Duck legs are made for the air fryer — the circulating heat renders the fat and crisps the skin while the meat turns meltingly tender. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long do duck legs take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry duck legs at 180°C (360°F) for 30–35 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the meat tender.
Q: How do you get crispy skin?
A: Score and salt the skin, and pour off rendered fat partway through.
Times & temperatures
| Stage | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Render & cook | 180°C / 360°F | 28–32 min |
| Crisp the skin | 200°C / 400°F | 3–5 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Duck Legs
Ingredients
- 2 duck legs
- Salt, pepper
- Optional: thyme, garlic
- —
Method
- Score and salt the skin.
- Air fry at 180°C for 28–32 minutes.
- Pour off rendered fat partway.
- Crisp at 200°C for 3–5 minutes.
380 kcal
30g protein
0g carbs
28g fat
0.7g salt
Tips
- Score the skin to help the fat render.
- Save the duck fat for roast potatoes.
- Finish hot for the crispiest skin.
Frequently asked questions
How long do duck legs take in an air fryer?
About 30–35 minutes at 180°C, finishing hot to crisp the skin. The meat should be tender and the skin crisp and golden.
How do you get crispy duck skin?
Score the skin and rub with salt, pour off the rendered fat partway through, and finish at a higher heat to crisp it up.
Can you save the duck fat?
Yes — pour off and keep the rendered fat for the best roast potatoes you'll ever make.