Forget complicated gourmet methods — this air fryer duck breast turns out so juicy with shatteringly crisp skin in just 20 minutes. It’s so impressive yet simple!
I love how this air fryer duck breast recipe truly allows the duck to shine. All you need is a little salt and pepper, then the air fryer does all the work. This is one of my favorite weeknight dinners when I’m looking for something “fancy-ish” that takes minimal effort and time to prepare.
Duck meat is so rich, so I usually serve it with a mild side like mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a garden salad. If I’m craving a tang, I’ll add pickled mini bell peppers or giardiniera to the plate.
Are you a fan of duck? Get your “fowl” fix with roasted stuffed duck, whole baked duck with buckwheat, or spatchcock duck.
Air Fryer Duck Breast Video
How To Make Air Fryer Duck Breast
You guys know how obsessed I am with three-ingredient recipes that are ready in under 30 minutes… and this air fried duck breast is a perfect example. The prep and cleanup is so easy!
- Dry and score the duck: Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels, then score the skin in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
- Season the duck: Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over the duck breasts.
- Air fry the duck: Place the duck breasts in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
Hot tip: Glaze the duck breasts with plum sauce in the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Duck Breast
You may think of duck breast as a fancy restaurant dish, but I’m here to prove that home cooks can perfect it too! Here are my top tips for a mouthwateringly juicy and crispy duck breast.
- Dry the skin thoroughly. The drier the surface, the better it crisps up. Pat the duck skin well with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
- Score gently. For a crackling crisp, lighly score the skin in a crosshatch pattern, making sure not to cut through the meat so it doesn’t dry out. The score lines allow the fat to render out and produce perfectly crispy skin.
- Check the internal temperature. Duck can overcook quickly in an air fryer, so start checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast after 15 minutes. For medium-rare and the juiciest results, aim for 135°F. For maximum safety, aim for 165°F. An instant-read thermometer comes in clutch here!
- Let the duck rest after cooking. Give the cooked duck breast a few minutes before you dig in so the juices settle and stay inside.
- Save the fat! Duck releases a good amount of fat — pour it off from the air fryer basket and use it for sautéeing potatoes or veggies. It’s liquid gold.
Storage & Reheating
I recommend enjoying this duck breast immediately for the crispiest skin and juiciest meat. If you happen to end up with leftovers, congrats! You’ve earned a delicious lunch for the next day.
- Storage: Allow the duck breast to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container (these ones are a lifesaver for meal prep) and refrigerate for up to three days.
- Reheating: To re-crisp the skin, reheat leftover duck breast in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-8 minutes.
More Protein-Packed Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Salmon — The most tender and flaky salmon you’ll ever have… remember to leave the skin on!
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs — A must-try recipe for all my fellow moms of hungry growing boys
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs — So versatile and easy to throw together
- Air Fryer Scallops — Five-star ratings, ready in 10 minutes, and unbelievable flavor
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 duck breasts about 1–1.5 lbs total
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels — the drier the skin, the crispier they’ll get.
- Using a sharp knife, score the skin on each breast in a diamond pattern, slicing only through the skin and not the meat.
- Season both breasts evenly with salt and pepper.
- Place the duck breasts in the air fryer at 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature around the 15-minute mark — you're aiming for 165°F in the thickest part. Enjoy!
This sounds so good! Where do you buy duck breast?
Hi Inna, Our local Wholefoods or Publix has it. If you have Instacart, you can search all the stores around to see who has it in stock. Hope this helps! Its sooo good!