Duck breast cooking times
How long to cook duck breast: 12–15 min pan-fried, 8–10 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) and 12–15 min in an air fryer at 180°C. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook duck breast
Times are for breasts of about 200 g each.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan-fry | 12–15 min | starting in a cold pan over a medium heat | About 8–10 minutes skin side down, pouring off the fat, then 3–4 minutes on the other side, for pink. |
| Oven Pan, then oven | 8–10 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | After crisping the skin in the pan for 6–8 minutes, finish in the oven skin side up, for pink. |
| Air fryer | 12–15 min | 180°C (350°F) | Skin side down for 5 minutes, then skin side up; for pink. |
Before you start
Score the skin in a criss-cross without cutting into the meat, and season well. Pat dry.
How to tell it’s done
Pink: 57°C (135°F) in the middle. Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tip: Start it skin side down in a cold pan: the fat melts out slowly and the skin crisps.
Questions
How long to pan-fry duck breast?
12–15 min starting in a cold pan over a medium heat. About 8–10 minutes skin side down, pouring off the fat, then 3–4 minutes on the other side, for pink.
How long to cook duck breast in the oven?
Pan, then oven: 8–10 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. After crisping the skin in the pan for 6–8 minutes, finish in the oven skin side up, for pink.
How long to cook duck breast in an air fryer?
12–15 min at 180°C (350°F). Skin side down for 5 minutes, then skin side up; for pink.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.