How to cook duck legs in air fryer
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook duck legs? Look no further than your air fryer! Cooking duck legs in an air fryer is a fantastic and simple way to achieve crispy skin and tender, juicy meat every time. The air fryer circulates hot air around the duck legs, allowing them to cook evenly and quickly. Plus, the excess fat from the duck legs drips down into the fryer’s pan, making it a healthier option than traditional frying methods.
Why choose air frying? Air frying is not only healthier but also more convenient. It saves your cooking time and makes the cleaning afterward a breeze. By using an air fryer, you can cook your duck legs with little to no oil, as the hot air does all the work. The result is crispy, succulent duck legs without the greasiness.
So, let’s dive into the steps for cooking duck legs in your air fryer:
Easy and Delicious Recipe for Cooking Duck Legs in Air Fryer
If you’re looking for a tasty and hassle-free meal, this recipe for cooking duck legs in an air fryer is a must-try. The air fryer helps to achieve crispy and evenly cooked duck legs that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, you can easily follow these steps for a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 duck legs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme together to make a marinade.
- Pat the duck legs dry with paper towels and place them in a separate mixing bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the duck legs and rub it in to ensure even coating.
- Transfer the duck legs to the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Cook the duck legs in the air fryer for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached at least 165°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, remove the duck legs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
These perfectly cooked duck legs can be enjoyed on their own as a main dish, or paired with your favorite sides. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and flavorful meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your air fryer, you can create a delicious and impressive dish that will leave your friends and family wanting more. Enjoy!
Step 1: Preparing the Duck Legs
Before you start cooking your duck legs in the air fryer, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Follow these steps to make sure your duck legs are ready to be cooked:
1. Defrost the Duck Legs
If your duck legs are frozen, you’ll need to defrost them before cooking. Place the frozen duck legs in the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. This slow thawing process will ensure that the meat stays moist and tender.
2. Rinse and Pat Dry
Once the duck legs are thawed, remove them from the packaging and rinse them under cold water. Use your hands to rub the legs gently, ensuring that any excess blood and debris are removed. After rinsing, pat the duck legs dry with paper towels.
3. Score the Skin
Scoring the skin helps render the fat and allows for a crispy texture. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts on the skin side of each duck leg, being careful not to cut into the meat. Make the cuts about ½ inch apart from each other.
4. Season the Duck Legs
Now it’s time to season your duck legs! Generously season both sides of the legs with salt and pepper. If desired, you can also add other spices or herbs to enhance the flavor. Massage the seasonings into the skin and flesh of the duck legs.
Step 2: Cooking the Duck Legs in the Air Fryer
Now that you’ve marinated the duck legs, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). While the air fryer is preheating, remove the duck legs from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the duck legs in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking. Close the air fryer and set the timer for 25 minutes.
During the first 15 minutes of cooking, the duck legs will release fat and become crispy. At the 15-minute mark, open the air fryer and use tongs to carefully turn over the legs. This will help them cook evenly on both sides.
Close the air fryer and continue cooking for the remaining 10 minutes. The duck legs should be golden brown and crispy.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the duck legs from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fats.
Allow the duck legs to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as they are or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
Enjoy your crispy air fryer duck legs as a main course or as a delicious addition to a salad or sandwich! They are sure to impress with their juicy meat and crispy skin.
Note:
Every air fryer is different, so cooking times may vary. It’s always a good idea to check the doneness of the duck legs by cutting into one to ensure it’s cooked through. If needed, you can always cook them for a few more minutes.
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