Airfryer Crispy Duck with Pancakes
If you're craving a delicious and indulgent meal, look no further than this simple air fryer crispy duck recipe. This dish brings the authentic taste of your favourite Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen. Tender duck legs are expertly seasoned with aromatic Chinese five spice, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in irresistibly crispy skin.
Served alongside homemade steamed pancakes (or shop-bought for added convenience), hoisin sauce, crunchy cucumber, and fresh spring onions, this crispy duck dish is bursting with flavour and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply satisfying a craving, this air fryer version of crispy duck is sure to impress your guests. It’s not only quicker and easier than traditional methods but also healthier, as there’s no need for a deep fryer! Plus, it’s a fantastic "fakeaway" that offers a delicious and budget-friendly alternative to dining out. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that combines convenience, taste, and fun in every bite.
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About this recipe
Ingredients
For the Duck:
- 2 duck legs
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Pancakes (if making from scratch):
- 200g plain flour
- 100ml water
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Hoisin sauce (to taste)
- Thinly sliced cucumbers (matchstick-sized)
- Thinly sliced spring onions
- Chilli oil (optional)
Pair it with
Instructions
1. Prepare the Duck:
Start by patting the duck legs dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve that crispy skin! Use a fork to pierce the skin in several places, which will assist in rendering the fat as it cooks. Generously rub the duck legs with Chinese five spice powder and salt, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Cook the Duck:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the seasoned duck legs in the air fryer basket skin-side up. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily prepare this in the oven. Simply place the duck legs on a baking tray, skin-side up, and roast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes until tender.
3. Make the Pancakes (Optional):
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make homemade pancakes, start by mixing 200g of plain flour, a pinch of salt, and 100ml of water until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until it's smooth, then cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Roll Out the Pancakes:
After resting, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece out as thinly as possible into roughly palm-sized pancakes. Stack the rolled-out pancakes, brushing a little oil between each to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Steam the Pancakes:
Place the stacked pancakes on a sheet of baking parchment and steam them over medium heat for 5 minutes until they are soft and fluffy.
6. Shred the Duck:
Once the duck is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Use a knife and fork to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, place the shredded duck on the steamed pancakes. Spread a generous amount of hoisin sauce on each pancake, and add thinly sliced cucumber and spring onions. For an extra kick, drizzle some chilli oil on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious crispy duck pancakes!
Video demonstration
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