat from the back and keeps the breast meat moist while the skin begins to crisp.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C. You'll hear the fat sizzling and see it beginning to render. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the duck breast-side up using tongs and kitchen towels to protect your hands from hot fat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Continue cooking breast-side up for another 45 minutes at 180°C. The skin should be turning a beautiful golden brown. At the 75-minute mark total, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>The duck is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thigh and 63°C in the breast. If not quite there, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals, checking temperature each time. The skin should be deep golden brown and crispy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Remove the duck from the air fryer and let it rest on a carving board for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Remove the kitchen twine and aromatics from the cavity. Carve the duck by removing the legs first, then slicing the breast meat against the grain. Serve immediately while the skin is still crackling crispy.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Air Fryer Whole Duck Recipe

Can you cook a whole duck in an air fryer?

Yes! You can cook a whole duck in an air fryer that's 5.5L or larger. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making it an excellent alternative to oven roasting.

How long does it take to cook duck in air fryer?

A 2kg whole duck takes approximately 75 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C. Cook breast-side down for 30 minutes, then flip and continue for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thigh.

What temperature should duck be cooked to in air fryer?

Duck should reach an internal temperature of 74°C in the thigh and 63°C in the breast. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, as this ensures food safety while maintaining juicy, perfectly cooked meat.

Do you need to flip duck when air frying?

Yes, flip the duck after 30 minutes. Start cooking breast-side down to render back fat, then flip breast-side up for the remaining cook time to achieve golden, crispy skin on the breast and even cooking throughout.

Why is my air fryer duck skin not crispy?

Ensure the duck is completely dry before seasoning and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours to dry the skin further, which is essential for achieving crispy results.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.


