Forget greasy, oven-roasted duck breast! This incredibly simple air fryer recipe delivers juicy, crispy duck breast with minimal effort and cleanup. Using just five ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time. Say goodbye to complicated techniques and hello to perfectly cooked duck, every single time. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, impressing your guests with ease. The air fryer's even heat distribution ensures the skin crisps beautifully while the meat stays tender and succulent.
Ready to experience the magic of air fryer duck breast? This easy 5-ingredient recipe guides you through each step, from prepping the duck to achieving that perfect crispy skin and juicy interior. Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Paper towels
- Sharp knife or skewer
- Tray
Ingredients
- Duck breasts
- Honey: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Chinese five spice: 1/2 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Duck
- Pat the duck breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Combine honey, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese five spice in a tray.
- Gently pierce the duck breasts with a sharp knife or skewer.
- Place the duck breasts in the marinade, ensuring the marinade doesn't get too much on the skin. Refrigerate overnight (24 hours).




Step 2. Air Fry the Duck Breast
- Air fry the duck breasts at 150°C (302°F) for 10-15 minutes.
- Combine honey, Chinese five spice, soy sauce, water, and a touch of Chinese red vinegar.
- Baste the duck breasts liberally with the glaze after the first 10 minutes of air frying.
- Increase the air fryer temperature to 200°C (392°F) and cook for another 10 minutes.
Step 3. Rest and Carve
- Let the duck breasts rest for at least 5 minutes before carving.
- Carve the duck breasts and serve with your favorite sides (e.g., steamed rice, cucumber salad, ginger spring onion sauce).


Read more: Super Easy Fall-Off-Bone Chinese Style Ribs: One-Pot Recipe
Tips
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook this in the oven, but adjust cooking times as needed.
- Letting the duck breasts rest after cooking helps retain their juices and ensures tenderness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen duck breast?
It's best to use thawed duck breast for even cooking. Frozen duck will take longer to cook and may not crisp as well.
2. What if my duck breast is too thick/thin?
For thicker breasts, increase cooking time slightly. For thinner breasts, reduce cooking time and check for doneness earlier.
3. How do I know when the duck breast is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.
This simple air fryer recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy duck breast every time, making it a surprisingly easy and delicious meal. Enjoy the ease of cleanup and the impressive results – your family and friends will be amazed! Now go forth and conquer the art of air fryer duck breast!