Air-Fryer Orange Five-Spice Duck with Crispy Potatoes

AF-200 Crew Date Night Recipe

Air-Fryer Orange Five-Spice Duck with Crispy Potatoes

Duck and orange is one of those classic combinations that has stood the test of time for good reason. This version adds the gentle warmth of Chinese five spice, creating beautifully crisp duck with a sticky orange glaze that caramelises perfectly in the air fryer. Served with crispy roast potatoes and buttered greens, it's rich, elegant and ideal for a special Valentine's dinner.

Air-Fryer Orange Five-Spice Duck with Crispy Potatoes
Air-Fryer Orange Five-Spice Duck with Crispy Potatoes preparation stage

You’ll Need


For the Duck
2 duck breasts
1 tsp Chinese five spice
1 tbsp orange marmalade
Juice of 1 orange
Zest of ½ orange
1 tsp honey
1 tsp light soy sauce
Sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

For the Crispy Potatoes
500g baby potatoes, halved
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chopped thyme
Sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

To Serve
Tenderstem broccoli
Orange wedges
Fresh thyme

Optional but Dangerous
Toasted sesame seeds
Crispy shallots
Buttered carrots
Extra orange glaze

Method

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.

Toss the baby potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, sea salt and black pepper.

Air fry for 20–22 minutes, shaking every 5–6 minutes until beautifully crisp and golden.

Meanwhile, score the duck skin in a shallow criss-cross pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat.

Season the duck with the Chinese five spice, sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, orange juice, orange zest, honey and soy sauce.

Place the duck breasts into the air fryer skin-side up.

Cook at 200°C for 10 minutes.

Brush generously with the orange glaze, then continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the glaze has become sticky and lightly caramelised.

Remove the duck and rest for 6 minutes before slicing.

Plate the crispy potatoes, add the sliced duck and drizzle over any remaining warm glaze.

Serve immediately with Tenderstem broccoli and fresh orange wedges.

Lad Tip: Don't glaze the duck too early. Marmalade contains plenty of sugar, and if it goes into the fryer from the start it'll burn before the duck is properly cooked. Brush it on during the final few minutes and you'll get a beautiful sticky finish instead of a bitter one.

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