Air Fryer Duck Breast is made with 2 duck breasts, fresh or frozen cherries, red wine or port, balsamic vinegar; air fry at 400°F for 16 minutes to serve 2. 350 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Score the duck skin in a crosshatch pattern, cutting through the fat but not into the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Place skin-side up in air fryer. Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes to render the fat.
- 3
Increase to 400°F. Cook 4-6 more minutes until skin is deeply crispy and internal temp reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- 4
While duck rests 8 minutes, simmer cherries, wine, balsamic, honey, and thyme in a small pan until syrupy.
- 5
Slice duck breast on the bias. Fan out and spoon cherry sauce over the top.
Tip: Scoring is essential — it lets the thick fat layer render out so the skin gets crispy rather than chewy. Duck is red meat and is best served medium-rare (130°F) to medium (140°F). The rest period is crucial; it will rise 5-10°F. The rendered duck fat is liquid gold — save it for roasting potatoes.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 16 minutes vs ~29 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🍖Circulating hot air renders fat and seals in juices for a crispier outside and tender inside.
- ⚡Uses significantly less energy than heating a full-size oven for a single batch.
How did it turn out?
Share your result and inspire others
More Chicken
Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Air Fryer Cornish Hen is made with a whole game hen, butter, Italian herbs, and lemon; air fry at 380°F for 35 minutes until golden-skinned and herb-butter infused.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
Air Fryer Turkey Legs features turkey legs rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme; air fry at 380°F for 30 minutes until the skin is crispy and meat is juicy.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs feature bone-in skin-on thighs, smoked paprika, and dried thyme; air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes until skin is shatteringly crispy.
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder; cook at 400°F for 25 minutes until the skin is incredibly crispy and meat is juicy.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Smoky BBQ Drumsticks are rubbed with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin then glazed with BBQ sauce and honey; air fry at 380°F for 25 minutes until sticky and caramelized.
Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Greek Chicken and Potatoes combines lemon-marinated chicken thighs with baby potatoes, oregano, and garlic; air fry at 380°F for 30 minutes and finish with feta and olives.