Air Fryer Duck Legs
Ready in about 50 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Meltingly tender duck legs with shatteringly crisp skin, an easy alternative to slow confit. The air fryer renders the fat gently then crisps the skin to golden perfection, giving you a rich, indulgent dinner for two.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 duck legs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 tsp five spice
Method
- 1Pat the duck legs very dry and prick the skin, then rub with salt, pepper, thyme, garlic and five spice.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 175°C (350°F).
- 3Cook skin-side down for 20 minutes to render the fat.
- 4Flip skin-side up and cook 15-25 minutes until crisp.
- 5Check the meat reaches at least 74°C (165°F) and pulls easily from the bone.
- 6Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the best results
- Pricking the skin helps the fat render for extra crispness.
- Save the rendered duck fat for roasting potatoes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer duck legs steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Duck Legs is ready at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer duck legs?
A typical starting point is 175°C / 350°F for 35-45 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer duck legs is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Duck Legs should reach 74°C / 165°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer duck legs serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.