{
 "@context": "https://schema.org/",
 "@type": "Recipe",
 "name": "Air Fryer Whole Duck Recipe",
 "url": "https://www.bestairfryingrecipes.com/recipes/air-fryer-whole-duck-recipe",
 "image": "https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/555ecaee-ebad-471f-b2af-ff548ac985ec/generations/ff5dc4f6-ccd3-4cf7-943a-88baef30b821/Leonardo_Phoenix_10_A_stunning_straighton_hero_shot_of_a_beaut_0.jpg",
 "author": {
   "@type": "Person",
   "name": "Emon Parves",
   "jobTitle": "Chef"
 },
  "datePublished": "2024-12-19",
  "description": "Learn how to make perfectly roasted whole duck using your air fryer! This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy skin and tender meat. Discover how to cook restaurant-quality duck at home with simple ingredients and foolproof technique.",
  "prepTime": "PT25M",
  "cookTime": "PT1H30M",
  "totalTime": "PT1H55M",
  "keywords": "air fryer whole duck, roasted duck recipe, crispy duck skin, air fryer main course, restaurant duck at home",
  "recipeYield": "4",
  "recipeCategory": "Main Course",
  "recipeCuisine": "French",
  "nutrition": {
    "@type": "NutritionInformation",
    "calories": "420 calories",
    "carbohydrateContent": "2 g",
    "proteinContent": "45 g",
    "fatContent": "28 g",
    "saturatedFatContent": "9 g",
    "cholesterolContent": "165 mg",
    "sodiumContent": "680 mg",
    "sugarContent": "1 g",
    "servingSize": "1 serving"
  },
  "recipeIngredient": [
    "1 whole duck (2kg), giblets removed",
    "2 teaspoons sea salt",
    "1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground",
    "2 teaspoons garlic powder",
    "1 teaspoon dried thyme",
    "1 teaspoon dried rosemary",
    "1 teaspoon paprika",
    "1 orange, quartered",
    "4 garlic cloves",
    "3 sprigs fresh rosemary",
    "2 bay leaves",
    "1 tablespoon olive oil"
  ],
  "recipeInstructions": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Prepare duck",
      "text": "Remove the duck from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat the entire duck completely dry with paper towels, paying special attention to the cavity."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Score skin",
      "text": "Score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern, making shallow cuts about 1cm apart across the breast and thighs. Cut only through the skin and fat, not into the meat."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Make seasoning",
      "text": "In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create your seasoning blend."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Season duck",
      "text": "Rub the olive oil all over the duck, then generously apply the seasoning mixture, working it into the scored skin and cavity. Massage the seasonings in for about 2 minutes."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Stuff cavity",
      "text": "Stuff the duck cavity with orange quarters, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves. Truss the duck legs together with kitchen twine."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Rest duck",
      "text": "Place the seasoned duck in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible to allow seasonings to penetrate."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Preheat and start cooking",
      "text": "Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for 5 minutes. Place the duck breast-side down in the air fryer basket."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook first side",
      "text": "Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the duck breast-side up using tongs and kitchen towels."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Continue cooking",
      "text": "Continue cooking breast-side up for another 45 minutes at 180°C. At the 75-minute mark total, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Check doneness",
      "text": "The duck is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thigh and 63°C in the breast. Continue cooking in 5-minute intervals if needed."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Rest",
      "text": "Remove the duck from the air fryer and let it rest on a carving board for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Carve and serve",
      "text": "Remove the kitchen twine and aromatics from the cavity. Carve the duck by removing the legs first, then slicing the breast meat against the grain. Serve immediately."
    }
  ],
  "aggregateRating": {
    "@type": "AggregateRating",
    "ratingValue": "5",
    "ratingCount": "127"
  },
  "review": [
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Sophie Dubois",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-22",
      "reviewBody": "This air fryer duck recipe is absolutely phenomenal! The skin was incredibly crispy and the meat was so tender it fell off the bone. Better than any restaurant I've tried.",
      "name": "Restaurant Quality Results",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Marco Antonelli",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-25",
      "reviewBody": "Made this for Christmas dinner and it was the star of the meal! The air fryer method is so much easier than oven roasting and the results are incredible.",
      "name": "Perfect Christmas Centerpiece",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Yuki Tanaka",
      "datePublished": "2024-12-28",
      "reviewBody": "I was skeptical about cooking a whole duck in an air fryer, but this recipe proved me wrong! The skin crackling was perfect and the meat incredibly juicy.",
      "name": "Exceeded Expectations",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Elena Petrov",
      "datePublished": "2025-01-02",
      "reviewBody": "Amazing recipe! The herb seasoning blend was perfect and the step-by-step instructions made it foolproof. My guests were incredibly impressed.",
      "name": "Foolproof Instructions",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Amir Khalil",
      "datePublished": "2025-01-05",
      "reviewBody": "This has become my go-to method for cooking duck. The air fryer renders the fat beautifully and creates the most incredible crispy skin. Will never cook duck any other way!",
      "name": "New Favorite Method",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    }
  ]
}

```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you cook a whole duck in an air fryer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes! You can cook a whole duck in an air fryer that's 5.5L or larger. The air fryer creates perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy, making it an excellent alternative to oven roasting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does it take to cook duck in air fryer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A 2kg whole duck takes approximately 75 minutes in the air fryer at 180°C. Cook breast-side down for 30 minutes, then flip and continue for 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C in the thigh." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What temperature should duck be cooked to in air fryer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Duck should reach an internal temperature of 74°C in the thigh and 63°C in the breast. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, as this ensures food safety while maintaining juicy, perfectly cooked meat." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you need to flip duck when air frying?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, flip the duck after 30 minutes. Start cooking breast-side down to render back fat, then flip breast-side up for the remaining cook time to achieve golden, crispy skin on the breast and even cooking throughout." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is my air fryer duck skin not crispy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Ensure the duck is completely dry before seasoning and score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours to dry the skin further, which is essential for achieving crispy results." } } ] } ```

August 19, 2025

Air Fryer Whole Duck Recipe

Learn how to make perfectly roasted whole duck using your air fryer! This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy skin and tender meat. Discover how to cook restaurant-quality duck at home with simple ingredients and foolproof technique.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Carbs: 2g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

Directions

Can you cook a whole duck in an air fryer?

How long does it take to cook duck in air fryer?

What temperature should duck be cooked to in air fryer?

Do you need to flip duck when air frying?

Why is my air fryer duck skin not crispy?