Olivia Carter
If you love the delicious and crispy taste of Peking duck, but don’t want to go through the hassle of traditional cooking methods, then making it in an air fryer is the perfect solution. With an air fryer, you can achieve the same crispy skin and tender meat without the need for a whole oven or deep-frying. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Peking duck in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home.
To start, you will need a whole duck that has been cleaned and prepared. It’s important to choose a duck that is fresh and of good quality, as this will greatly impact the taste and texture of your final dish. Once you have your duck, pat it dry with paper towels and season it with salt and pepper. You can also add any additional spices or seasonings that you like, such as Chinese five spice or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the glaze for your Peking duck. In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, and a dash of sesame oil. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. This glaze will add a sweet and savory flavor to your duck and help to achieve that signature Peking duck taste.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned duck in the air fryer basket, breast side up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the duck in half or quarter it to fit. Cook the duck in the air fryer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze onto the duck, making sure to cover it evenly.
When the duck is cooked and the skin is crispy, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. To serve, you can slice the duck into thin pieces and arrange it on a platter, garnished with green onions and cucumber. Traditionally, Peking duck is served with Chinese pancakes, hoisin sauce, and julienned cucumbers and green onions, allowing diners to assemble their own duck wraps. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish right at home, thanks to your trusty air fryer!
Step-by-step guide on making Peking Duck in air fryer
Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make delicious Peking Duck in your air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Chinese five spice powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Clean the duck and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the sauce mixture all over the duck, including the cavity.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the duck in the air fryer basket, breast-side up.
- Cook the duck in the air fryer for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, flip the duck over and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the duck from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the Peking Duck with steamed pancakes, sliced cucumber, and green onions.
Enjoy your homemade Peking Duck cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Preparing the Duck
To make Peking duck in an air fryer, the first step is to prepare the duck. Start by rinsing the duck thoroughly under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture from the skin and allow it to crisp up nicely.
Next, use a sharp knife to make small incisions in the skin of the duck. Be careful not to cut into the meat, but deep enough to allow the fat to render and the skin to become crispy during the cooking process.
Once the skin is scored, season the duck generously with salt and pepper, both on the skin and inside the cavity. You can also add other seasonings or aromatics, such as garlic or ginger, to enhance the flavor of the duck.
| Ingredients: | Quantity: |
|---|---|
| Duck | 1 whole |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Optional seasonings | As desired |
Once the duck is seasoned, place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will allow the air to circulate around the duck during cooking and help the skin to crisp up. Let the duck sit in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 24 hours. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
Optional Step: Air Drying
If you want to take the extra step to ensure crispy skin, you can air dry the duck after it has been refrigerated. Simply place the duck back on the wire rack and let it sit in the refrigerator for an additional 6-12 hours, uncovered. This will further remove moisture from the skin and improve the texture.
Marinating the Duck
Marinating the duck is an essential step in creating the delicious and succulent Peking duck in an air fryer. The marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps to tenderize it.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to marinate the duck:
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin marinating the duck, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For the marinade, you will need:
- 5 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese five spice powder
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Marinate the Duck
Place the duck in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the duck, making sure it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
After marinating, remove the duck from the marinade and pat it dry with kitchen paper towels before cooking.
Marinating the duck is an important step that ensures the meat is flavorful and moist when cooked in the air fryer. Take your time to marinate the duck properly, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and authentic Peking duck dish.
Cooking the Duck in Air Fryer
Once you have prepared the marinated duck, it’s time to cook it in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to achieve a crispy and delicious Peking duck:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the duck from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. It is important to remove any excess moisture to promote crispiness.
- Place the duck in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is enough space for hot air to circulate around it.
- Cook the duck in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping it halfway through cooking. This will ensure even browning on all sides.
- While the duck is cooking, you can prepare the traditional accompaniments such as thin pancakes, sliced cucumbers, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
- Once the duck is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carve the duck into thin slices, similar to how you would for Peking duck. Serve it alongside the pancakes and condiments.
- Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Peking duck made right in your air fryer.
Using an air fryer for cooking the Peking duck is a healthier alternative to traditional methods, as it requires significantly less oil. The air fryer also helps to achieve a crispy skin while retaining the succulent meat inside. Try this recipe for a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own home.
FAQ
What is Peking Duck?
Peking Duck is a traditional Chinese dish that is known for its crispy skin and tender meat. It is made by roasting a whole duck with a specially prepared marinade and then serving it with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Can I make Peking Duck in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make Peking Duck in an air fryer. While it may not be the traditional method of cooking this dish, it is a convenient and efficient way to achieve crispy skin and tender meat. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the duck, resulting in a similar texture to the oven-roasted version.
