Name: Air Fryer Duck Legs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 duck legs (defrosted if frozen); 1/4 tsp Salt (to taste); 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)

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Craving crispy duck legs without all the hassle? These air fryer duck legs are the perfect solution! With minimal prep and just a few basic seasonings, you’ll get golden-brown, crackly skin and tender, juicy meat—all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re making a special dinner or just treating yourself, this easy duck recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Duck Legs

Crispy skin without deep frying: The air fryer gives the duck legs that irresistible golden, crispy skin—no oil splatters or mess. You get all the crunch and flavor without the heavy cleanup. It’s the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-style duck at home. Plus, it’s so much healthier!
Juicy, tender meat every time: These duck legs come out incredibly moist and flavorful on the inside. The air fryer locks in all the juices while crisping up the skin. You won’t believe how perfectly cooked they turn out with such little effort. Every bite is rich, succulent, and satisfying.
Just three ingredients needed: All you need is duck legs, salt, and pepper. That’s it! No fancy ingredients or marinades required—just simple, clean flavor that lets the duck shine. This recipe is proof that less really is more.
No need to preheat the air fryer: Skip the extra step and save time—this recipe goes straight into the basket! The duck legs start crisping up right away, and the results are still amazing. It’s one less thing to think about when you’re getting dinner on the table. Fast, easy, and efficient.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, date night, or just craving something special, these duck legs deliver. They look and taste gourmet but are surprisingly easy to make. It’s a great recipe to impress guests—or just yourself. Fancy without the fuss!

Ingredients For Air Fryer Duck Legs

Duck legs – The star of the recipe! Duck legs are rich, flavorful, and perfect for air frying.
Salt – Enhances the natural taste of the duck and helps the skin crisp up.
Black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and spice to balance the richness of the meat.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Duck Legs

Air fryer – This is what gives the duck legs their crispy skin and perfectly cooked meat.
Tongs – Handy for flipping the duck legs or removing them from the hot air fryer basket.
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures your duck is safely cooked to at least 165°F inside.

How To Make Air Fryer Duck Legs

Start by making sure your duck legs are fully defrosted if they were frozen.
Pat them dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Arrange the duck legs in a single layer inside your air fryer basket.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 25 minutes.
Check the internal temperature using a thermometer—it should read at least 165°F.
If they’re not fully cooked yet, pop them back in for another 5 minutes.
When done, carefully take them out and get ready to enjoy some ultra-crispy, juicy duck!

Serving Suggestions

Pair them with vegetables like roasted carrots and broccoli or sweet potatoes for a cozy and colorful meal.
Serve over a bed of mashed potatoes or smashed brussels sprouts to soak up all the juicy goodness.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spoonful of homemade applesauce or orange sauce for a gourmet touch.
Keep it simple and serve with a crisp broccoli and apple salad for a lighter meal.
For a holiday vibe, plate with homemade cranberry sauce and wild rice or brown jasmine rice.

Tips For Success

Use fully defrosted duck legs. Cooking from frozen works, but thawed duck cooks more evenly and gives better texture. Add about 5 extra minutes if cooking straight from frozen. For best results, defrost overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting. This ensures juicy meat and perfectly crisp skin.
Season both sides generously. Salt and pepper may be simple, but they bring out the best in duck. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a good amount on both sides. Want extra flavor? Try garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs!
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure the duck legs are in a single layer with space in between. This helps the hot air circulate properly, so the skin crisps up beautifully. Stacking or overlapping will lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
Always use a meat thermometer. The duck needs to reach at least 165°F inside. If it’s under, just cook for 5 more minutes at 400°F and check again. This step is key for both safety and perfect texture. You’ll know your duck is cooked through and ready to enjoy.
Let it rest before serving. Give the duck legs a minute or two to rest after cooking. This keeps the juices locked in, so the meat stays moist. It also helps the skin stay crispy when sliced. You’ll taste the difference in every bite!

Variations And Substitutions

Try different seasonings. While salt and pepper are classic and delicious, feel free to switch things up! Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of five-spice powder can add fun twists to the flavor. You can even brush the duck legs with a bit of soy sauce or balsamic glaze before cooking. It’s a great way to give your duck an international flair.
Use chicken legs instead. Can’t find duck legs? No problem! Chicken legs can be cooked the same way in the air fryer and still turn out juicy with crispy skin. Just be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness—165°F is still the goal.
Add a sweet glaze after cooking. Want to dress them up? After air frying, brush the duck legs with a mixture of honey, maple syrup, or orange marmalade for a beautiful glossy finish. It adds a sweet and sticky flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the duck. Just pop them back in the air fryer for 2 minutes to caramelize.
Adjust the cook time based on size. If your duck legs are extra large or thick, they may need a few more minutes in the air fryer. Likewise, smaller legs might be done a little sooner. Always check with a meat thermometer to make sure they’re fully cooked. The air fryer is very forgiving—you can always add more time if needed.
Make it low-sodium or salt-free. Watching your sodium intake? You can skip the salt or use a salt substitute. The natural flavor of duck is so rich and savory, it’ll still be delicious with just pepper or herbs. You won’t miss a thing!

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers. Let the duck legs cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating in the air fryer. To bring back the crispiness, reheat duck legs in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes. This will re-crisp the skin and warm the meat without drying it out. No need to preheat the air fryer—just pop them in cold. Check to make sure they’re heated through before serving.
Reheating in the microwave. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the duck legs. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Just keep in mind that the skin won’t be crispy with this method. It’s best for quick meals or lunch leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook duck legs in the air fryer from frozen?

Yes, you can cook duck legs straight from frozen in the air fryer. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the total cooking time. The air fryer will still crisp up the skin and cook the meat through. Make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F internally.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for duck legs?

Nope! There’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Just place the seasoned duck legs in the basket and start cooking. The air fryer heats up quickly and does a great job getting the skin crispy without any extra steps.

How do I know when duck legs are done cooking?

The best way to tell if your duck legs are done is to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F. You’ll also notice the skin is golden and crispy when they’re ready. If needed, you can always add a few more minutes in the air fryer to finish cooking.

What if my duck legs are different sizes?

It’s totally fine if your duck legs vary in size. Start by cooking them all at 400°F for 25 minutes, then check the smallest and largest pieces with a thermometer. If some are ready and others need more time, just remove the smaller ones and cook the rest a few minutes longer. This is easy to manage with an air fryer and ensures everything is perfectly done.

What sides go well with air fryer duck legs?

Duck legs pair beautifully with hearty or slightly sweet sides. Try roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or even a fruit glaze like orange or cherry sauce. A fresh salad or steamed greens can also balance out the richness. You can keep it simple or dress it up for a holiday-worthy meal.

Can I use other seasonings or marinades?

Absolutely! This recipe uses salt and pepper for a clean, classic flavor, but you can easily switch it up. Garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or even five-spice powder taste amazing on duck. Marinades with citrus or soy sauce also work well—just pat the duck dry before air frying for best results.

Is duck healthy to eat?

Duck is a great source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. It’s richer than chicken and has more fat, especially in the skin, but air frying helps render out some of that fat while crisping the skin. As part of a balanced diet, duck can be a flavorful and satisfying option. Plus, it feels like such a treat!

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Cooked duck legs in an air fryer basket—crispy and golden brown, just like in the Air Fryer Duck Legs recipe.

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