Air Fryer Duck Breast
Ready in about 24 minutes.
Updated 7 September 2026
Rich duck breast with rendered crisp skin and a rosy pink centre, restaurant quality at home. The air fryer renders the fat efficiently for that signature crackly skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 2 duck breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp five spice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Method
- 1Score the skin in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut the meat.
- 2Rub with salt, pepper, five spice, honey and garlic.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F).
- 4Cook skin-side up for 8 minutes, then flip skin-side down for 4-8 minutes.
- 5Check the centre reaches 63°C (145°F) for medium.
- 6Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Tips for the best results
- Scoring the skin helps the fat render and crisp.
- For well done, cook a few minutes longer to 74°C (165°F).
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer duck breast?+
Cook at 180°C / 360°F for 12-16 min, flip halfway.
Should I preheat with the skin down?+
Start skin-side up so the fat renders gradually, then finish skin-side down to crisp it.